6 min read
Free audio tools every beginner video editor should try
You do not need to spend money to start editing clean audio. Here are the best free tools and resources for beginner video editors.
Professional sound does not require a professional budget when you are starting out. Many free tools cover the full workflow from recording and editing to finding music and sound effects. These are the tools we recommend to every beginner editor before they invest in paid software.
Audacity: the free editor
Audacity is the classic free audio editor. It records, cuts, applies EQ, reduces noise, and exports to WAV, MP3, FLAC, and more. It is perfect for cleaning up dialogue clips, removing breaths, and preparing audio before dropping it back into your video project. The interface is old but reliable.
Ocenaudio: simpler than Audacity
Ocenaudio is a lighter, more modern free editor. It is easier to use for quick tasks and has a real-time preview for effects. If Audacity feels overwhelming, Ocenaudio is a friendly alternative for simple editing and noise reduction.
Reaper: a generous trial
Reaper is technically paid, but the trial is fully functional and lasts for 60 days. After that, the license is very affordable. It is worth trying if you want to learn a real DAW without committing financially. Reaper is fast, customizable, and handles large video projects well.
YouTube Audio Library and free sound effects
YouTube Audio Library provides free music and sound effects for creators. BBC Sound Effects and Freesound offer large collections of sound effects with various licenses. Always check the license before using a sound in a commercial project.
Browser-based audio tools
Browser tools are great for quick conversions without installing software. Use them to extract audio from video, split a poly WAV, convert sample rate, merge mono files, or convert WAV to MP3. Because they run locally in the browser, they are also safe for confidential footage.