Technology

What Is the Best Voice Recording Software in 2024?

Tara Parachuk | January 10, 2024

Whether you’re a voice actor building your home studio, a singer, a musician or a creative professional eager to launch your own podcast, using reliable voice recording software is a necessity if you want to achieve high-quality recordings.

In this article

  1. Purchasing the Right Voice Recording Software for Your Needs
  2. Which Voice Recording Software is Best for You in 2024?
  3. The 5 Most Popular Audio Recording Software Brands
  4. Digital Voice Recording Software Programs to Consider
  5. Audacity
  6. GarageBand
  7. REAPER
  8. Adobe Audition
  9. Pro Tools
  10. Logic Pro
  11. Sound Forge
  12. GoldWave
  13. Cubase
  14. The Best Voice Over Software Is the One That Works for You

In this article, you will find out which voice recording software established professionals use so that you can choose the right one for you.

Purchasing the Right Voice Recording Software for Your Needs

You may be tempted to save some money on your voice over software, and you may also ask yourself: “Should I just use a free software package for recording my audio files instead?”

When software is available for free, some may naturally equate the price (or lack thereof) with “low quality.” However, there are several reliable programs available for no cost or low cost, many of which are easily available to download.

To help you decide if investing in software — or downloading it for free — is a better option for your needs, it’s worth asking yourself a few key questions.

Which Voice Recording Software is Best for You in 2024?

If you want great vocal quality for your professional voice over demos, auditions or even your podcast, there are some considerations to keep in mind as you scope out the best software solution for your situation.

Here are seven questions to ask yourself to determine which voice recording software is the right option for you:

1. Do you identify as a professional voice actor?

With the professional title, there may come an expectation for professional-grade equipment and software. Research what the ‘pros’ use and see if the program is generally available for free or if it tends to be a cost of business. In a survey conducted by Voices, Adobe Audition was found to be the most popular software used, followed by Audacity and Pro Tools with honorable mentions to GarageBand and Logic Pro.

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2. What voice over software might your clients be using?

If you collaborate, will it be compatible with what you have in your studio? Compatibility is important. While it’s impossible to anticipate what every client uses, at least understanding the industry standard can be very helpful in deciding between software options and will help you determine if certain programs are more compatible with a wider range of other software.

3. Is the software user-friendly?

How useful is something if you can’t use it? If the software company provides self-help videos or support to help you with the steep learning curve, then it may just be a matter of sitting down and tinkering with it. If those resources aren’t available or as helpful as you’d expect, it might be time to find one better suited to your needs.

4. Does it allow you to do what you need to do?

A good quality program should have all of the tools you need to do your job. Virtually all recording software will do what you need, but the interfaces themselves can be filled with unique bells and whistles that can either be very helpful for your line of work or clutter the workspace with features you don’t need.

5. Is it compatible with your system and hardware?

Whatever tech you acquire should be compatible not only with your computer’s operating system but with your mic and other hardware as well.

6. How does it sound when you use it?

Quality is key! It’s the key to your decision in choosing a DAW, your success, your productivity and becoming successful in your career. Professionals understand that high-quality audio files are the result of proper recording techniques before the post-production phase, but everyone needs to touch up their audio files to some degree. If the software allows you to edit your files without leaving noticeable artifacts throughout the audio, then it could very well be the one for you!

7. What do reviewers say online?

If the program has a poor rating, it may not be worth your money or your time. This is where ground-floor advice from the voice over community comes into play. There is no input more valuable than from those who use the software day in and day out.

According to data on voice actor profiles on Voices, these are the most popular software programs. You can learn more about each of them below.

1. Audacity (26%) (Free)
2. Adobe Audition (38%) (subscription $20.99 USD/month)
3. Pro Tools (16%) ($24.92 – $99.99 USD/month)
4. Logic (8%) ($199.99 USD)
5. GarageBand (5%) (Free – Standard on all Macs)

Digital Voice Recording Software Programs to Consider

These are some of the most popular programs for voice actors, podcasters and other audio professionals.

Bonus: In our report on How to Become a Successful Voice Actor, you can also view working professionals’ favorite mics, software and more.

Audacity

A screenshot of the digital voice recording software, Audacity.

Audacity is an easy-to-use, multi-track audio editor and recorder for Windows, Mac OS X, GNU/Linux, and other operating systems. The interface is also translated into many languages.

  • This software is free and proud of that fact.
  • Audacity is regularly updated to continuously improve the user experience of the software.
  • Generally compatible with all major operating systems.

Download Audacity here.

GarageBand

A screenshot of the digital audio recording software, GarageBand.

GarageBand is a fully-equipped music creation and voice over studio built into your Mac, with a complete sound library and presets for voice, taking the complexity out of processing your audio files. With Touch Bar features for MacBook Pro and an intuitive, modern design, it’s easy to learn, play, record, create and share your voice overs worldwide.

  • This software is a program that typically comes pre-installed on Mac computers. Therefore, it is free to use for Mac users.
  • It is an Apple product and is not currently compatible with PC operating systems.
  • Marketed with a slant toward music production, but can definitely be used for voice over if desired.
  • GarageBand is considered a beginner’s option in audio production.

Download GarageBand here.

REAPER

A screenshot of the digital audio recording software, REAPER. The interface is displaying features and sound waves.

REAPER was added to this list thanks to the contributions of the voice actors who have commented on this post all year long talking about the greatness of this DAW. We hear you and always want to incorporate your expertise. To those who have commented in the past about REAPER, we say, “Thank You!”

REAPER is the up-and-coming DAW that is gaining popularity in the audio production industry. It’s receiving 5-star ratings across all the major online review sites, G2 included. 

  • Being praised for its comprehensiveness despite its low price point.
  • Compatible with both Windows and MacOS.
  • The company regularly releases updates, keeps the software open source, and continues to expand its plugin compatibility.
  • They offer a 60-day evaluation period and encourage users to download and evaluate before purchasing a license. 

For more thoughts on REAPER, check out the comment section of this article. 

REAPER Price: REAPER costs $60 for the discounted license and $225 for the commercial license.

Download REAPER here.

Adobe Audition

A screenshot of the digital voice recording software, Adobe Audition.

Adobe Audition is a comprehensive toolset that includes multitrack, waveform and spectral display for creating, mixing, editing, and restoring audio content. This powerful audio workstation is designed to accelerate video production workflows and audio finishing while delivering a polished mix with pristine sound.

Offers compatibility with all major operating systems. For specifics, read up on Adobe Audition’s latest features.

Adobe Audition price: Purchase Adobe Audition individually for $20.99/mo, or get it as part of the Adobe Creative Cloud plan with other apps for $52.99/mo.

Get Adobe Audition here.

Pro Tools

A screenshot of the digital voice recording software, Pro Tools.

Avid’s Pro Tools is an audio production software for songwriters, musicians, producers and engineers. Because so many people use Pro Tools, it’s also great for voice actors.

  • Pro Tools is considered the industry standard audio recording software package and, as such, is one of the more advanced (read complicated) recording software options.
  • Offers different product levels that are outlined by usage of the program, not by experience level.

They recently launched Pro Tools Intro, a free, entry-level version of Pro Tools that helps people start recording. It’s ideal for students, musicians and podcasters.

Pro Tools price: You can purchase an essential Pro Tools Studio plan for $29.99/mo, or the Pro Tools Ultimate plan for $99.99/mo.

Get Pro Tools here.

Logic Pro

A screenshot of the digital audio software, Logic Pro.

Logic Pro is the most advanced version of Logic ever. Sophisticated creative tools for professional songwriting, beat making, editing and mixing are built around a modern interface that’s designed to get results quickly and deliver more power whenever it’s needed. Logic Pro includes a massive collection of instruments, effects, loops and samples, providing a complete toolkit to create amazing-sounding audio.

  • Logic Pro is made by Apple.
  • Logic is considered to be an upgrade from GarageBand, which is also an Apple product.
  • Like GarageBand, Logic is only available for Mac operating systems.
  • Unlike GarageBand, it is not free.
  • Logic provides the granularity in audio editing that GarageBand is unable to do, with accuracy and speed.

Logic Pro price: You can purchase Logic Pro X on the Mac App Store for $199.99.

Get Logic Pro here.

Sound Forge

A screenshot of the digital audio software, Sound Forge.

Sound Forge Audio Studio offers comprehensive tools and functions for all digital audio editing requirements. Record podcasts, edit your projects using professional effects, convert vinyl and cassettes to digital, produce soundtracks for videos and more. 

  • Sound Forge is considered to be one of the more advanced recording software options.
  • Free trials are available. Otherwise, it is software that requires purchasing.

Sound Forge price: You can purchase Sound Forge Audio Studio 17 for $159.98.

Get Sound Forge here.

GoldWave

A screenshot of the digital audio software, GoldWave.

GoldWave is a highly-rated, professional digital audio editor that turns your computer or mobile device into a recording studio at your fingertips. Do everything from the simplest recording and editing to the most sophisticated audio processing, restoration, enhancements and conversions. With millions of downloads over 25 years, GoldWave is a widely used, trusted and dependable program.

Many languages are also supported, such as German, Spanish, French, Chinese and more!

  • This software seems to emphasize music production, but can also be used for voice over recording if desired.
  • GoldWave provides licensing options, with no free versions available.

GoldWave price: You can purchase a one-year GoldWave license for $19, or a lifetime license for $59.

Get GoldWave here.

Cubase

A screenshot of the digital voice recording software, Cubase.

Cubase is one of the most powerful music-creation software packages in the world. With its unrivaled range of flexible tools, you can create any kind of music quickly and intuitively. It comes packed with a wide range of virtual instruments, effects and thousands of sounds. Whether you’re a professional composer or a music production beginner, Cubase provides you with everything you need to turn your ideas into sound.

  • Cubase offers different product levels and very clearly outlines which product is best for advanced audio production professionals, musicians and home recordists.
  • Requires time and financial investments to onboard.

Cubase price: You can purchase Cubase Elements 13 for $99, Cubase Artist 13 for $329.99 or Cubase Pro 13 for $579.99.

Get Cubase here.

For more information on each, browse through each company’s website and investigate software reviews to help you understand what each recording software brings to the table. It’s worth noting that though these are the most popular audio production software programs, you can find other alternatives online.

The Best Voice Over Software Is the One That Works for You

By now, it should be clear that the software that is best for your recordings depends more on how you intend to use it.

After exploring the information above, you should now have an understanding of whether it’s worth it for you to invest in software as the best move for your business, or if free software can help you accomplish what you need to.

You may also be interested in recording your voice on the go using a mobile app. Many mobile apps enable voice actors to record high-quality voice over directly onto a phone, so we compiled a list of the best mobile apps that voice actors should download to up their voice acting game.

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Comments

  • Avatar for George Utley
    George Utley
    November 3, 2018, 9:10 am

    I tried out Pro Tools – much more than I needed for straight voice work. I have been using Audacity for several years now and find it has everything I need for my work. Editing is Sooooo much easier than any other software I have tried.

    Reply
  • Avatar for ramnathanfitness
    ramnathanfitness
    January 30, 2019, 6:08 am

    Nice Post.

    Reply
  • Avatar for Charles McLeod
    Charles McLeod
    July 29, 2019, 11:10 am

    I have been a performing musician now for about 50 or so years. I have been using Audacity for about 15 years I think, never had a problem with it and I love the ease at which I can learn how to operate the software.

    Reply
    • Avatar for Jean Joseph
      Jean Joseph
      January 31, 2024, 12:31 am

      I use Ableton regularly and I also use Audacity. I had to use Audacity the other day and I was surprised at how CLEAN the recording was without much editing. (I am talking about artefacts from the microphone and the space I recorded in….. it was really incredible.

      Reply
  • Avatar for Lisa Haney
    Lisa Haney
    August 5, 2019, 12:14 pm

    Thanks for the information. I like how straight forward you were in the information you gave. I am just starting out in Voiceover work. I mean I’m a beginning beginner! I don’t have a demo and I wanted to see which software I should use. You were very helpful. At this stage of the game, I think Audacity it is.

    Reply
    • Avatar for Tanya
      Tanya
      August 13, 2019, 9:21 am

      Hi Lisa,
      We’re so happy that this post helped you out!
      Thank you so much for reading and for taking the time to comment.
      Keep us posted on how your voice over journey is progressing and how we can help!
      All the best,
      – Tanya

      Reply
      • Avatar for Nerio Cutana
        Nerio Cutana
        February 6, 2020, 5:30 am

        Because of my unusual tone and timbre of voice people who know me started calling me THE VOICE MAN, for years I have been pretending not accepting,

        In this new year 2020, I decided to make a greatest use of this natural gift and I found Voices.com on my research but without knowing from where to start

        Today I received an email titled “All About the Studio” and now I know even about why will I start using the Audacity.

        Thank you for helping me on my first steps forward to become the REAL VOICE MAN.

  • Avatar for semanticsevolution
    semanticsevolution
    August 19, 2019, 1:53 am

    I read your blog ..Really useful information …Thank you for sharing your information

    Reply
  • Avatar for felicia pondexter
    felicia pondexter
    September 23, 2019, 11:07 am

    I have never done voice over work and I interested in doing it. thanks to Voices.com I have gotten the software I needed and I am learning how to use it effectively. It is so easy and I am happy to say I am becoming a pro. Thanks so much for you help. I will be ready to do voice over work soon, thanks again.

    Reply
    • Avatar for Amanda Jacobsen
      Amanda Jacobsen
      October 29, 2019, 3:45 pm

      What type of computer do you use?

      Reply
  • Avatar for Sylvia E Hingle
    Sylvia E Hingle
    September 27, 2019, 10:39 pm

    Thank you. I think I am beginning to understand the logistics of getting started. Sounds like Audacity is the way to begin.

    Reply
  • Avatar for Arnold ebuseo
    Arnold ebuseo
    October 16, 2019, 9:39 am

    Should i need to pay the $499 to start a job?

    Reply
    • Avatar for oliver
      oliver
      October 23, 2019, 1:56 pm

      Hey Arnold,

      You can sign up for a membership with Voices.com to start auditioning for jobs.

      You can follow this link to learn more about our membership levels and determine whether a Guest or Premium membership is the right option for you: https://www.voices.com/talent/memberships

      Best of luck!
      -Oliver

      Reply
  • Avatar for Rita samuel
    Rita samuel
    January 10, 2020, 5:43 am

    Hi there I’m new to voices.com
    And need guidance how to kick start the whole thing of recording my voice n uploading to the site for clients to hire me as a voice actor.

    Reply
  • Avatar for Nerio Cutana
    Nerio Cutana
    February 6, 2020, 5:31 am

    Because of my unusual tone and timbre of voice people who know me started calling me THE VOICE MAN, for years I have been pretending not accepting,

    In this new year 2020, I decided to make a greatest use of this natural gift and I found Voices.com on my research but without knowing from where to start

    Today I received an email titled “All About the Studio” and now I know even about why will I start using the Audacity.

    Thank you for helping me on my first steps forward to become the REAL VOICE MAN.

    Reply
    • Avatar for oliver
      oliver
      February 7, 2020, 1:11 pm

      Hey Nerio (or should I say “THE VOICE MAN”),

      It really sounds like you’re destined to pursue a career in voice acting!

      If you’re still looking for some pointers about how to kickstart your career, our Beginner’s Guide to Voice Acting is filled with useful info.

      You can sign up for a Voices talent account to begin browsing job postings and submitting auditions.

      Wishing you the best,
      Oliver

      Reply
  • Avatar for Doug Cramblit
    Doug Cramblit
    April 16, 2020, 10:08 am

    Had the Pro Tools program but have found it impossible to replace the ILok unit.
    Thank you for the advise on alternate brands. Voices.com is a great!

    Reply
    • Avatar for oliver
      oliver
      April 16, 2020, 11:15 am

      Hey Doug,

      Thanks for the comment! It’s really rewarding to hear that our post helped you out.

      Cheers,
      Oliver

      Reply
  • Avatar for Tony Parton
    Tony Parton
    May 24, 2020, 7:09 pm

    Hi, I’ve been recording full length audiobooks, using a mix of wavepad and audacity. I’m reaching a point where I’d like to venture into VO work however, I’m working from a home studio in a mobile home next to a train station. I’ve been chatting to the pros and they’ve generally got the customer on zoom directing and sound engineering. I’ve got lovely sound defusion but horrendous background noise. About every 10 minutes. I can make it work for audiobooks because I’m doing my own editing and mastering. Is it possible to go into VO work in this situation or am I going to have to move first?

    Thanks guys!

    Reply
    • Avatar for Oliver Skinner
      Oliver Skinner
      June 3, 2020, 1:35 pm

      Hi Tony,

      Thanks for reaching out!

      To answer your question, it’s definitely possible to make it work. Directed sessions with clients, on Zoom or otherwise, probably amount to something like 1 in 20 jobs – so it may be annoying, but doable. That being said, there likely isn’t a way to completely resolve your issue with the background noise. So, if you’re doing a full-time gig, then you should probably move or find somewhere else with reduced background noise to do your recordings from.

      I hope that helps. Best of luck!
      Oliver

      Reply
  • Avatar for Angela Richard
    Angela Richard
    May 31, 2020, 9:32 am

    This would be something totally new for me. But I have always been told I have an actress voice. So I’m looking forward to try this and be great at it. Thank you for the informative information.

    Reply
  • Avatar for Samita mirza
    Samita mirza
    June 7, 2020, 11:48 pm

    I was using audacity ,but it stoped working and I am not able to download agin any help would be appreciated as it is easy to use for me

    Reply
    • Avatar for Oliver Skinner
      Oliver Skinner
      June 8, 2020, 3:47 pm

      Hi Samita,

      If you’d like to continue using Audacity, I’d reach out to the company directly and try to download the software again! If you’re in search of other free voice recording software, you may take to GarageBand, or you may alternatively decide to try out some of the other software we’ve outlined in this article (many offer limited free trials, or are relatively inexpensive).

      I hope that helps!
      Oliver

      Reply
  • Avatar for Voice Coach
    Voice Coach
    June 10, 2020, 9:07 am

    Great article. I also recently started creating voice tools.

    Reply
  • Avatar for Adab Jahangeer
    Adab Jahangeer
    June 21, 2020, 7:12 am

    Thank you so much to share such a fruitful information among us and it is very valuable for everyone.

    Reply
  • Avatar for Keisha Dennis Green
    Keisha Dennis Green
    August 5, 2020, 3:16 pm

    Great advice and insight. This helps to let me know which software is best for me. Thanks.

    Reply
  • Avatar for Akhilagadipalli
    Akhilagadipalli
    August 22, 2020, 9:54 am

    I have good voice in only telugu

    Reply
    • Avatar for Oliver Skinner
      Oliver Skinner
      August 24, 2020, 9:51 am

      Hey there,

      When you sign up for a Voices talent account, you’ll be able to list the fact that you’re a fluent Telugu-speaking voice actor directly on your profile.

      Reply
  • Avatar for Richard Fortin
    Richard Fortin
    February 8, 2021, 7:24 pm

    I think you can add Reaper too… perfect DAW for Audio editing… VST, VSTi compatible… for 60$… it’s a must!!!

    Reply
    • Avatar for John McCann
      John McCann
      October 6, 2021, 6:36 pm

      I completely agree !

      Reply
  • Avatar for Evelyn chappa cueva
    Evelyn chappa cueva
    April 3, 2021, 11:21 pm

    si desea una gran calidad vocal para sus demostraciones de locución profesional audiciones o incluso locución debe tener en cuenta algunas consideraciones en busca de la mejor solución de software para su situación y te podemos dar siete ideas que hacemos llegar para ayudarlos, si bien puede tener la tensión de ahorrar algo de dinero en su software de grabación de voz también puede preguntarse debería usar el paquete de Soto gratuito para grabaciones de mis archivos de audio cuando el software está disponible en forma gratuita algunos pueden naturalmente equiparse al precio o la falta del mismo con baja calidad sin embargo si usted quiere un programa calificativo sin costo muchos le podemos descargar fácilmente un aplicativo que nos ayuda en lo que es el mejoramiento de voz o el mejoramiento del audio o vídeo .

    Reply
  • Avatar for Fabian Vasquez Jr
    Fabian Vasquez Jr
    May 8, 2021, 3:03 pm

    I’m new to voice over work but, have been a musician/singer/songwriter/audio engeneer with a semi pro studio and have all the tools I need for getting started. However I use Presonus Studio One 5 professional, it’s really easy to use and dosent cost to much and has a 15$ a month subscription which has access to all of their software along with 3rd party plugins. Just need some advice and resources.

    Reply
  • Avatar for Dawn Bullard
    Dawn Bullard
    June 1, 2021, 1:41 am

    Hi everybody. My situation is a bit different. I purchased a refurbished CHROMEBOOK last spring to do audiobooks and I had tremendous difficulties finding compatible software. I had never purchased a laptop before and had no idea almost every software app was for MAC and Windows. Does anyone know of any software that’s compatible with CHROMEBOOK? PLEASE HELP ME. Thanks Voices community.

    Reply
    • Avatar for andrew
      andrew
      June 2, 2021, 1:27 pm

      Hi there, Dawn!

      Audacity should be compatible with a Chromebook based on my research.

      All the best,
      Andrew

      Reply
  • Avatar for John McCann
    John McCann
    October 6, 2021, 6:35 pm

    You may want to take a closer look at REAPER. $60 for life, free upgrades, and uses 90% less CPU than most every other software. It’s completely customizable and open source. It will run on any platform, saves everything you do even when you don’t and can use the ASIO for All driver. It’s fully MIDI capable and plug-in friendly. You can load two applications at once on different machines, and load a portable version on a thumb drive if needed. Did I mention $60 for LIFE !! Don’t misunderstand me, I have had great experiences with AA and PT, but this is the best value I’ve ever seen.

    Reply
    • Avatar for Niki Clark
      Niki Clark
      October 7, 2021, 4:13 pm

      Hey John,

      You’re totally right, Those are some fantastic points to consider. Reaper is a great program and we’ve seen a lot of talent making the shift recently. You also can’t beat the price, especially with a flat fee. We’ve seen it really come in handy when using custom scripts to automatically remove silence, separate files and sequentially name clips. This is really handy on sessions where you have hundreds or thousands of single word files to create.

      This blog is on the docket to be updated for next year and your mention of REAPER is on our radar!

      Thanks John!

      Best,

      Niki

      Reply
  • Avatar for AkiCha
    AkiCha
    October 14, 2021, 11:24 pm

    Hi, indeed Audacity is a great tool for editing and converting audio. I am also using an online audio recorder from Acethinker to save audio to my computer and corporate it to Audacity and it works wonders. What I love about your post is that you have provided a great tutorial. I will definitely try these amazing tools you have mention. Hope you can post more of this! 🙂

    Reply
    • Avatar for Niki Clark
      Niki Clark
      October 19, 2021, 8:36 am

      Hey there!

      Always love hearing from our readers about the other tools out there. Thanks for sharing about the one from Acethinker, I’ll have to look that one up!

      It’s our pleasure to bring this kind of content to you and because of comments like yours, we stay motivated in making sure that content about technology is always as current as possible.

      Best,

      Niki

      Reply
  • Avatar for jessie
    jessie
    July 6, 2022, 9:53 pm

    Sound Forge works the best for me and it’s also easy to use even if just a beginner. I have been using iMyVid Free Online Audio Recorder to record audio but I need a tool that can help me edit them. I would like to try the other tools that you’ve mentioned, especially Cubase. It looks fantastic!

    Reply
  • Avatar for Michael Havens
    Michael Havens
    July 15, 2022, 4:52 pm

    What is the best software for taking my hand written works and recording them which also transcribing them?

    Reply
    • Avatar for Tara Parachuk
      Tara Parachuk
      August 23, 2022, 3:33 pm

      Hi Michael. I’d recommend searching online for a software program and trying out a few different ones. This will allow you to determine which program best suits your needs. All the best in your search!

      Reply
  • Avatar for jahanzaib
    jahanzaib
    September 6, 2022, 2:10 am

    Avid Pro 2022.12 Tools Crack can create, document, blend, and document songs. It’s a very simple program that gives you the comfort of using this tool in a productive method

    Reply
  • Avatar for Darren Gedye
    Darren Gedye
    July 8, 2023, 5:43 pm

    Pro Tools First seems to have been replaced by Pro Tools Intro:
    https://www.avid.com/pro-tools/intro

    Reply