Soundtrap vs WaveLab
Soundtrap
soundtrap.com
WaveLab
steinberg.netSide by side
| Figure | Soundtrap | WaveLab |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| iOS | Yes | — |
| Android | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 6 | 3 |
| Spec score · Audio Editing Software | 9.0 (#6) | 9.1 (#4) |
| Founded | 2013 | 1984 |
| Free plan | Yes | No |
| Headquarters | Stockholm, Sweden | Hamburg, Germany |
| Integrations | Soundtrap supports MIDI export to Flat.io and Noteflight; education integrations include tools such as Canvas, Schoology, Clever, ClassLink, and Skolon, depending on plan. | WaveLab supports third-party VST3 plug-ins, external audio editors and hardware devices, and WaveLab Pro can operate as an ARA extension in compatible applications. |
| Multitrack editing | Yes | Yes |
| Support | The Education School plan includes chat and email support with a dedicated support team. | Steinberg’s imprint says technical support is available only to registered users. |
| Supported platforms | Web browser, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android | Windows, macOS |
Plans
Soundtrap
- Soundtrap BasicFree
- Music ProductionPrice not published
- Production & VocalsPrice not published
- Sound StarterPrice not published
- Soundtrap for EducationPrice not published
- Vocals & SongwritingPrice not published
WaveLab
- WaveLab LEFree
- WaveLab Elements 13$99.99, paid once
- WaveLab Pro 13$499.99, paid once
In their own words
Soundtrap
Soundtrap is a cloud-based digital audio workstation for creating music and podcasts, available in a browser and on Windows, macOS, iOS and Android. The studio includes vocal and mixing tools, virtual instruments, a MIDI editor, and royalty-free loops and samples. Users can edit multitrack projects, sequence MIDI and use noise reduction. Collaboration includes real-time video and chat, comments on shared projects and autosave. Soundtrap says its library has up to 24,000+ loops and hundreds of presets, with new sound packs added every two weeks. A free account allows users to create and save projects and use selected free loops, instruments, drum kits and studio tools; some sounds and features require a paid plan. Soundtrap for Education is designed for students and teachers, and integrates with services including Google Classroom, Microsoft Teams, Canvas and Schoology. Educators can try it free for 30 days without providing payment details upfront. Browser support includes current Chrome, Firefox, Edge and Safari, though some audio features may not work fully in every browser and operating system, and recording may have higher latency. Mobile apps do not include automation or MIDI input.
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.