Audacity alternatives: free online audio editors
Audacity is a free, open-source desktop editor written in C++ with a Lisp scripting layer, but it has no web interface — you must install it and run it locally. If you want an Audacity alternative that runs in the browser, options include AudioToolKit, mp3cut and FreeConvert for quick edits, while LALAL.AI handles AI stem separation that Audacity cannot do natively.
Audacity versus its alternatives
Audacity is not the only free editor, and it is not the only free option for every job. Its strength is deep, offline multitrack editing; its main limitation is that there is no browser version. The table compares Audacity with the closest alternatives, both free and paid.
| Tool | Platform | Price | Best for | Notable limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audacity | Desktop (Windows, macOS, Linux) | Free, open-source | Multitrack recording, long-form editing | No web UI; install required |
| AudioToolKit | Web browser | Free | 36 browser tools: convert, trim, join, normalize, noise, vocal removal | No desktop app; basic tasks need no signup |
| mp3cut (123apps) | Web | Free | Trimming MP3 quickly | MP3 only; no joins or effects |
| FreeConvert | Web | Free tier + paid | Online format conversion | File-size and free-tier caps |
| LALAL.AI | Web + desktop | Paid | AI stem and vocal separation | Paid per-minute pricing |
| Adobe Audition | Desktop (Windows, macOS) | Paid subscription | Pro editing, mixing, restoration | Subscription cost; no browser access |
Why AudioToolKit
If you are looking for an Audacity alternative because you do not want to install anything, AudioToolKit covers the everyday Audacity jobs in the browser — trimming, joining, leveling, cleaning up and removing vocals — with no install and files deleted automatically:
- Trim audio — cut a clip to exactly the part you need.
- Vocal remover — pull vocals out of a track in the browser.
- Noise reducer and equalizer — clean up and shape the sound.
Is Audacity free?
Yes. Audacity is free and open-source, written in C++ with a Lisp scripting layer. It is the most established free desktop audio editor, and it remains a strong choice for multitrack recording and long-form editing.
Does Audacity work online in a browser?
No. Audacity is a desktop application with no web interface, so you must download and install it to use it. If you need something that runs in the browser, look at online tools such as AudioToolKit, mp3cut or FreeConvert.
What is a free online Audacity alternative?
AudioToolKit is a free online alternative that runs in the browser. It covers the common Audacity tasks — convert, trim, join, normalize and noise reduction — across 36 tools, with no install and no account for basic jobs, and files are deleted automatically.
Can Audacity separate vocals from music?
Audacity has basic manual tools for this, but no one-click AI stem separation. For that, purpose-built tools like LALAL.AI are better, and AudioToolKit includes a browser-based vocal remover for quick splits.
Is there an Audacity app for iPhone?
There is no official Audacity app on iOS. GarageBand is the free Apple option for making music, and for browser-based editing on iPhone, AudioToolKit runs in Safari without an install.
Does Audacity convert MP3 to WAV?
Yes. Audacity can import MP3 and export to WAV, but it is a desktop app, so you must install it first. For a browser-based MP3 to WAV conversion with no install, AudioToolKit's converter does it online for free.