Pro Tools vs Sound Forge
Pro Tools
avid.com
Sound Forge
soundforge.comSide by side
| Figure | Pro Tools | Sound Forge |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | — |
| Free plan | Yes | — |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 25 | 8 |
| Spec score · Audio Editing Software | 9.2 (#2) | 7.7 (#76) |
| Editing | Editing tools include Slip, Grid, Shuffle, and Spot modes, Elastic Audio, clip gain, pitch manipulation, and audio-to-MIDI conversion. | It supports waveform editing down to the sample level and familiar cut, copy, and paste operations. |
| Free plan | Yes | No |
| Multitrack editing | Yes | No |
| Noise reduction | Yes | Yes |
| Purpose | Pro Tools is a digital audio workstation for recording, editing, and mixing audio. | Sound Forge is audio software for recording, editing, adding effects, and mastering audio. |
| Support | Users can get help through community support, and those with an active support contract, subscription, or Avid Support Code can create a support case or call Avid. | Boris FX support lists help topics for Sound Forge and support hours of Monday through Friday, 4:00am to 6:00pm EST. |
| Supported platforms | Windows, macOS | Windows |
| Third-party plugins | Yes | Yes |
Plans
Pro Tools
- IntroPrice not published
- IntroPriced on request
- Artist$9.99 a month
- Pro Tools Artist$9.99 a month
- Pro Tools Studio$34.99 a month
- Artist$99 a year
- Studio$34.99 a month
- Pro Tools Ultimate$99 a month
- Studio$299 a year
- Ultimate$99 a month
Sound Forge
- Sound Forge monthly subscriptionPrice not published
- Sound Forge annual subscriptionPrice not published
- Sound Forge upgrade & support planPrice not published
- Sound Forge perpetual licensePrice not published
- Sound Forge Plus monthly subscriptionPrice not published
- Sound Forge Plus annual subscriptionPrice not published
- Sound Forge Plus upgrade & support planPrice not published
- Sound Forge Plus perpetual licensePrice not published
In their own words
Pro Tools
Pro Tools is a digital audio workstation for recording, editing and mixing audio on Windows and macOS. It includes MIDI tools, virtual instruments, samples and arrangement features for music production. Recording options include loop recording, playlist comping, punch-in recording and support for up to 256 simultaneous audio inputs. Editing tools include Elastic Audio, clip gain, pitch manipulation and audio-to-MIDI conversion, alongside Slip, Grid, Shuffle and Spot modes. Mixing features include automation, flexible routing, folder tracks and plugins, with spatial rendering for Dolby Atmos and Audio Vivid. Studio and Ultimate include video tracks and timecode for sound-to-picture work. Intro is free forever and lists up to 8 audio, instrument and MIDI tracks. Artist costs $9.99 a month, Studio costs $34.99 a month and Ultimate costs $99 a month. Avid specifies 16 GB RAM, 15 GB free installation space and an internet connection for installation and activation. Community support is available; direct support cases or calls require an active support contract, subscription or Avid Support Code.
Sound Forge
Sound Forge has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.