WaveLab vs Zrythm
WaveLab
steinberg.net
Zrythm
zrythm.orgSide by side
| Figure | WaveLab | Zrythm |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 3 | 10 |
| Spec score · Audio Editing Software | 9.1 (#4) | 8.5 (#21) |
| Free plan | No | Yes |
| Multitrack editing | Yes | Yes |
| Privacy | Steinberg says personal data is used in accordance with applicable data protection rules including the GDPR and German data protection laws. | The privacy policy says the software may contact zrythm.org at startup for release notifications and can send error reports after showing users the data before sending. |
| Support | Steinberg’s imprint says technical support is available only to registered users. | The site offers a community chat, forum, issue reporting, and contribution channels for code, bug reports, feature requests and translation. |
| Supported platforms | Windows, macOS | GNU/Linux, Windows, macOS |
| Third-party plugins | Yes | Yes |
Plans
WaveLab
- WaveLab LEFree
- WaveLab Elements 13$99.99, paid once
- WaveLab Pro 13$499.99, paid once
Zrythm
- BasicPriced on request
- Snapshot£14, paid once
- Snapshot£14 a month
- Bundle£24, paid once
- Bundle£24 a month
- Subscription£38 a year
- BasicFree
- Snapshot$19, paid once
- Bundle$31, paid once
- Subscription$50 a year
In their own words
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.
Zrythm
Zrythm is a digital audio workstation for GNU/Linux, Windows, and macOS, with multitrack editing, MIDI sequencing, recording, automation, and mixing. Its editing tool can move, resize, clone, link, loop, delete, and cut objects. Automation can control parameters such as project BPM and time signature using lines, curves, CV signals, or envelopes. It records audio and MIDI from devices or other apps through JACK, with punch in/out and multiple takes. Mixing features include group tracks, aux sends to FX tracks, plugin sidechain inputs, and in-context listening. Supported plugins include LV2, VST2, VST3, AU, CLAP, and JSFX; SFZ and SF2 soundfonts are also supported. It imports and exports audio formats supported by libsndfile, with additional MP3 import, and exports MIDI Type 0 or Type 1. Automatic backups and saved undo history are available. Zrythm is released under the GNU Affero General Public License, version 3. A free Basic plan lists 25 tracks; paid options start at £14 a month billed Purchase.