OpenStudio vs WaveLab
OpenStudio
openstudio.org.in
WaveLab
steinberg.netSide by side
| Figure | OpenStudio | WaveLab |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 1 | 3 |
| Spec score · Audio Editing Software | 8.1 (#40) | 9.1 (#4) |
| Documentation | The maker provides guides for setup, recording, MIDI, mixing, plugins, NAM Rack, pitch editing, rendering, AI tools, and scripting. | WaveLab help is available online at steinberg.help, with platform-independent documentation covering Windows and macOS workflows, setup, audio connections and editing concepts. |
| Free plan | Yes | No |
| Multitrack editing | Yes | Yes |
| Privacy | The maker says project files, audio, presets, and exports stay on the user's device, and the standard local AI workflow does not upload audio to external servers. | Steinberg says personal data is used in accordance with applicable data protection rules including the GDPR and German data protection laws. |
| Support | Security issues can be reported to [email protected], with an initial response target described as best-effort, typically within seven days. | Steinberg’s imprint says technical support is available only to registered users. |
| Supported platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux | Windows, macOS |
| System requirements | The download page lists Windows 10+, macOS 12+, or Ubuntu 22.04+ as minimum supported operating systems. | The current product page lists Windows 10 22H2 or newer, Windows 11 24H2 or newer, macOS 14–26, four or more CPU cores, 8 GB RAM, 2 GB core-install space and a 1440×900 minimum display. |
| Third-party plugins | Yes | Yes |
Plans
WaveLab
- WaveLab LEFree
- WaveLab Elements 13$99.99, paid once
- WaveLab Pro 13$499.99, paid once
In their own words
OpenStudio
OpenStudio has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.
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.