Sound Forge vs WavePad
Sound Forge
soundforge.comWavePad
nch.com.auSide by side
| Figure | Sound Forge | WavePad |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | $3.33/mo |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | — | Yes |
| iOS | — | Yes |
| Android | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 8 | 8 |
| Spec score · Audio Editing Software | 7.7 (#76) | 9.2 (#3) |
| Batch processing | Batch processing can apply effects to multiple files while the user works on something else. | Batch tools apply effects or convert thousands of files in one operation. |
| Editing | It supports waveform editing down to the sample level and familiar cut, copy, and paste operations. | Editing tools include cut, copy, paste, trim, compression and pitch shifting. |
| Free plan | No | Yes |
| Headquarters | Boston, Massachusetts, United States | Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia |
| Noise reduction | Yes | Yes |
| Purpose | Sound Forge is audio software for recording, editing, adding effects, and mastering audio. | WavePad records and edits music, voice and other audio recordings. |
| Support | Boris FX support lists help topics for Sound Forge and support hours of Monday through Friday, 4:00am to 6:00pm EST. | NCH provides WavePad video tutorials, a help manual, FAQ, forum and technical support contact. |
| Supported platforms | Windows | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android |
| Third-party plugins | Yes | Yes |
Plans
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
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
Sound Forge
Sound Forge has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.
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.