Audacity vs Adobe Audition: Full Comparison for Voice Over, Podcasts & Audiobooks (2025)

[I also included this as one of my lectures in my Adobe Audition Course]

Adobe Audition VS Audacity: Which one should you choose?

Choosing the right audio software can make or break your recordings.

If you’re just starting with audio recording and editing, you’ve probably come across Audacity. It’s free, it’s powerful, and for beginners, it feels like you’ve got everything you need.

But here’s the thing—while Audacity is incredibly popular, most audio pros will tell you to use Adobe Audition instead. And that’s where the dilemma kicks in.

Adobe Audition isn’t free. At the moment, it runs about $22 a month. So… do you stick with the free and capable Audacity, or leap to Audition like the experts recommend?

Let’s dig in and find out.

This article will help you choose between Audacity and Adobe Audition as your first software. If you are already using Audacity, you will know if you should switch to Adobe Audition.

Also, if you want to know some common reasons for switching from Audacity to Adobe Audition, read this article.

How to Compare?

Before deciding which software is the best fit for you, it’s important to look at a few key factors:

• Your main purpose – What exactly will you be using the software for?

• Duration of use – Is this for a short-term project or something you’ll be using for years?

• Essential features – Which tools and functions do you actually need for your work?

• Audio quality – Does the sound quality you get depend on the software you choose?

• Software stability – Can it handle the type of projects you’ll be working on without crashing?

• Learning curve and longevity – Once you learn it, will those skills stay useful in future versions, or will you have to relearn everything after each update?

In the sections ahead, we’ll break down each of these points in detail, starting with a big one: which software offers the simpler interface?

The Interface: Which one is easy?

The following are the screenshots of the opening interface of Audacity and Adobe Audition. Which one do you find simpler?

If you are using any audio editing software for the first time, you will find it confusing with too many buttons and panels.

But still, there is no doubt that the Audacity interface is much simpler.

When it comes to ease of use, Audacity keeps things simple. Its interface is straightforward, with basic menus and a clean toolbar that new users can pick up quickly.

This makes it a great choice for beginners who want to start recording or editing without a steep learning curve.

Adobe Audition, on the other hand, has a more polished and professional layout. The interface is highly customizable. While this flexibility is powerful, it can feel overwhelming if you’re brand new to audio editing.

However, once you get used to it, the workflow becomes incredibly efficient.

Bottom line: If you want a beginner-friendly setup, Audacity wins for simplicity. But if you’re willing to invest time learning the layout, Adobe Audition’s customizable interface can dramatically speed up your workflow in the long run.

Recording Quality: Does It Depend on the Software?

The short answer: No, your raw recording quality doesn’t depend on the software. 

It’s determined by your microphone and your recording environment.

If you use the same mic in the same room, you’ll get the same raw audio quality whether you’re recording in Audacity or Adobe Audition.

Where the software does make a difference is in processing. Once you start applying effects—like noise reduction, EQ, or compression—the final sound can vary. Different programs have different built-in tools, processing algorithms, and effect quality.

So, while the original recording will sound the same no matter which program you use, the finished, polished audio might not. That’s why it’s worth comparing the key audio processing features in both Audacity and Adobe Audition.

Let’s take a closer look at some of those features:

Noise Reduction

Noise reduction is one of the first editing tasks most beginners learn. It’s the process of removing unwanted static or hissing sounds from your recordings.

Audacity keeps things simple here. Its noise reduction tool works fine for removing light, consistent hiss. But if you try to clean up heavier noise, or noise that changes over time, the results aren’t great. Push it too far, and your audio can start to sound thin, harsh, or “robotic.”

Adobe Audition offers a more advanced approach. It gives you different options depending on the type of noise you’re trying to reduce.

While it generally produces cleaner results than Audacity, it still has limits. Go too aggressively, and you’ll get the same harshness or loss of depth.

It’s important to remember that all software noise reduction works best on steady background sounds like hiss or hum. If your recording has irregular noises—car horns, barking dogs, a lawn mower, no software can clean that up perfectly. In those cases, the only real solution is to prevent the noise from being recorded in the first place.

For removing white noise or hiss, the most effective method is to use a high-quality 3rd-party plugin. If we rank noise reduction options, 3rd-party plugins take the top spot, Adobe Audition comes second, and Audacity comes third.

That’s why plugin compatibility matters a lot. We’ll talk more about how each software works with plugins later, but first, let’s compare some other key features.

We will see that a bit later, let’s compare some other features.

Audacity vs. Adobe Audition: Should You Switch?

If you’ve been following my channel, Master Editor, you know it’s grown because of Audacity tutorials. Audacity is a fantastic free tool. It’s great for beginners and works well for basic audio editing, audiobooks, podcasts, and voice-overs. But as your skills grow, you might wonder:

• Should I learn Adobe Audition?

• What benefits do I get if I switch?

The answer depends on your needs and goals. Audacity is well-suited for casual or hobbyist projects, but it has limitations. Adobe Audition, on the other hand, is a professional-grade tool that offers more stability, features, and flexibility. Let’s examine each tool.

Audacity: Strengths and Challenges

Audacity’s biggest advantage is that it’s free. It’s user-friendly, so it’s easy for beginners to learn. 

If you’re editing podcasts, audiobooks, or simple voice-overs, Audacity can handle it.

However, Audacity has some challenges. The first is its frequent updates. Audacity has been going through a lot of changes recently. 

Each time a new version is released, you might need to relearn tools or adjust your workflow. If you value consistency and stability, this can get frustrating.

Another limitation is how it works with third-party plugins. Many professional editors rely on plugins for noise reduction, EQ, and vocal repair. Tools like Waves Clarity VX or iZotope RX are industry standards. 

Unfortunately, Audacity doesn’t always support them. For example, Waves Clarity VX often glitches, and iZotope RX can cause Audacity to crash. This makes it hard to use the tools that professionals depend on every day.

There’s also the question of perception. If you’re auditioning for voice-over work or pitching to clients, they may ask what software you use. Saying you use Audacity—because it’s free—can sometimes make you look less serious about your craft. 

It’s not that Audacity isn’t capable. It’s about how professionals view the tools you use. Most industry experts rely on Adobe Audition, Pro Tools, or Logic Pro. Using these tools signals that you’re committed to delivering top-quality work.

Why Adobe Audition Stands Out

Adobe Audition is a professional-grade audio editor designed for high-quality work. It solves many of the issues you might face with Audacity.

First, Adobe Audition is far more stable. It works seamlessly with third-party plugins like Waves, iZotope, and FabFilter. You won’t have to deal with crashes or glitches, so you can focus on your work without interruptions.

The second major advantage is its workflow. The tools are advanced yet intuitive, and the interface has remained consistent for years. Once you learn Audition, you won’t need to re-learn it every time a new version comes out.

Adobe Audition’s effects also stand out. Tools like EQ, compression, and noise reduction are powered by better algorithms than Audacity. 

This means audio processed in Audition sounds more polished compared to Audacity. If you’re new to editing, you may not notice this difference right away. But with experience, the higher quality will become clear, and it will matter more for professional work.

Another key benefit of Adobe Audition is how it helps you professionally. If you’re pitching for voice-over jobs or client projects, mentioning Adobe Audition can make you stand out. It’s the same software used by industry professionals, which helps you appear more serious and committed to your craft.

Do You Need to Switch?

If you’re just starting out or working on casual projects, Audacity might be all you need. It’s free, easy to use, and capable of producing solid results.

However, if you’re aiming for professional audio work, Adobe Audition is worth the investment. 

Its stability, advanced tools, and seamless plugin support make editing smoother and more efficient. 

You’ll also benefit from a workflow that saves you time in the long run.

Switching to Adobe Audition is especially valuable if you’re auditioning for voice-over jobs or working with clients. It shows that you’re using professional tools, which can give you an edge over competitors.

Try Adobe Audition Before You Decide

If you’re not ready to commit, Adobe Audition offers a free trial. I recommend downloading it and spending a couple of hours exploring the tools during this trial period. 

Try editing one of your projects to see how it compares to Audacity. You’ll quickly get a feel for the workflow and features.

If you decide to switch, I’ve created a course that will help you learn Adobe Audition efficiently. The course is designed to get you comfortable with the tools and teach you how to produce professional-quality audio step by step.

Final Thoughts

Audacity is a great starting point for anyone new to audio editing. It’s free, simple, and effective for basic projects. However, as you move toward professional work, Adobe Audition offers significant advantages. 

It’s stable, integrates seamlessly with plugins, and delivers better audio quality. The tools are more advanced, and the consistent interface makes it easy to use long-term.

If you’re serious about improving your audio editing skills or working professionally, Adobe Audition is worth considering. 

Don’t let the interface intimidate you—once you practice for a couple of hours, it will feel natural.

Take advantage of the free trial and see how Adobe Audition can fit into your workflow. Whether you stick with Audacity or make the switch, remember that great audio is about your skills, creativity, and commitment to the craft.

To enroll in the Adobe Audtion course and get 1-click sound better presets, check this Adobe Audition Bundle: https://www.patreon.com/master_editor/shop/adobe-audition-bundle-beginner-to-240352