Best Free Audio Recording Software For Artists (2024)

Recording audio is at the heart of most music production projects.

It needs to be high-quality, reliable, and versatile enough to handle various recording needs 一 whether it’s for music, podcasts, or any other type of audio content. 

As a producer or artist, finding the best free audio recording software is super important, yet difficult if you don’t know where to look. 

That’s why we’re breaking down the best free audio recording software that will help you capture audio efficiently and effectively. 

Plus, be able to edit and mix your tracks with professional-level tools. 

They all include standout features/functions that deem them the best free audio recorders, like:

• Unlimited track recording ✓
• High-quality audio recording ✓
• Advanced editing tools ✓
• VST plugin support ✓
• User-friendly interfaces ✓
• Comprehensive audio formats compatibility ✓
• Real-time effects processing ✓
• Automation capabilities ✓
• Customizable workflows ✓
• Much more ✓

After this article, you’ll have access to all the best audio recording software available right now to take things to the next level.

They will all help you streamline your recording process and enhance the quality of your tracks all day long. 

Plus make sure that your audio recordings are always professional and on point.

So, let’s dive in…

#1. Reaper

Reaper is a legendary free audio recording software that caters to both beginners and professionals, regardless of genre.

Although it’s technically a paid software, it offers an unlimited free trial with all features enabled, which makes it a fantastic option for those on a budget. 

Reaper supports unlimited multi-track recording 一 allowing you to capture multiple audio tracks simultaneously, which is perfect for complex recording sessions. 

This free recording software is known for its highly customizable interface, so you can tweak the workflow to your specific needs (which is great).

Plus, Reaper’s comprehensive suite of editing tools includes advanced features like:

• Real-time pitch shifting
• Time-stretching
• Spectral editing

All of which provide precise control over your audio files, which is super important.

This free audio recording software also supports a wide range of audio formats, ensuring compatibility with various audio files. 

Plus, Reaper supports VST plugins so you can enhance your recordings with additional effects and instruments all day.

The built-in scripting engine offers automation capabilities, making repetitive, boring tasks much easier to manage. 

Bottom line, Reaper’s efficient audio recording capabilities and powerful editing tools make it a top choice for serious producers.

Standout Features of this Free Audio Recorder:

• Unlimited multi-track recording
• Comprehensive editing tools (real-time pitch shifting, time-stretching, spectral editing)
• Supports VST plugins
• Highly customizable interface
• Built-in scripting engine for automation
• The best free audio recording software available

#2. Cakewalk by BandLab

Cakewalk by BandLab is a professional audio recording software option that offers an impressive range of features/functions.

This Windows-only DAW includes: 

• Unlimited audio, MIDI, and instrument tracks
• VST3 support
• Studio-quality effects like convolution reverb & dynamic compression

Its intuitive interface and sick audio engine make it a top choice for innovative producers, so don’t underestimate this classic.

Cakewalk by BandLab allows users to capture audio with exceptional clarity, which makes it ideal (and powerful enough) for various recording needs.

This free audio recording software provides a comprehensive suite of tools for editing audio files 一 including advanced features like time-stretching and formant shifting. 

Which, in my opinion, is a must.

Cakewalk also supports a wide range of audio formats, so when it comes to flexibility in handling different types of audio files, it doesn’t fall short.

With its powerful mix engine and support for touch-enabled devices, Cakewalk by BandLab offers a seamless recording experience. 

This free audio recording software is perfect for artists looking to produce high-quality audio recordings without the expense.

Standout Features of this Free Audio Recorder:

• Unlimited audio, MIDI, and instrument tracks
• VST3 support
• Perfect recording software for Windows users
• Studio-quality effects
• Intuitive user interface
• High-quality audio recordings
• The best free audio recording software available

#3. Tracktion Waveform Free

Tracktion Waveform Free is a highly versatile and inclusive free audio recording software that has made waves these past couple of years especially.

It is available across multiple platforms, including Mac, Windows, Linux, and even Raspberry Pi, believe it or not. 

This DAW (digital audio workstation) supports unlimited tracks and VST plugins, so you can get as complex as you want.

Plus, Waveform Free also includes advanced editing tools such as: 

• Range selection
• Ripple delete
• A step clip editor

They all can enhance the precision of the audio editing process.

This free audio recording software also comes packed with a customizable interface, so you can tweak your workflow and recorded audio to your specific needs.

NOTE: Tracktion Waveform Free also features a new welcome screen that simplifies the setup of audio devices and offers a variety of project templates. 

It also includes a MIDI typing feature that transforms your computer keyboard into a musical one, enhancing the music creation process even further. 

With its powerful capabilities and user-friendly design, Waveform Free is an excellent choice for both beginners and advanced producers looking for a free audio recorder.

Standout Features of this Free Audio Recorder:

• Unlimited tracks, so you can record audio your way
• Supports VST plugins
• Advanced editing tools (range selection, ripple delete, step clip editor)
• Customizable interface
• MIDI typing feature
• The best free audio recording software available

#4. Ardour

Ardour is an open-source DAW available on Linux, macOS, and Windows that offers extensive features for recording, editing, and mixing audio.

So if professional audio production is your game and you’re looking for one of the best free software options, look no further.

Ardour supports unlimited tracks and includes comprehensive editing tools such as time-stretching, pitch-shifting, and spectral editing, just like Reaper.

Plus, its insane routing capabilities and flexible automation options make it a great choice for sound engineers/producers who need that complexity in their lives (like me).

Ardour’s standout features include support for VST plugins and a range of tools for editing audio files. 

This free audio recording software also provides powerful routing capabilities 一 allowing users to manage complex audio setups easily. 

And yes, it supports various audio formats, which ensures compatibility with different types of audio files. 

With its professional-grade features and user-friendly interface, Ardour is an excellent choice for artists looking for a powerful free audio recording software.

Standout Features of this Free Audio Recorder:

• Unlimited tracks
• Comprehensive editing tools (time-stretching, pitch-shifting, spectral editing)
• Supports VST plugins
• Powerful routing capabilities
• Flexible automation options
• The best free audio recording software available

#5. Ocenaudio

Ocenaudio is another simple yet pretty powerful audio editor available on macOS, Windows, and Linux. 

It provides a range of tools for recording and editing audio, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced users. 

Ocenaudio supports various audio formats and includes features like: 

• Real-time effects processing
• Spectral analysis
• Multi-selection for efficient editing

Its lightweight design and intuitive interface make it easy to use, while its powerful features ensure high-quality audio recordings.

All in all, it’s pretty solid (not the most advanced, but it’s all good).

Plus its real-time preview feature helps you hear the effects applied to your existing audio files immediately. 

Also, Ocenaudio’s multi-selection tool allows users to edit multiple parts of an audio file simultaneously, increasing editing efficiency. 

With its balance of simplicity and power, Ocenaudio is a great choice for artists looking for a straightforward yet capable free audio recording software.

Standout Features of this Free Audio Recorder:

• Real-time effects processing
• Spectral analysis
• Multi-selection editing
• Supports VST plugins
• Intuitive interface
• The best free audio recording software available

#6. LUNA by Universal Audio

LUNA by Universal Audio is an innovative digital audio workstation that’s available for Mac users everywhere.

It integrates flawlessly with Universal Audio’s hardware and plugins for a unique recording experience that you can go crazy with.

And, if you’re not aware already, UA is top notch, so you’ll be getting quality for sure.

LUNA offers unique features like: 

• Analog summing
• Tape machines
• An extensive toolkit for recording, editing, and mixing audio

Its intuitive interface and powerful capabilities make it perfect for professional audio production and not too difficult for beginners.

LUNA supports various audio formats and includes advanced features like audio quantization, session data import, and flexible routing options. 

This free audio recording software also supports VST plugins 一 letting you expand its capabilities with additional effects and instruments. 

With its dope feature set and integration with Universal Audio hardware, LUNA is an excellent choice for artists/producers looking for professional audio recording software.

Standout Features of this Free Audio Recorder:

• Analog summing and tape machines
• Comprehensive recording toolkit to help you record audio
• Supports VST plugins
• Audio quantization and session data import
• Seamless integration with Universal Audio hardware
• The best free audio recording software available

#7. Studio One Prime

Studio One Prime by PreSonus is a popular free DAW offering: 

• A single-window work environment
• Drag-and-drop functionality
• High-quality virtual instruments

This free recording software includes features like multi-touch support, unlimited audio and instrument tracks, and a range of native effects. 

It’s got an intuitive interface, powerful features, and really gives you the freedom to get as creative as you want (which I personally find key).

Studio One Prime supports various audio formats 一 ensuring compatibility with different types of audio files and it also provides an awesome set of editing tools.

This makes it easy and fun to achieve professional results.

With its streamlined workflow and epic feature set, Studio One Prime is an excellent choice for artists and producers looking for versatile free audio recording software.

Standout Features of this Free Audio Recorder:

• Single-window work environment
• Drag-and-drop functionality
• Multi-touch support
• Unlimited audio and instrument tracks
• High-quality virtual instruments
• The best free audio recording software available

#8. SoundBridge

SoundBridge is an impressive free audio recording software option designed for the needs of modern music producers like yourself.

It offers a flawless recording experience with features like: 

• Real-time effects processing
• Automation
• A built-in drum machine

This free recording software supports unlimited audio and MIDI tracks 一 making it ideal for complex multi-track recording projects. 

NOTE: One of the unique aspects of SoundBridge is its collaboration feature, which enables multiple users to work on a project simultaneously from different locations. 

This is a game-changer for producers working with artists remotely. 

This free audio recording software also includes a variety of editing tools, such as time-stretching, pitch-shifting, and a customizable mixer interface.

Meaning, you’ll definitely have everything needed to create professional-quality/high-quality audio recordings all day long.

With its intuitive user interface and comprehensive feature set, SoundBridge is perfect for both beginners and experienced producers looking for a versatile free audio recording software.

Standout Features of this Free Audio Recorder:

• Unlimited audio and MIDI tracks
• Real-time effects processing
• Perfect for recording music and audio capture
• Supports VST plugins
• Multiple track recording 
• Editing features
• Built-in drum machine
• Collaboration feature for remote projects
• The best audio recorder software available

#9. Pro Tools Intro

Pro Tools Intro is the free version of Avid’s industry-standard Pro Tools, which I’m sure you’re all familiar with. 

It offers up to 16 audio tracks and 23 audio effects 一 making it perfect for recording and editing music, podcasts, and other audio projects. 

Pro Tools Intro provides a high-quality audio recording experience with features like real-time effects processing and support for various audio formats. 

Pro Tools Intro, like many of the others on our list, also includes a range of editing tools such as time-stretching, pitch-shifting, and automation. 

Pro Tools Intro’s intuitive interface ensures a smooth workflow so you can just focus on getting creative and thinking outside of the box.

You won’t have a very steep learning curve at all.

With its powerful features and professional quality, Pro Tools Intro is an excellent choice for artists looking for a reliable free audio recording software.

Standout Features of this Free Audio Recorder:

• Up to 16 audio tracks
• 23 audio effects
• Real-time effects processing
• Supports VST plugins
• Intuitive interface to help you record audio
• The best free audio recording software available

#10. GarageBand

GarageBand is free audio recording software exclusive to macOS and iOS, providing a powerful platform for music creation and audio recording. 

Known for its user-friendly interface, GarageBand is perfect for beginners looking to dive into the world of simple audio recording and music production. 

It offers a wide range of virtual instruments, including pianos, guitars, and drum kits, so you can create show-stopping, layered tracks all day.

One of GarageBand’s standout features is its built-in recording studio, which includes an impressive suite of audio effects and editing tools. 

You can take advantage of multi-track recording capabilities, which enables the recording of separate tracks for: 

• Vocals
• Instruments
• Other audio sources

This free sound recording software also supports third-party plugins (naturally), expanding its functionality even further. 

GarageBand’s intuitive drag-and-drop interface simplifies the process of arranging and editing audio tracks, making it easy to bang out high-quality recordings.

Standout Features of this Free Audio Recorder:

• User-friendly interface perfect for beginners
• Available for all apple devices (any mobile device/Mac computer)
• Wide range of virtual instruments
• Built-in recording studio with comprehensive audio effects
• Multi-track recording capabilities
• Editing tool perfect to help you record sound, edit music and find some editing features
• Supports third-party plugins so you can record audio and edit audio files your way
• The best free audio recording software available

#11. Ableton Live Lite

Ableton Live Lite is the free version of Ableton Live, designed for beginners and those looking to explore the Ableton workflow.

This free DAW is often bundled with hardware purchases and includes essential features for recording, editing, and mixing audio.

Ableton Live Lite supports up to 8 audio and MIDI tracks 一 making it better for small-scale projects honestly.

This free audio editing software includes a range of built-in effects and instruments for all genres (like hip-hop), such as Drum Rack, Impulse, and Simpler. 

Ableton Live Lite’s intuitive interface and unique Session View allow for a creative and flexible workflow. 

With its powerful capabilities and user-friendly design, Ableton Live Lite is an excellent choice for artists looking to get started with a free audio recording software.

Remember, it’s not really the software you use though, it’s how creative you can get with it and how determined you are.

Standout Features of this Free Audio Recorder:

• Supports up to 8 audio and MIDI tracks
• Built-in effects and instruments
• Unique session view for flexible workflow
• Supports VST plugins
• Editing features
• Intuitive interface to help you record audio easily
• The best free audio software/audio recorder software

#12. Ashampoo Audio Recorder

Ashampoo Audio Recorder is a less popular, yet powerful free audio recording software tailored for Windows users. 

It offers an efficient audio recording experience with a user-friendly interface that makes it accessible for both beginners, intermediate users, and more experienced users. 

This audio recording/audio editing software provides high-quality audio recording capabilities, supporting various audio formats such as MP3, WMA, and WAV. 

Plus its simple setup process allows users to start recording with just a few clicks, so when you capture audio, it’s quick and hassle-free.

Ashampoo Audio Recorder includes essential features like background noise reduction, which helps in producing clean and clear audio recordings. 

Additionally, it offers automatic gain control to maintain consistent audio levels throughout your recordings. 

Users can also take advantage of basic editing tools like trimming and splitting audio files directly within the software itself.

This makes it easy to create polished audio recordings without needing additional software programs other than Ashampoo Audio Recorder

NOTE: This (going to be popular) audio recording software also has a super lightweight design, so it’ll run smoothly on most systems.

Overall, it’s an excellent choice for artists and producers looking for a reliable free audio recorder, hands down.

Standout Features of this Free Audio Recorder:

• High-quality audio recording in various formats (MP3, WMA, WAV)
• Background noise reduction for clean recordings
• Automatic gain control for consistent audio levels
• Basic editing tools for trimming, splitting, and editing audio files
• Intuitive interface with simple setup process
• Really good audio recording software
• Ashampoo Audio Recorder is completely free with just a few clicks

Best Free Audio Recording Software: Final Thoughts

Free audio recording software is hit or miss, there’s no two ways about it. 

But, you can rest assured with any of the options listed here, you’re getting serious value for a zero-dollar price tag. 

They’re all versatile, feature-heavy, and designed for both beginners and advanced users (and everyone in between).

Plus, they can help you record, edit, and produce high-quality audio like a true professional.

Speaking of the best free options for artists and music producers, you’ve got to check out the newest and most innovative free lo-fi plugin, Zen Master. 

This epic plugin by Unison Audio offers an exceptional range of features.

This includes a Hypnosis knob for detuning and stereo-width effects, an Imbalance knob for analog tape wobble, and a Vinyl knob to add vintage texture to your sounds. 

Plus, the Ascend knob provides a cutting-edge parallel reverb processor, and the Electrify knob acts as a gentle bit crusher. 

Zen Master is insane because its ability to infuse tracks with an authentic, warm, and vintage lo-fi vibe is truly unmatched.

This makes it an absolute must-have free plugin for any producer looking to add a unique character to their music​. 

Bottom line, having the right free audio recording software (and other free software) can make a significant difference in your production quality if you pick the right ones.

Whether you’re just starting or you’re an experienced producer, these tools provide the capabilities you need to create professional-grade audio recordings. 

So, dive in, explore these great options, and make sure to elevate your music production game to new heights.

Until next time…