Are you trying to record a voiceover or some streaming music? You need a computer audio recording software. However, there is an abundance of sound recorders online. So, how can you pick the best one?
We’ve prepared a list of the best computer sound recording software and reviews for each. Moreover, we’ll show you how to pick the best free audio recording software for your PC. Lastly, you’ll learn some tips for recording audio on your computer. With this guide and reviews, you’ll find the best audio recording software for your PC with a free download.
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10 Free PC Audio Recording Software
You need a good audio recorder to record your voice or system sound. To help you find the best one for your needs, we’ve prepared a list of the top 10 free audio recording software for PCs.
This list can help you narrow your search, and our reviews can help you decide if any of these software suits your needs and preferences. Go through our reviews, key features, and pros and cons, and find the best one.
1. Wondershare DemoCreator
Wondershare DemoCreator is an incredible, all-in-one audio and video editor. It offers a simple solution for recording high-quality microphone sound and system audio. Moreover, it allows you to edit your audio in different tracks and easily create voiceovers for videos. Its modern and intuitive interface makes it perfect for inexperienced and veteran users.
If you want to record computer audio and microphone sound simultaneously, Wondershare DemoCreator allows you to do just that. Then, you can edit the two sound sources separately and have two separate high-quality audio recordings. Even though it simultaneously records both sources, sound quality does not degrade.
Wondershare DemoCreator is one of the top choices for audio recording due to its numerous advanced features. This software lets you change your voice, auto-transcribe your audio, and easily export audio files without losing quality. It also supports the most popular audio file formats, such as MP3, M4A, MOV, AU, MP4, MTS, etc.
Some of the key features of Wondershare DemoCreator include:
- Voice Changer
- Simultaneous system audio and microphone sound recording
- Transcription of your audio recording in just one click
- Advanced audio editing tools
- Scheduled recording
- The annotation feature allows you to highlight specific portions of the audio track
Best for: Beginners with little to no experience who want professional audio recordings.
2. Audacity
Audacity is an open-source audio recorder supported on Windows, Mac, and Linux. This voice recorder is entirely free and offers sufficient features to record and edit your audio. Once you try it, you’ll see audio recording is easy and hassle-free. With Audacity, you can record live audio with a mic, capture it through a mixer, or digitize recordings from other media.
Besides audio recording, you can also edit your soundtracks. Features like copying, cutting, deleting, and trimming are simple and quick with Audacity.
You can also add different music effects to your audio recordings to make them more fun and outstanding. If you don’t have high requirements for audio recording and editing, Audacity is perfect for you.
Key features of Audacity include:
- Multi-track editing
- Pitch correction and enhancements
- Records both video and audio
- Built-in editing tools
Best for Users who perform simple recording tasks.
3. WavePad
WavePad is an audio recording software that offers straightforward recording and editing. It has a library of special sound effects, filters, adjustments, etc. Moreover, it has a clean and modern interface, making it perfect for beginners. However, despite being beginner-friendly, it offers advanced features for professional audio recordings.
WavePad is one of the most popular audio recording software due to its amazing features and numerous extra effects that users apply to their audio recordings to make them more appealing. Options like distortion, fade-out, and amplification are easy with WavePad. While WavePad offers a free version, some features are locked for the premium version.
Some of the key features of WavePad include:
- Customizable toolbars and interface
- Fully equipped editing toolkit
- Over 20 incredible filters and effects
- Splitting and merging audio recordings
- Third-party microphone support
Best for: Beginners who want many special audio effects.
4. Descript
Descript is an AI-powered audio and video editor that embraces efficiency and creativity. It uses advanced technology to provide its users with numerous professional recording and editing features. Descript is free to download but offers a premium version with advanced features.
One of its incredible features is filler word removal. It detects and removes various filler words, such as “um, like, I mean,” etc. This feature uses advanced AI technology, making Descript one of users’ favorites. Furthermore, it offers instant publishing and sharing of your audio recordings to various platforms and social media.
Some of the main features of Descript are:
- Overdub voice cloning
- Filler words removal
- Removes silence and pauses in speech
- Multi-user collaboration
- Automatic audio transcription
Best for: Experienced users who want advanced features.
5. GarageBand
GarageBand is a digital audio workstation that comes pre-installed on Mac. It’s designed for musicians to record and edit their music at home. However, it can also be used for podcast recording if you overlook the music-oriented features and options.
Its user interface is intuitive and perfect for beginners. Its modern design appeals to young and inexperienced musicians. Besides its design, GarageBand is highly functional and offers various audio recording and editing features.
With GarageBand, users can play with virtual instruments, effects, and amplifiers to enhance their audio recordings and easily create musical tracks.
Some of the key features of GarageBand include:
- An array of synths and instrument presets
- Creates music using virtual instruments
- Amplification and effects available
- Collaboration with other artists on the platform
- Third-party instrument support
Best for: Inexperienced Mac users who want to make music.
6. Ocenaudio
Ocenaudio is a lightweight free audio recording software supported on Windows, macOS, and Linux. It offers some of the most impressive audio recording and editing tools. Ocenaudio is one of the smartest audio recording software online. It allows users to capture and edit audio recordings in a modern and professional environment.
If you want a simple UI with advanced audio recording and editing features, Ocenaudio is the one for you. You can use it to record microphone audio or streaming and online audio sources. Furthermore, Ocenaudio is cross-platform software available on macOS, Windows, and Linux.
Some of the key features of Ocenaudio are:
- Numerous audio effects
- Real-time previews
- Allows edits of existing recordings
- Rich media library
- Audio enhancements and amplification
Best for: Professionals who want to simplify audio recording.
7. Podcastle
Podcastle is an audio recording software that uses AI-powered tools to provide a more powerful and high-quality experience. With Podcastle, users can easily record, edit, enhance, and transcribe audio recordings. Podcastle supports all popular audio file formats for import and export, making it suitable for everyone.
Pocastle is mostly used for podcasts. However, it’s a perfect solution for audiobooks, hosting hubs, and AI-generated voiceovers. It also allows seamless communication with your team and clients. With Podcastle, users can improve their sound quality using AI tools to remove background noise and adjust volume.
Some of the main features of Podcastle include:
- Text-to-speech feature
- Unlimited audio editing
- AI-powered audio enhancement
- Silence and pause removal
- Audio transcription up to 10 hours
Best for: Experienced users who want inexpensive AI-powered tools.
8. Wavosaur
Wavosaur is an excellent solution for those who want a free basic audio recording kit. It offers an easy-to-use interface and is intuitive for beginners. However, it’s only supported on Windows. It offers audio recording, editing, and adding effects features. While its interface is intuitive, it’s somewhat archaic with a few advanced features.
While being one of the oldest software, Wavosaur is highly efficient and beginner-friendly. It may not be a preferred tool for professionals who look for more advanced features, but Wavosaur is simple and sufficient for novice users.
If you’re just getting started with recording, Wavosaur is a great platform to teach you the basics of audio recording.
Key features of Wavosaur include:
- Audio recording feature
- Support for VST plugins
- Basic editing features
- Several audio effects
- Batch editing
Best for: Beginners who want to learn simple audio recording.
9. Free Sound Recorder
Free Sound Recorder is another excellent tool for recording audio. As its name suggests, it’s a free recording software that has been the top choice of users for years. With Free Sound Recorder, users can capture audio internally and externally, record system sounds, and even capture voice from CDs and DVDs.
While it can also record videos, users primarily use it to record system audio or from a microphone. It also allows scheduled audio recordings from selected sources. Users often decide on the Free Sound Recorder due to its simple recording process and editing.
Key features of the Free Sound Recorder include:
- Recordings of internal and external audio
- Audio enhancements
- Various editing tools
- Numerous presets for optimal audio recording
- Support for third-party plugins
Best for: Users who want free internal and external audio recordings.
Cakewalk
Cakewalk is one of the most advanced free audio recording software online. It offers almost all the features and functionalities a modern audio recorder should. With Cakewalk, you can record, edit, mix, and master your sounds. Due to its numerous advanced features, its interface isn’t as intuitive and beginner-friendly.
However, it provides free top-tier audio recording and editing. You can record audio or edit already-existing audio files. Users often use it to compose songs and create music. Cakewalk’s most useful feature is fixing and enhancing audio tracks. With Cakewalk, users can quickly repair distorted sounds, adjust pitch and volume, and rearrange track parts.
Key features of Cakewalk are:
- Audio track reparation
- Unlimited audio and MIDI tracks
- Support for VST plugins
- Audio mix and master
- Creates stretchable Acid-format files
Best for: Experienced users who want to repair distorted audio recordings.
How to pick the best free audio recording software
As you can see, there are plenty of fantastic audio recording tools to choose from. Our reviews were meant to help you find the one that suits your needs and skills. If you’re still unsure how to select your favorite, try to set your priorities and preferences. Once you do that, you’ll find the best free audio recording software.
You must focus on various factors while searching for the best audio recorder:
- Ease of use – No matter whether you are a veteran or a beginner, no one wants overcomplicated software that will take up your time and energy while recording and editing audio. Instead, look for more intuitive and easy-to-understand software.
- File format support – If your audio recording software doesn’t support your preferred file format, you’ll have to convert and adjust to it. Instead, find a program that supports your preferred file format for an easier and more familiar audio recording process.
- Extra features – Although you think you only need to record your audio, it’s always good to have additional features handy. Some audio recording software offers numerous filters, effects, and tools to edit your audio. These additional features make a huge difference in audio recording and editing.
- Price – Many audio recording tools are free. Paying an expensive subscription doesn’t necessarily mean better quality. Many incredible audio recording software programs are free or affordable.
- User reviews – While you should check each software’s official website to discover their key features and advantages, checking some user reviews is obligatory. Find official impartial software review websites and read what kind of experience other users had with that software.
Tips for recording audio on your computer
With so many incredible and powerful tools, audio recording has become a breeze. Almost all programs are straightforward or require little adjusting to get used to. It’s easy to record your system sound or microphone audio with many helpful audio recorders. However, you can use some of these tips to make it better and easier.
Always check your configurations before recording. If you’re recording a video, check which camera is connected and used for recording. If you’re recording audio, check whether it’s recording system sound and which microphone is connected. If you’re screen recording while using multiple displays, set the recording to the one you want.
Use the editing tools provided in your audio recording software. You may think the audio turned out good and needs no editing, but posting raw, unedited files can be noticed by the viewers. Adjust pitch and volume, remove background noises, and play with sound effects for a more complete and better final result.
Lastly, before recording audio with a new tool, learn it properly. Many audio recording tools may seem complicated when you only need to record your audio.
However, learning the program you’re using and understanding all its features will result in a more complete and professional-level audio file. If you understand how to use your software correctly, you may save immense time on editing and sharing.
Conclusion
Audio recordings can be used for podcasts, voiceovers, or music. However, finding the right audio recording tool in the sea of software available online can be a challenge. We’ve compiled a list of the top 10 audio recording software to help you find the best one.
Go through the list and reviews, learn about their key features, pros, and cons, and choose the perfect audio recording tool for your needs.
