- Best Free Audio Editor
- Mac Os Best Audio Editor For Multi Layer Tracks
- Best Audio Editor For Windows
- Best Audio Editor For Samsung Tablet
Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links.
The open-source program gives users a wide range of options for recording and editing audio, all tied together with a simple interface, and everything Audacity has to offer is free of charge.
The Rundown
- Best From Hobbyist to Pro:Final Cut Pro X at Apple.com, “A video editing software that you can use even if you don’t have much experience.”
- Most Accessible Apple Editor: Apple iMovie at Apple.com, “If you haven’t done video editing before, this is a good place to get started before moving on to more serious software.”
- Best for Pros:Adobe Premiere Pro CC at Amazon, “A powerful video editor for professionals putting out movies, short films, and the like.”
- Easiest-to-Use Cross-Platform Editor:Adobe Premiere Elements 2018 at Amazon, “An easily approachable video editing software for those just getting started.”
- Best Open-Source Software:Shotcut at Shortcut.org, “A multi-track editing software like any other serious software, and you can readily rearrange the workspace to suit your editing needs.”
- Best Starter Freeware:Lightworks at Lwks.com, “Whether or not you need the free or paid versions is a question you can answer for yourself.”
- Best Freeware:DaVinci Resolve 15 at Blackmagicdesign.com, “Plenty of functionality to take your footage, organize it with data to help you find what you need, and edit it all together.”
- Best for Tutorial and Presentation Videos:Camtasia at Techsmith.com, “It’s a screen recorder and video editor built into one product.”
Our Top Picks
Best From Hobbyist to Pro: Final Cut Pro X
If you want a video editing software that you can use even if you don’t have much experience (and you plan on growing as a video editor while using it), then Final Cut Pro X is well worth your consideration. It may take a few tutorial videos to really get yourself ready to start doing much, but once you get your feet wet, you can do basic editing and learn more and more advanced tricks over time.
While Final Cut Pro X is a professional video editing tool, it’s approachable enough for hobbyist videographers to get on board with. And it has a bit more reasonable price than some of the other serious pro video editing software. As a pro software, it comes packed with handy features to help you realize your vision.
The latest version of Final Cut Pro X has the multi-track timeline needed for editing but brings in the future of video and pro features. It supports 360-degree video, graphics, and effects. You can edit together video from multi-cam recording setups and easily switching between multiple angles. And, you can create HDR content. That’s just the tip of the iceberg.
Apple offers a free trial so you can see if this one is up your alley before you dive all the way in.
Most Accessible Apple editor: Apple iMovie
If you really just want to get started editing videos on your Mac, or even on your iPhone or iPad, then the easiest way is to get Apple iMovie. This is Apple’s free video editing software, and it runs on both Mac OS and iOS platforms, so you can do you video editing just about wherever you go.
For hobbyist and amateur filmmakers, Apple iMovie will have approachable tools to help you easily take your footage and edit a video with a clear flow. You’ll be able to combine multiple video files, layer different video and audio tracks, and add title screens to your video without much fuss. It even includes video filters and some special effects, including picture-in-picture.
Best Free Audio Editor
The latest version of Apple iMovie keeps up with the trends in video, supporting 4K video editing. So, all that 4K video you capture on your iPhone can be turned into a movie in iMovie. If you haven’t done video editing before, this is a good place to get started before moving on to more serious software.
Best for Pros: Adobe Premiere Pro CC
Adobe’s Premiere Pro CC (Creative Cloud) software is a powerful video editor for professionals putting out movies, short films, and the like. Of course, it’s also a viable option for hobbyists looking to sharpen their teeth on a video editor that gets used in professional positions. If you’re not trying to go professional with your editing quite yet, you may want to check out the next pick.
Adobe Premiere Pro CC is a constantly evolving video editing software, as Adobe rolls out updates over time. Rather than buying a single edition of the software, you pay for a subscription as long as you’re using it. An added perk is that the software isn’t exclusive to Mac, so you can switch between different computers with different operating systems if you need to.
That subscription gives you access to Premiere Pro for editing all sorts of video, from 3D and even 8K. You’ll also be able to handle audio tracks, add graphics, manage light and color, and effectively put together whatever video you can imagine. If you use Adobe’s other software, like Photoshop or Illustrator, then Premiere Pro will be a great option for easily integrating different workflows.
Easiest-to-Use Cross-Platform Editor: Adobe Premiere Elements 2018
Adobe Premiere Elements 2018 is almost exactly what it sounds like. It’s a stripped down version of the pro Premiere software. This does make it a little less capable, and new features aren’t constantly rolling out to it, but it works as an easily approachable video editing software for those just getting started. And, without a subscription model, you can pay for the software once and you’re set.
If you’re an amateur just getting started with video editing, and especially if you’re not planning on going pro, then Premiere Elements 2018 will be an excellent pick for you. While Premiere Elements does give you plenty of tools for putting together multiple video, image, and audio files into one complete video, it also has some tools to help you make a better video if you’re not a savvy editor already. Plus, the software is available on both Mac and PC.
Premier Elements 2018 helps you organize the files you’ll be using in your video, and it can guide you through the editing process from beginning to end. It will also let you add in some fun little effects to spice up your video. And, in keeping with the times, it supports 4K video.
Best Open-Source Software: Shotcut
Shotcut is highly versatile free video editing software available on Mac and PC. Once you get past the somewhat steep learning curve, you’ll find you can do quite a lot with Shotcut. And, since it’s a free software, you have the option of seeing whether or not you like it without having to pay a cent.
Shotcut is a multi-track editing software like any other serious software, and you can readily rearrange the workspace to suit your editing needs. Shotcut supports a wide variety of file types for both input and output, including 4K video. Plus, you can edit audio, color, and lighting effects in Shotcut.
Though Shotcut isn’t the easiest software to just pick up and start editing videos with, the nature of being a free software means plenty of people are using it and making incredibly helpful tutorial videos or guides on how to use it. And, if you want a readily portable option, Shotcut is it, since you can run it directly off an external storage drive.
Best Starter Freeware: Lightworks
Lightworks blends the offerings of a free editing software with a paid one. Compared to Shotcut, it has an easier learning curve, but some of the features that you’ll want may be part of the paid Lightworks Pro version, such as the ability to export your final product in more video formats and higher resolutions.
Whether or not you need the free or paid versions is a question you can answer for yourself later on though, as either will let you import a wide range of file formats, easily edit together multiple files, manage your audio, add titles, and tweak your visuals.
The free version of Lightworks will be a fine option for anyone who isn’t concerned much about video resolution, as you’ll still be able to output web-ready 720p videos. But, if you try out Lightworks, like how it works, and want to stick with it as your video editor of choice, you can upgrade to the Pro software and start putting out high-quality video. Plus, Lightworks is available on Windows, Mac, and Linux, so you’ll be able to stick with Lightworks even if you stop using a Mac later on.
Best Freeware: DaVinci Resolve 15
If you’re ready to get started editing all kinds of videos and putting out the final product in a high-quality, 4K format without having to pay a cent to do so, then DaVinci Resolve 15 is a great option. While there is a paid Studio version, you’ll really only need to go with that if you’re planning to do some collaboration or want access to a few of the software’s more advanced tools and effects.
For the most part, DaVinci Resolve 15 is going to give you plenty of functionality to take your footage, organize it with data to help you find what you need, and edit it all together. Once you’re done, you can output in just about any format you need, whether you want the highest quality or something that’s ready to upload quickly to YouTube.
If you want a video editing software you can get serious with, then DaVinci Resolve 15 fits the bill. It’s just a bonus that the free version is so capable because it’ll give you a chance to try it for yourself and see if it feels like something you can really use.
Best for Tutorial and Presentation Videos: Camtasia
Camtasia is particularly handy if you’re planning to make videos that will use footage captured from your computer screen. That’s because it’s a screen recorder and video editor built into one product.
With Camtasia, you’ll be able to record the screen and audio of your computer or even your iOS device. If you’re putting together tutorial videos, this capability will be incredibly useful. Plus, you have the option of adding webcam footage on top of the screen-captured video.
Beyond screen-capture, Camtasia also gives you multi-track timeline editing and tools for transitions, animations, audio and video effects, and annotations. If you want to make a presentation video, you can also add in a PowerPoint. So, whether you’re an educator, business professional, or just trying to put some tutorials up on YouTube, Camtasia offers tools you can use to capture and edit the video you need. A free trial will give you a chance to see if its tool and features a good fit for you.
What to Look for in Video Editing Software for a Mac
Free vs. paid - If you’re a beginner just dipping your toes into the world of video editing, a free software program is probably your best bet. If you have more advanced needs, you’ll likely need to pay to access the features you’ll need. However, most software programs have free trials that let you try them before you buy them.
File compatibility - Before you commit to a new program, make sure it’s compatible with the type of video you’ll be shooting. While some programs support 4K video, others don’t, and yet others will support 3D and 4K. Be sure to consider both the input and output formats you’ll need.
Extra features - Most video editing programs can handle the basics—merging clips, adding transitions, and laying down audio—but the extra features are what will take your video from amateur to expert. Look for handy features like multi-track timelines, filters, special effects, and more.
Version: 1.9.6.9Updated on May 7, 2019 [changes] Price: Free
MediaHuman Audio Converter is a freeware application for Mac OS X and Windows. It can help you to convert your music absolutely free to WMA, MP3, AAC, WAV, FLAC, OGG, AIFF, Apple Lossless format and bunch of others.
- Simple and intuitive interface
- Converts between all key audio formats
- Splits tracks by CUE sheet
- Exports to iTunes
- Converts multiple files simultaneously
- Keeps the folder structure
- Extracts audio track from video
- Absolutely FREE!
Main Features:
Batch conversion
Add all files you want, select the output format and click Start – the program takes care of the rest.
Support for lossless formats
You can directly convert one lossless format to another, without intermediate conversion. For example, you can turn FLAC to Apple Lossless supported by most Apple devices.
Automatic CUE splitting
The program locates .CUE files in the folder and suggests splitting the image to individual tracks if some are found.
Search for disk covers
If a file contains ID3 tags but lacks the cover art, the program tries to retrieve one using several Internet services.
iTunes support
Apple fans will admire the option to add converted files directly to iTunes multimedia library. You can also choose a specific playlist.
Retain folder structure
Command the program to keep the structure of your folders when running conversion. A must have option for those who store music in Artist/Album folders.
Advertisement:
System Requirements:
Mac Os Best Audio Editor For Multi Layer Tracks
- Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows 2003, Windows XP for PC systems (32bit/64bit)
- macOS 10.14 (Mojave), macOS 10.13 (High Sierra), macOS 10.12 (Sierra), OS X 10.11 (El Capitan), OS X 10.10 (Yosemite), OS X 10.9 (Mavericks), OS X 10.8 (Mountain Lion), Mac OS X 10.7 (Lion), Mac OS X 10.6 (Snow Leopard)
- About 60 Mb of free hard drive space
Step-by-step instructions:
Testimonials:
Best Audio Editor For Windows
Thank you MediaHuman - you are the only fast and reliable WMA to MP3 converter I've found - you just made my life a whole lot easier! Janine Charles
I have been using SoundConverter on my OSX-Lion iMac but it wasn't doing a satisfactory job on FLAC files. MediaHuman is fast and does two files at once! Superior to SoundConverter! Mark S Ver Steeg
The audio converter app works perfectly-i finally found a freeware to convert FLAC to Apple lossless and keep the tags. Branden Baxley
man i am loving this program i am using media human audio converter and i am convertings 186 music files it has taken less than 5 minutes usually the other programs i use if i was doing this it would take about an hour to an hour and a half this programs is the best. Mina Armanious
Hey! The software is awesome. It took me so long to find an audio converter that wasnt crammed full of useless, superfluous features that I couldn't possible care about. Euan
Wanted to convert some audio files. Used MediaHuman today after struggling with several other apps and tools for the past 4 days. Gosh! Can't tell you what a relief it is to get the job done so easily as I had thousands of sound clips. Thank you guys!!! Divya Raghuram
I am converting thousands of iTunes files to .ogg so I can take my show on the road with Traktor. UR the only 1 that works! DJ-KT
Thanks for the fantastic audio converter! I have a number of AACs that I needed to make to MP3 and this is doing it perfectly... thanks again! Dustin Hamilton
First of all, I love your audio converter. I have used it to successfully convert most of my FLAC collection to ALAC in order for it to be playable on my Ipod. It's all quite intuitive, I love it! Rory
I just wanted to thank you for this software's existence - I used to use QuickTime 7 (and it was clunky!) to convert audio, but when Apple made it slightly harder to get QuickTime Pro I sought out MediaHuman Audio Converter, and have never looked back. It's saved me plenty of times. Thanks! Josh W.
That is a truly great product, much better than Switch, which I thought too expensive to pay for. I know it is freeware, but couldn't resist a small donation when I saw how beautifully written the software was. Thank you. Jim S.
I have been using your product for a couple years now. I just wanted to tell you folks how much I like it. It is absolutely my goto software for any media conversion. I don't have any money to contribute, but I wanted you guys to know how much I appreciate your software. Thank you very much. Mathew M.
The best WMA to MP3 converter, period. I have more than 10Gb of WMA files to convert to MP3. Your software is just making it a breeze. Having struggled with all the major 'recommended' freewares available, I can say without a doubt that yours is just the best for the task. Many thanks from France. Arnaud
Hi Folks, I just wanted to let you know that your Audioconverter is truly excellent. The GUI is simple and selfexplaining, very clever! Also thanks for implmenting CBR at 320kbps. I converted AIFF files to mp3 and they sound much better than converted with my old iTunes. The mp3s sound loud, clear, fresh and have a punchy bass. Heavy recommendation guaranteed :-) Ernst M.
I just want to congratulate you for the MediaHuman Audio Converter. Variety of choices for audio quality, file extension type and multiple cpu core choice. And checkbox for adding to iTunes while converting. Genius. You saved me from hours of waiting. Well done. Maximos H.
I have to say that this converter, is by far THEE best i have ever used. i had to use this in exchange for the built in iTunes converter because it would chop songs into 0:23 seconds after they were converted and that obviously wasn't the whole song. your converter has done its justice to the shitty apple conversion and hence, why i'm writing this review because it's so damn fast AND it also converts as many files as needed with no ads or requiring a license! it's truly and awesome freeware program!! :) Nic
MediaHuman Audio Converter là ứng dụng chạy trên các thiết bị sử dụng hệ điều hành Mac OS X và Windows, hỗ trợ người dùng chuyển đổi các tập tin âm nhạc hoàn toàn miễn phí sang các định dạng MP3, AAC, WMA, FLAC, WAV, OGG hay AIFF hay Apple Lossless, cùng nhiều định dạng khác. Taimienphi
Downloaded this morning to convert a batch of files, 680+, from WMA to MP3. As a bit of background I started developing software over 40 years ago, which makes me rather picky about how software works. Just wanted to let you know that I am more than pleasantly surprised, this is a great piece of software. I had spent about 3 hours trying other products prior to finding yours, and by far yours is the most full featured and easy to use. Just wanted to drop you a 'thank you', I was looking for a place to leave a review for you, please let me know if there is a place you would like me to leave one. Thanks! Bill D.
MediaHuman Audio Converter is brilliant. It's so good to find really well developed software - so intuitive and therefore a pleasure to use. I've been looking at audio converters for a while now and not found anything that comes even close to your great product. I've been involved in software development all my life and rarely see software that gets the user's experience 'just right' Audio Converter does exactly that. Congratulations. John