openDAW vs WaveLab
openDAW
opendaw.org
WaveLab
steinberg.netSide by side
| Figure | openDAW | WaveLab |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | — |
| Windows | — | Yes |
| macOS | — | Yes |
| Self-hosted | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 1 | 3 |
| Spec score · Audio Editing Software | 8.0 (#51) | 9.1 (#4) |
| Free plan | Yes | No |
| Intended users | The maker presents openDAW for students, teachers and schools, including hands-on music production and learning to code audio. | Steinberg describes WaveLab LE as suited to hobby musicians, home studio owners, freelancers, and podcasters. |
| Multitrack editing | Yes | Yes |
| Privacy | The education page says openDAW requires no account and that schools can keep student work within their own institution's control. | Steinberg says personal data is used in accordance with applicable data protection rules including the GDPR and German data protection laws. |
| Support | The maker invites users to discuss features and updates on Discord and offers personal tours by appointment. | Steinberg’s imprint says technical support is available only to registered users. |
| Supported platforms | Web browser | Windows, macOS |
Plans
WaveLab
- WaveLab LEFree
- WaveLab Elements 13$99.99, paid once
- WaveLab Pro 13$499.99, paid once
In their own words
WaveLab
WaveLab is an audio mastering and editing suite for Windows and macOS. Its tools cover audio editing, audio montage, batch processing, and spectral editing, with multitrack editing, noise reduction, and video synchronization also listed. It supports VST 3 plug-ins from other manufacturers. The edition comparison lists podcasting integrations with SoundCloud, Spreaker, Podbean, Buzzsprout, and Castos, and says Pro and Elements can replace audio in video.
WaveLab Pro 13 includes Dolby Atmos mastering tools for ADM file editing, loudness control, and album assembly. It supports sample rates up to 384 kHz and more than 1,000 audio tracks; Elements 13 supports up to 96 kHz and eight tracks. Downloads are listed for Windows 10 64-bit version 22H2 or newer, Windows 11 version 24H2 or newer, and macOS 14, 15, or 26. The pricing note is From $99.99 · 60-day trial. A free WaveLab LE copy is available with qualifying hardware and a Download Access Code. The Pro trial requires signing in or creating a Steinberg ID.