openDAW vs WavePad
openDAW
opendaw.orgWavePad
nch.com.auSide by side
| Figure | openDAW | WavePad |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | $3.33/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | — |
| Windows | — | Yes |
| macOS | — | Yes |
| iOS | — | Yes |
| Android | — | Yes |
| Self-hosted | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 1 | 8 |
| Spec score · Audio Editing Software | 8.0 (#51) | 9.2 (#3) |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Integration | Schools can connect openDAW to their own Nextcloud server to store and sync student projects on institution-controlled infrastructure. | The product page says WavePad integrates with NCH's MixPad Multi-Track Audio Mixer. |
| Noise reduction | Yes | Yes |
| Privacy | The education page says openDAW requires no account and that schools can keep student work within their own institution's control. | NCH's privacy policy says it does not store credit card information and uses SSL to encrypt personal information in transit on its site. |
| Support | The maker invites users to discuss features and updates on Discord and offers personal tours by appointment. | NCH provides WavePad video tutorials, a help manual, FAQ, forum and technical support contact. |
| Supported platforms | Web browser | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android |
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
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.