Here is a collection of the best free recording software programs for Windows, Mac, and Linux. These programs can be used to record music and other audio projects.
Recording music can be a very rewarding experience, but music software can be quite expensive. If you’re starting out or you’re on a budget, you may be looking for free recording software programs. There are plenty of great options available, and I’ve compiled a list of the best free music recording software available.
Whether you’re a musician, singer, rapper, or in a band, these free recording software programs offer features similar to those of many paid audio recording programs.
Best FREE Recording Software Programs
- Ardour
- Apple GarageBand
- Waveform Free
- LMMS
- Audacity
- Cakewalk by Bandlab
- Ableton Live Lite
- Ocenaudio
- Cubase LE
- Qtractor
- Wavosaur
- Snap Jam
- TwistedWave
- Sodaphonic
- Music Maker Free
- Bandlab
- Podcastle
- Amped Studio
- MuLab Free
- SoundBridge
- Soundation Studio
I have included installable software apps and a few online recording apps that you can use in your browser without installing any software.
What Is Music Recording Software?
Music recording software is an application used to record, edit, and produce music on your computer. It typically includes a wide range of features, such as the ability to record audio, edit audio files, add effects to audio files, and mix multiple tracks together.
Some music recording software programs allow users to create sheet music or notation.
Music recording software can be used by musicians of all skill levels, from amateurs who are just starting out to professionals who have been in the industry for years.
The price of music recording software can vary depending on the features included and the company that produces it.
Music recording software is essential for anyone who wants to create or edit music projects on their computer.
Related: Free Music Music Production Software
1. Ardour
The Ardour music software is a free and open-source recording software that offers users a wide range of features.
It has a simple interface that allows users to get started with their recordings quickly, and it also includes more advanced features for those who want more control over their recordings.
One of the best features of Ardour is its multitrack recording capabilities, which allow users to record multiple tracks simultaneously.
This makes it perfect for recording music live or for creating multitrack recordings.
- Supports VST Plugins
- Audio Editing Capabilities
- Multitrack Display
- Real-Time Effect Processing
- High-Quality Audio Export
Ardour | PC & Mac / Linux
2. Apple GarageBand
Apple GarageBand is a free recording program available for Mac computers.
The program offers users various tools to create professional-sounding recordings, including virtual instruments, MIDI support, and audio effects.
GarageBand can be used for various purposes, such as creating music, podcasts, and sound effects.
The program has a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to get started with recording.
GarageBand also has a built-in library of loops and sounds that can be used in your music projects.
Apple GarageBand is an excellent way to get started for those new to recording.
- MIDI Controller Support
- Free Sound Database
- Supports VST Plugins
- Editing Features
- Simple User Interface
- Modern Features
- MIDI Editor
- Multi-Track Recording
Apple GarageBand | Mac
3. Waveform Free
Waveform free is a powerful and easy-to-use recording software that allows you to record, edit easily, and mix your music. With Waveform free, you can create professional-sounding recordings with up to 32 tracks.
The software also comes with a variety of built-in effects, instruments, and plugins to help you achieve the perfect sound. Waveform Free is perfect for both experienced musicians and beginners alike.
Whether you’re just getting started with recording or are a seasoned pro, Waveform Free has all the tools you need to create great-sounding recordings.
Waveform Free | PC / Mac / Ubuntu
4. LMMS
The LMMS music software is a powerful recording tool that allows users to create and edit music files easily. The music software includes a wide range of features, including a beat sequencer, mixer, and synthesizer.
LMMS also offers support for a variety of plugins, allowing users to expand their capabilities even further. With so much to offer, it’s no wonder LMMS has become one of the most popular recording tools on the market.
LMMS | PC / Mac / Linux
5. Audacity
Audacity is a free, open-source digital audio editor and recording application software available for Windows, macOS, Linux, and other operating systems.
Audacity supports many popular audio formats, such as WAV, AIFF, OGG, MP3, and FLAC.
Audacity offers a variety of features that make it a powerful tool for editing audio, including the ability to splice, merge, and crop audio files, support for a wide range of effects, and support for real-time previews.
With its user-friendly interface and wide range of features, Audacity is an excellent choice for anyone looking for an easy-to-use yet powerful recording audio program.
- Lightweight Software
- User-Friendly Software
- Simple User Interface
Audacity | PC & Mac / Linux
6. Cakewalk by Bandlab
Cakewalk by Bandlab allows you to record, edit, and mix audio tracks. You can also add effects to your tracks.
It has a user-friendly interface and is easy to use. It also has a wide range of features.
Cakewalk by Bandlab | PC
7. Ableton Live Lite
Ableton Live Lite is a powerful recording software that is designed for both professional and amateur musicians. It offers a wide range of features, including multitrack recording, audio editing, and real-time effects.
Its intuitive interface makes it easy to create your own musical compositions. Whether you’re a seasoned producer or just getting started, Ableton Live Lite is an excellent choice for anyone looking for top-quality recording software.
Ableton Live Lite | PC & Mac
8. Ocenaudio | Free Audio Recording Software
Ocenaudio is a free and easy-to-use Audio Recording Software for Windows and macOS. The software has a simple interface that makes it easy to record, edit, and share your audio files.
Ocenaudio supports a variety of audio output formats, including MP3, WAV, and FLAC. Ocenaudio supports free VST plugins, which allow users to expand the software’s capabilities.
Despite its wide range of features, Ocenaudio is lightweight and fast.
- Clean Interface
Ocenaudio | PC & Mac
9. Cubase LE
Cubase LE is a great recording software program that lets you record, edit, and mix your music. It offers a wide range of features that make it perfect for both amateur and professional musicians.
With Cubase LE, you can record multiple tracks at once, add effects and VST instruments, and mix your tracks with ease. You can also export your tracks to different formats, including MP3 and WAV. Cubase LE is a good program to test out if you’re looking for a high-quality audio recording software program that is easy to use.
Cubase LE | PC & Mac
10. Qtractor
Qtractor is a powerful music composition and recording software that offers a wide range of features for both beginners and experienced producers.
For starters, Qtractor has an intuitive interface that makes it easy to navigate. Recording and editing audio is a breeze; you can add effects and automation to your tracks.
Qtractor supports a variety of audio formats, so you can work with files from almost any source. Best of all, Qtractor is free and open source, so you can use it without worrying about licensing fees.
Qtractor | PC & Mac
11. Wavosaur Sound Recording Software
The Wavosaur software is a powerful yet easy-to-use recording program that allows users to edit, process, and record audio.
The software supports a variety of audio formats, including WAV, MP3, and OGG, and features a wide range of audio editing tools.
With Wavosaur, you can trim, split, merge audio, and apply audio effects. The software includes a built-in VST plugin interface, which allows for the use of third-party plugins.
The Wavosaur software is an excellent choice for both amateur and professional Recording Software users.
Wavosaur | PC & Mac
12. Snap Jam
Snap Jam is an online recording software designed for musical artists. Snap Jam also includes a variety of features that make it easy to create professional-sounding recordings.
- Simple User Interface
- Sound Editing Tools
Snap Jam | Online
13. TwistedWave | Free Recording Software
TwistedWave is an online audio editor for recording music, podcasts, speeches, and more.
With TwistedWave, you can record audio directly from your web browser.
You can also edit your audio recordings with a variety of tools, including the ability to trim silences, add fades, and change the playback speed.
- Browser-Based Audio Recording
- Export Audio Files
- Sound Editing Tools
TwistedWave | Browser
14. Sodaphonic | Audio Recording Software
Sodaphonic is an online audio editing software that is easy to use and has a user-friendly interface.
- Editing Features
- Audio Effects
- Audio Recorder Software
Sodaphonic | Browser
15. Music Maker Free
Magix Music Maker is a recording software that allows users to create, edit, and produce their own music. The music software includes many tools and features, making it suitable for novice and experienced users.
One of the best aspects of Magix Music Maker is its “loop” function, which allows users to create repetitive patterns with just a few clicks effortlessly. This makes it an ideal tool for creating electronic music or experimenting with new ideas.
Music Maker Free | PC & Mac
16. Bandlab
Bandlab is a free online music-making software that anyone can use. You can also add effects, mix your tracks, and export them to share with others. Bandlab is an excellent option for anyone looking for a free and easy way to record their music online.
- Export Audio Files
Bandlab | Online
17. Podcastle
Podcastle is an online audio recording software that allows you to record and edit your audio online. With Podcastle, you can easily record your voice, add sound effects, and edit your recordings.
Podcastle | Online
18. Amped Studio
Amped Studio is an online music software that allows users to record and mix their own songs online. The recording software is easy to use and comes with a variety of features, making it a great tool for both beginner and experienced musicians.
One of the best things about Amped Studio is that it is totally free to use. Another great feature is the ability to share music recordings with other users. This makes it easy to collaborate with other musicians or get feedback on your work.
Amped Studio | Browser
19. MuLab Free
MuLab Free is a cross-platform music program application that can be used on Windows, Mac, and Linux computers. It offers a variety of helpful features, including support for multiple audio tracks, audio effects, and VST plugin support.
MuLab Free | PC & Mac
20. SoundBridge
SoundBridge is a powerful, easy-to-use recording software.
With its intuitive interface, SoundBridge makes it simple to record your voice, music, or any other type of audio project.
SoundBridge | PC & Mac
21. Soundation Studio
Soundation Studio is an online music studio app that allows you to create, record, and share your own music. With Soundation Studio, you can create unlimited tracks, add effects and instruments, and record your own vocals.
Soundation Studio is a great way to get started with making music.
Soundation Studio | Browser
With so many free recording software programs available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. By considering the key features you need for your type of music project, such as advanced tools, audio editing options, and multiple input sources, you can make a good choice based on your specific needs.
There is great recording software, whether you want to record sound, voice, or live audio. Some programs offer additional features like editing functions and applying effects, with many effects and music loops to enhance your recordings.
The ability to add filters and apply effects to recorded audio is crucial, and many programs offer these editing features. It is also important to consider the operating system you are using, as some software is designed for Windows and Mac only.
Overall, the best audio recording software provides the necessary recording and editing functionality, supports multiple formats and file types, and allows you to mix and edit multiple audio tracks and MIDI files simultaneously.
I hope you found this list of recording software helpful. These applications are great free alternatives to paid programs like Avid Pro Tools, Adobe Audition, Logic Pro, FL Studio, and Sound Forge.
