LUNA vs WavePad
LUNA
uaudio.comWavePad
nch.com.auSide by side
| Figure | LUNA | WavePad |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $12.42/mo | $3.33/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | — | Yes |
| Android | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 5 | 8 |
| Spec score · Audio Editing Software | 8.5 (#18) | 9.2 (#3) |
| Founded | 1958 | 1993 |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Headquarters | Scotts Valley, California, United States | Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia |
| Support | Universal Audio provides a LUNA Knowledge Base with the online manual and downloadable PDF manual. | NCH provides WavePad video tutorials, a help manual, FAQ, forum and technical support contact. |
| System requirements | LUNA supports macOS Big Sur 11 through Tahoe 26 and 64-bit Windows 10 or Windows 11, and requires 600 MB of available system storage. | The product page lists Windows 7 through 11 and macOS 10.5 or later; mobile requirements are iOS 12 or later and Android 5.0 or later. |
| What it does | LUNA is Universal Audio’s digital audio workstation for recording, producing, and mixing music. | WavePad records and edits music, voice and other audio files with cutting, pasting, effects and format conversion. |
Plans
LUNA
- LUNA FreeFree
- LUNA Studio$199 a month
- UAD Spark Studio$149 a year
- UAD Spark Studio$149 a year
- LUNA Studio$199, paid once
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
LUNA
LUNA is Universal Audio’s digital audio workstation for recording, producing, and mixing music. It runs on macOS and 64-bit Windows 10 or 11 and supports VST3 and AU plug-ins and virtual instruments. Its smart tools include tempo and instrument detection, voice control, stem separation, audio-to-MIDI, lyric transcription, and chord extraction, though some require LUNA Studio. LUNA Play detects an instrument, sets levels, and suggests presets. The software works with any audio interface; Apollo and Volt have deeper integration, and Apollo supports real-time tracking with UAD plug-ins, Unison preamp technology, and Accelerated Realtime Monitoring. LUNA Studio adds API, Studer, and Ampex console or tape extensions, hardware inserts, and six ARA plug-ins. LUNA Free is free. Listed paid plans are LUNA Studio at $199 a month and UAD Spark Studio at $149 a year, billed annually. Installation requires free Universal Audio and iLok accounts, UA Connect, and iLok License Manager. LUNA needs 600 MB of available system storage.
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.