GarageBand vs WavePad
GarageBand
apple.comWavePad
nch.com.auSide by side
| Figure | GarageBand | WavePad |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | $3.33/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | — | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 2 | 8 |
| Spec score · Audio Editing Software | 8.4 (#22) | 9.2 (#3) |
| Editing tools | Mac recording tools include Flex Time, Groove Track, multi-take recording, audio effect plug-ins, compression, and visual EQ. | Core editing includes cut, copy, paste, delete, insert, silence, auto-trim, compression and pitch shifting. |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Integrations | Logic Remote on iPad can control GarageBand on Mac, play software instruments, adjust Smart Controls, and control recording. | Official pages describe MixPad integration and DirectX and VST DLL plug-in support. |
| Noise reduction | Yes | Yes |
| Privacy | The Mac App Store listing says the app may collect a user ID for app functionality and that this data is not linked to the user. | NCH's privacy policy says it does not store credit card information and uses SSL to encrypt personal information in transit on its site. |
| Purpose | GarageBand is a music creation studio for playing, recording, editing, mixing, and sharing music. | WavePad records and edits music, voice and other audio recordings. |
| Support | Apple offers support by phone or chat and provides online answers through Apple Support. | NCH provides WavePad video tutorials, a help manual, FAQ, forum and technical support contact. |
| Supported platforms | macOS, iPhone, iPad | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android |
| Third-party plugins | Yes | Yes |
Plans
WavePad
- Master's Edition Annual Plan$99 a year
- Standard Edition Annual Plan$60 a year
- Master's Edition Quarterly Plan$16.50 a month
- Free versionFree
- WavePad Free VersionFree
- Master's Edition Quarterly Plan$21.48 a month
- Standard Edition Annual Plan$39.95 a year
- Master's Edition Annual Plan$69.95 a year
In their own words
GarageBand
GarageBand is a music creation studio for playing, recording, editing, mixing, and sharing music on Mac, iPhone, and iPad. The Mac version includes a sound library of instruments, guitar and voice presets, and session drummers and percussionists. It offers 28 drummers and three percussionists across six genres, and can create and mix up to 255 audio tracks. Recording tools include Flex Time, Groove Track, multi-take recording, audio effect plug-ins, compression, and visual EQ. Guitar and piano lessons cover 40 genres and provide real-time feedback. On iPad, Logic Remote can control GarageBand on Mac, play software instruments, adjust Smart Controls, and manage recording. iCloud can bring tracks and song ideas between iOS devices and Mac. The iOS version supports up to 32 tracks and Audio Unit Extensions for compatible third-party instruments and effects. Sharing options include email and social networks; iOS also supports AirDrop, while Mac users can save tracks as ringtones or export them to the Music app library. GarageBand is free: free.
WavePad
WavePad records and edits music, voice, and other audio on Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. Its editing tools include cut, copy, paste, trim, compression, and pitch shifting, while effects include echo, amplification, and equalization. Restoration tools reduce noise and remove clicks and pops. The software supports more than 50 formats, including MP3, WAV, FLAC, OGG, AAC, and M4A. Batch processing can apply effects or convert thousands of files in one operation. WavePad supports sample rates from 6 to 192 kHz, in stereo or mono and at 8, 16, 24, or 32 bits. It also supports DirectX and VST plugins, though the Standard Edition excludes VST support and the SFX Library. The maker lists podcast and radio editing, voiceovers, ringtone creation, and audio restoration as typical uses. The free version costs nothing, is for non-commercial use, and does not expire. It enables additional Master's Edition features for a 14-day trial after installation. Paid options include $60 a year for Standard Edition and $99 a year for Master's Edition.