Audacity

Audacity is a free, open-source desktop audio editor and recorder. It supports cutting, trimming, splitting, effects, noise reduction, vocal removal, format conversion, and local Whisper AI transcription. The official feature page says transcription runs locally with no uploads, minute limits, or subscription.

Whisper transcription and the OpenVINO AI effects require a separately installed compatible plugin; they are not bundled editor features. As checked on October 1, 2026, the official plugin download page warns that OpenVINO plugins are not yet compatible with the latest Audacity version and links Windows/macOS downloads. Confirm the plugin, editor version and operating system together before relying on transcription, stem separation or AI effects.

✨ Key Features

• Record and edit audio — Capture and arrange voice, music, and podcast tracks.
• Cut, trim, split, and delete clips — Remove mistakes and reshape recordings.
• Reduce noise and add effects — Clean recordings and apply reverb, compression, delay, or echo.
• Change speed and pitch — Adjust timing or key while keeping control of the result.
• Remove vocals and separate stems — Create karaoke, remix, and cover materials.
• Transcribe speech locally — Use Whisper AI without uploading audio.
• Import and export popular formats — Work with MP3, M4A, AIFF, FLAC, WAV, and more.
• Use a plugin ecosystem — Extend the editor with supported audio plugins and tools.

💳 Pricing

• Audacity — Free and open source; no subscription is required for the editor or local Whisper transcription.
• Pricing note — Operating-system distribution channels and optional third-party plugins may have their own terms; confirm those separately.

⚖️ Alternatives Compared

🎯 Use Cases

• Podcasters editing voice tracks locally.
• Musicians arranging and processing recordings.
• Students transcribing interviews without uploading audio.
• Sound designers applying effects and pitch changes.
• Creators preparing karaoke or remix stems.
• Editors converting and exporting common audio formats.