WavePad
WavePad is NCH's audio editor for desktop with waveform editing, effects and broad file support. The free edition is licensed for non-commercial home use; paid editions cover other uses.
About WavePad
WavePad is a desktop audio editor for Windows and Mac. It can record and edit music, voice, and other audio. Editing tools include cut, copy, paste, trim, silence, and pitch shifting, along with effects such as echo, amplify, equalize, normalize, and noise reduction. It reads and writes many formats, including WAV, MP3, FLAC, OGG, and M4A.
The free edition is licensed for non-commercial use only. It does not expire, and the homepage says no signup is required. Paid editions cover other uses, and the master's edition adds effects and features for sound engineers.
Key features
- Batch processing to apply effects or convert many audio files at once
- AI-powered noise removal, audio enhancement, and text to speech
- DirectX and VST plugin support for additional effects
- Export edited audio to video with waveform, FFT, or image visualization
- Automatic backup and version history for undoing changes
- Spectral analysis (FFT), beat detection, and frequency filtering
Best for: People who edit audio for home or other non-commercial use and want a desktop editor with broad format support.
Good for
- Supports almost all common audio and music file formats
- The free edition does not expire and includes many features of the master's version
- Automatic backup and version history help recover earlier edits
Watch out for
- The free edition is for non-commercial use only
- Paid editions are required for uses other than non-commercial use
- Available for Windows and Mac only, according to the listed platforms
WavePad at a glance
- Website
- nch.com.au/wavepad
- Category
- Music & Audio › Audio Editing & Production
- Type
- Online tool
- Pricing
- Freemium
- Platforms
- Windows, macOS
- Open source
- Not stated
- Last checked
- Oct 8, 2026 · Online when checked
- Listed
- Oct 8, 2026
Guides for Audio Editing & Production
WavePad alternatives
Tools and sites you could use instead, ranked by how closely they match.
Waveform Free is a free digital audio workstation for Mac, PC, and Linux, with recording workflows, mixing, and audio effects.
jsfxr generates 8-bit sound effects online, with presets for game sounds and controls for waveforms, pitch, effects, and export.
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WavePad FAQ
Can I use the free edition for business work?
No. The free edition is licensed for non-commercial use only. Paid editions cover other uses.
Does the free edition require an account?
The homepage states that no signup is required for the free edition.
Can it edit the audio in video files?
Yes. The homepage says you can edit the audio from video files and export audio back to video with a waveform, FFT, or image visualization.
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