- 1Runs onLinux, Mac, Windows
- 2Costspaid from $1/mo
- 3Supported platformsLinux, macOS, Windows
- 4Multitrack editingYes
- 5MIDI sequencingYes
- 6Third-party pluginsYes
- 7Video synchronizationYes
Overview
Ardour is an open-source workstation for recording, editing, mixing and mastering audio and MIDI projects on Linux, macOS and Windows. It supports any number of tracks and busses, along with unlimited undo and redo. Signal connections can be one-to-many, many-to-one or many-to-many. Supported plugin formats include AudioUnit, LV2, VST2/VST3 and LADSPA; plugins also support sample-accurate automation and MIDI Learn. MIDI synchronization options include MIDI timecode, MIDI Machine Control, MIDI clock and JACK transport sync. Ardour can import one video, display a thumbnail timeline, synchronize audio and export video. Users can search for and import audio or MIDI from Freesound. The software is licensed under GNU GPL v2, allowing users to copy, share and modify it without payment. Optional subscriptions support development and include unlimited updates while active. Monthly subscriptions are 1.00 USD per month, 4.00 USD per month, 10.00 USD per month or 50.00 USD per month; an annual subscription is 120.00 USD per year.
Who it is for
Ardour suits users producing audio and MIDI projects who need recording, editing, mixing or mastering across Linux, macOS or Windows. Its plugin, synchronization and video features also suit workflows that use those capabilities.
What is good
- Runs on Linux, macOS and Windows.
- Supports unlimited tracks and busses.
- Supports AudioUnit, LV2, VST2/VST3 and LADSPA plugins.
- Includes unlimited undo and redo.
- Can synchronize audio to an imported video.
What to know first
- Video workflow supports importing one video.
- Unlimited updates are included while subscribed.
- Subscriptions are managed through PayPal.
Verdict
Ardour offers a broad audio and MIDI workflow with plugin, routing and synchronization support across three desktop platforms. It can be used without payment under its open-source license, while optional subscriptions fund development and provide updates during the subscription.
Ardour plans and pricing
All plansCompared on audio editing software
- Free plan
- Yescommunity.ardour.org
- Paid from
- $1/mocommunity.ardour.org
- Supported platforms
- Linux, macOS, Windowscommunity.ardour.org
- Multitrack editing
- Yescommunity.ardour.org
- MIDI sequencing
- Yescommunity.ardour.org
- Third-party plugins
- Yescommunity.ardour.org
- Video synchronization
- Yescommunity.ardour.org
Facts
- Open Source
- Ardour is an open-source collaborative project licensed under the GNU Public License v2.ardour.org · 27 Sept 2026
- Free Use
- Users are not obligated to pay and may copy, share, and modify Ardour.community.ardour.org · 27 Sept 2026
- Subscriber Updates
- Subscribers receive unlimited updates while they remain subscribers.community.ardour.org · 27 Sept 2026
- Payment Billing
- Subscriptions are managed through PayPal, with one retry if a monthly payment fails.community.ardour.org · 27 Sept 2026
- Audio MIDI Workflows
- Ardour supports recording, editing, mixing, and mastering audio and MIDI projects.ardour.org · 27 Sept 2026
- Tracks And Busses
- Ardour supports any number of tracks and busses.ardour.org · 27 Sept 2026
- Undo Redo
- The editor provides unlimited undo and redo.ardour.org · 27 Sept 2026
- Plugin Formats
- Supported plugin formats include AudioUnit, LV2, VST2/VST3, and LADSPA.ardour.org · 27 Sept 2026
- Plugin Automation
- Plugins support full sample-accurate automation and MIDI Learn control.ardour.org · 27 Sept 2026
- Signal Routing
- Connections can be one-to-many, many-to-one, or many-to-many.ardour.org · 27 Sept 2026
- Video Timeline
- Ardour can import one video, display a thumbnail timeline, sync audio, and export video.ardour.org · 27 Sept 2026
- MIDI Synchronization
- Ardour supports MIDI timecode, MIDI Machine Control, MIDI clock, and JACK transport sync.ardour.org · 27 Sept 2026
- Freesound Access
- Users can import audio or MIDI from the Freesound database and search it within Ardour.ardour.org · 27 Sept 2026
- Support Channels
- Support includes documentation, tutorials, bug tracking, email, forums, IRC, Matrix, and social channels.ardour.org · 27 Sept 2026
- Development Funding
- Subscriptions fund feature development, bug fixes, documentation, equipment, and developer meetings.community.ardour.org · 27 Sept 2026
Company
- Headquarters
- Galisteo, New Mexico, United Statesardour.org · 28 Sept 2026
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Is Ardour yours?
Claim it for free: prove the domain, then correct facts, plans and screenshots. An editor reviews every change.
Sources
- ardour.org· checked 27 Sept 2026
- community.ardour.org/subscribe· checked 27 Sept 2026