Editing audio on Ubuntu 24.04 is a breeze with the right software, whether you’re a podcaster, musician, or sound engineer.
In 2025, Ubuntu offers a rich lineup of free, powerful audio editors to cut, mix, and enhance tracks with precision.
This guide ranks the top 10 audio editing tools available, perfect for beginners and pros alike.
Ready to elevate your audio projects? Let’s explore the best options.
Best Audio Editors on Ubuntu 24.04
1. Audacity
Audacity is a free, open-source audio editor that excels at everything from basic cuts to multi-track projects. Its simple interface and vast plugin ecosystem make it a go-to for Ubuntu users. [Learn More]
- Multi-track editing and recording
- Supports MP3, WAV, and more formats
- Rich effects library with plugin support
- Active community updates
🎵 Download Audacity | Install:
sudo apt install audacity
2. Ardour
Ardour is a professional-grade DAW for recording, editing, and mixing, ideal for audio engineers and musicians. Its robust features and plugin support shine on Ubuntu. [Learn More]
- Unlimited multi-track recording
- VST, AU, LV2 plugin support
- Advanced automation and mixing
- Regular stability updates
🎚️ Download Ardour | Install:
sudo apt install ardour
3. LMMS
LMMS is a free DAW for music production, offering samples, instruments, and effects. It’s perfect for producers of all levels on Ubuntu.
- VST instrument compatibility
- Built-in samples and presets
- Graphical song editor
- Cross-platform versatility
🎶 Download LMMS | Install:
sudo apt install lmms
4. Mixxx
Mixxx is a free DJ tool with advanced mixing features, ideal for live sessions or polished recordings on Ubuntu.
- Real-time effects and mixing
- BPM detection and sync
- MIDI and vinyl support
- Frequent updates
🎧 Download Mixxx | Install:
sudo apt install mixxx
5. Reaper
Reaper is a versatile DAW with pro-level editing and mixing tools. While not fully free (trial available), it’s highly customizable for Ubuntu pros.
- Wide plugin support (VST, AU)
- Fully customizable interface
- Stable with frequent updates
- Cross-platform compatibility
🎼 Download Reaper | Install: (Download .tar.xz from site, extract, run)
6. MuseScore
MuseScore is a free, open-source tool for music notation and composition, perfect for musicians and educators on Ubuntu.
- Advanced sheet music editing
- MIDI keyboard input
- Multi-format export
- Community-driven updates
🎵 Download MuseScore | Install:
sudo apt install musescore3
7. Qtractor
Qtractor is a free DAW balancing simplicity and power, great for multi-track audio and MIDI sequencing on Ubuntu.
- Multi-track audio and MIDI
- Wide plugin support
- Beginner-friendly learning curve
- Active development
🎚️ Download Qtractor | Install:
sudo apt install qtractor
8. Waveform Free
Waveform Free is a full-featured, free DAW with editing and mixing tools, ideal for music production on Ubuntu.
- Comprehensive editing features
- VST plugin support
- Advanced mixing tools
- Regular updates
🎹 Download Waveform Free | Install: (Download .deb from site)
9. Hydrogen
Hydrogen is a free drum machine with pattern-based sequencing, perfect for crafting beats on Ubuntu.
- Pattern-based drum sequencing
- Sample-based synthesis
- Rich sound library
- Active maintenance
🥁 Download Hydrogen | Install:
sudo apt install hydrogen
10. Ocenaudio
Ocenaudio is a fast, free audio editor with real-time previews, great for quick edits on Ubuntu.
- Real-time effect previews
- Handles large audio files
- Simple, intuitive design
- Regularly updated
🎙️ Download Ocenaudio | Install: (Download .deb from site)
FAQ: Top Audio Editing Software on Ubuntu
1. Can I use professional audio editors on Ubuntu? Yes, tools like Ardour and Reaper offer pro-grade features for recording and mixing.
2. Are these editors free? Most are open-source and free (e.g., Audacity, LMMS), though Reaper has a trial with optional purchase.
3. Do I need powerful hardware? Basic edits run on modest specs, but complex projects benefit from 4GB+ RAM and a decent CPU.
4. Can I export in multiple formats? Yes, all support MP3, WAV, OGG, and more for broad compatibility.
5. Are there options for beginners and pros? Absolutely—Audacity suits newbies, while Ardour and Reaper cater to pros.
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