12 Best Voice Recording Software [2025]

Why I picked it: it’s still the go-to free voice recording software for both Windows and Mac.

I first used Audacity nearly 20 years ago but during my testing I found Audacity is one of the best voice recorder for a PC, even today. This open-source application for audio editing and recording has gained a cultic following. There are no bells and whistles, but it works and is free. I used it to edit soundbites and news stories. Aside from recording audio directly into Audacity, you can edit within the application.

I don’t recommend it for those who want to make detailed edits or are making a movie. But it has simple features – cut, reduce noise, enhance the quality with auto tune, fade in and out, amplify, and import your audio files.

I was surprised that this software is still constantly evolving. The new 3.5.0 update added better plugin handling, and more reliable silence removal.

Key features

• Compatible with external microphones
• Mix and record live audio
• Pitch, reverb, noise reduction, and tempo effects
• File formats supported (WAV, AIFF, MP3, AU, FLAC, and Ogg Vorbis)
  

Why I picked it: it’s a straightforward DAW-style voice recording program that feels professional without being intimidating.

I think DAWs get the best results and this one works for both Windows and Mac, this audio editing program combines a full-featured audio and music editor. You can use this software to record voice but it also handles other audio files. I even made a quick song to see if it worked like other DAWs and it did the job fine.

I tested the ability to cut, copy, and paste parts of audio files and then apply effects such as echo, amplification, and noise reduction.

Key features

• Compatible with external microphones
• Easily adjust the mic volume and more
• Various editing tools, including cut, copy, paste, compression, pitch shifting, etc.
• Add echo, amplification, reverb, and noise reduction effects
• Supports WAV, MP3, VOX, GSM, and WMA
• It has a library of audio effects
  

Why I picked it: it’s the best free voice recorder for Mac. I’ve used it for voice-overs and making podcasts.

My first uses of GarageBand were to make a fun hip-hop beat. Lots of people who have Apple devices have opened it up and had a play around without fully understanding.

GarageBand Music Creation Studio is a complete computerized music creation studio right on your Mac.

I love the fact that it has presets such as instruments, guitar and voice studio, and a massive collection of session percussionists and drummers. The 2025 macOS update added smoother automation and better third-party plugin support for even more options.

I use this option regularly. It is already on Apple devices so you don’t even have to install anything new to start recording and editing voices.

Key features

• Using the multi-track music sequencer, you can record multiple audio channels in one song (or podcast)
• I love the pre-set technologies that mimic various amplifiers and recording methods
• Uses a MIDI keyboard attached to your computer or your keyboard to control the software instruments
  

Why I picked it: when I need a clean sound recording program that just opens and records, I use RecordPad.

RecordPad really is as simple as it gets. For a "small" product, the interface is simple but deep and designed competently and consistent with the rest of the NCH family of products, creating a pleasant user experience.

I found it super fast to get started and it integrates seamlessly with Windows, and is especially useful with Express Scribe Transcriber. With RecordPad, you can record audio on your iPhone or iPad easily. I tested out the scribing features and they are pretty reliable. The 2025 version added auto silence trimming, which makes editing faster and can be good for podcasts.

Key features

• Records your screen, camera, and audio simultaneously
• Edit numerous clips simultaneously on different tracks
• Simple screen recording and video editing for everyone
• Professional tools allow you to edit recorded clips quickly
• Edit the video like a professional with plentiful templates, stickers, openers, and effects
• Multi-format export to MP4, MOV, MKV, GIF, and sharing to YouTube
• I found the quality of exports to be excellent

Why I picked it: it’s a classic that still delivers. It has been around since the 90s (updated of course). I’ve been using GoldWave for years when I need to record and master high-quality voice recordings.

I think it’s a good sign if software has been around a while, but the 1990s is a long while ago! GoldWave continues to be relevant and the 2025 version (v7.02) added new voice filters and automatic gain control, which helped my balance levels when I recorded multiple speakers as a test.

I don’t think anyone is going to be producing an album using this or making the soundtrack to a hit film, but its utility and functionality make GoldWave popular. Besides English, GoldWave supports German, Spanish, French, Chinese, and more!

Key features

• You can record audio from any source, including microphones, line inputs
• Overwrite audio, copy, paste, mix, and replace
• Features over 100 presets and over 40 audio effects
• 15 real-time visuals, including spectrograms, waveforms, envelopes, and the music staff
• Excellent for transcription

Why I picked it: it’s one of the most complete vocal recording software options for Windows, and I like how fast it runs even on midrange PCs.

I used Mixcraft 10.6 to record a podcast intro and the latency was almost zero. The included compressor and EQ plugins are solid, and the singing recording software is one of your best options if you’re a hobbyist.

I found that many features require some learning and tutorial video watching before you can use them. Making your loops and riffs is easy with this program (you can do it with your keyboard, but it's more accessible with a MIDI controller keyboard).

I think this is mainly built with singers and songwriters in mind but it can be good for podcasts or other musical uses. There aren't that many pre-made sound loops to choose from, but they are the loops and riffs you would definitely use.

Key features

• Multi-track recording of MIDI and audio tracks
• The Performance Panel automatically syncs audio and MIDI clips on stage or in the studio
• Publish music and videos directly to YouTube, Facebook, SoundCloud, MixCloud, Vimeo, and Twitter with one click
• Easily edit video and still images
• Export your videos to a DVD or upload them to YouTube

Why I picked it: I like its simplicity. It’s a focused voice recorder for PC that starts recording as soon as needed.

I definitely think a lot of people looking to make a simple voice recording should go straight for this software. It is such a useful utility. I tested it on Windows 11 and appreciated the automatic gain control. It saves in quality and lossless formats for quality preservation.

I love the straightforward and intuitive interface that make i-Sound Recorder easy to use. It lets you record and edit soundtracks on your PC. You can record from a mic or even capture audio clips from your browser or a video call on the laptop.

It is a shame there’s no Mac version but I think this free voice recording software for PC is the kind of basic utility many users will want. It is just a bit limited if you want things like multiple inputs.

Key features

• You can record both the desktop screen and the webcam at the same time
• Professional tools for editing recorded clips
• Multiple templates and effects built-in
• Supports MP4, MOV, MKV, GIF, and other formats

Why I picked it:

Reaper replaced an older program in my list because it’s powerful and updated constantly.

I’ve used it for narration and vocals. I’ve also used it for production and even recording full bands. Reaper is very flexible and handles any audio format and is also free to download. The community scripts and effects make it feel like a professional studio at home. I am part of the thriving community for this software. The 2025 update improved video sync and CPU efficiency.

I don’t think this is one of the easiest options to learn but I do think that it is the most flexible.

Key features

• Excellent compatibility with file types
• Constantly updated
• Can function as a full DAW
• Has the option for multiple inputs and outputs

Why I picked it:

I like open-source DAWs that don’t feel stripped down and Ardour’s full-featured and works on all platforms.

I think this is a good option for singers and those who want to learn some musical skills. another free vocal recording software that's great for musicians. Ardour is more focused on enhancing recorded speech, unlike GarageBand, a complete musical workstation for both voice and music. I like the intuitive interface with a host of features that I found helped recorded audio quality. The recording window allows you to cut or edit your audio easily after recording.

I tested out Ardour for audio editing. To mix audio and get creative with your recordings, you can import MIDI files and audio from the free sound database or your computer hard drive.

Key features

• I like the simple add-ons and plug-ins
• Records multi-tracks
• Audio editing

Why I picked it:

A professional and industry-standard option for all audio editing
I have used this software in professional recording studios so it is not some simple option for newcomers. Avid Pro Tools is an excellent audio workstation that allows budding musicians to make their music with limited investment in musical instruments. A remarkable feature of this app is that it will enable you to create and broadcast music while recording audio.

I find this to be one of the most modern and powerful options on the market and things like recording and composing are much easier with the tool's comprehensive user interface. It allows for cloud collaboration, meaning that you can now work with other artists to create music together via the Internet.

I think this is great for those that have the time to learn how to use it and want to be able to produce music or podcasts professionally.

Key features

• Non-destructive editing
• Professional editing suite of virtual instruments
• MIDI editor
• Input monitoring
• Sound effects

Why I picked it:

Podium is lightweight and capable of high-quality vocal recording on most Windows PCs.

I always like to include a free option that still has a lot of features and Zynewave Podium is a free, full-featured computer voice recorder tailored to the needs of Windows users. With this powerful audio recorder, you can capture and edit sound and even use VST effects and instruments.

Key features

• User-friendly interface
• Support different audio effects
• No registration needed