Pro Tools vs WavePad
Pro Tools
avid.comWavePad
nch.com.auSide by side
| Figure | Pro Tools | WavePad |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | $3.33/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | — | Yes |
| Android | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 25 | 8 |
| Spec score · Audio Editing Software | 9.2 (#2) | 9.2 (#3) |
| Spec score · Audio editors | 9.1 (#1) | 8.8 (#4) |
| Spec score · Game Audio Editors | 8.7 (#3) | 8.5 (#5) |
| Editing | Editing tools include Slip, Grid, Shuffle, and Spot modes, Elastic Audio, clip gain, pitch manipulation, and audio-to-MIDI conversion. | Editing tools include cut, copy, paste, trim, compression and pitch shifting. |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Noise reduction | Yes | Yes |
| Purpose | Pro Tools is a digital audio workstation for recording, editing, and mixing audio. | WavePad records and edits music, voice and other audio recordings. |
| 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. | NCH provides WavePad video tutorials, a help manual, FAQ, forum and technical support contact. |
| Supported platforms | Windows, macOS | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android |
| System requirements | Avid specifies 16 GB RAM, an internet connection for installation and activation, and 15 GB free installation space. | 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. |
| 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
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
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.
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.