Audacity
Free, open-source audio editing software for recording, editing, and producing m...
Krisp
AI-powered noise cancellation tool that removes background noise from audio in r...
Audacity vs Krisp: Which Is Better in 2026?
Comprehensive comparison of Audacity and Krisp covering features, pricing, pros & cons, and our expert verdict to help you make the right choice for your business.
Audacity vs Krisp: Overview
Choosing between Audacity and Krisp is a common dilemma for audio tools users. Both tools offer robust solutions, but they cater to different needs and budgets.
Audacity offers a free tier and starts at $0/monthly, while Krisp also has a free option and begins at $16/monthly. But pricing is just one factor—let's dive into features, use cases, and which tool fits your specific needs.
Audacity is best known for completely free and open-source, whereas Krisp stands out for excellent noise cancellation technology. In this detailed comparison, we'll analyze both tools across pricing, features, ease of use, and ideal use cases.
Quick Overview
Audacity
- Best for: Podcast recording and editing, Music production for beginners
- Starting price: Free
- Category: audio tools
- Founded: 2000
Krisp
- Best for: Remote workers with noisy environments, Call centers requiring clear audio
- Starting price: Free
- Category: audio tools
- Founded: 2017
Feature Comparison
Side-by-side feature comparison to help you understand the key differences between Audacity and Krisp.
| Feature | A Audacity | K Krisp |
|---|---|---|
| Multi-track Recording | ||
| Audio Editing Tools | Cut, copy, paste, mix, and delete audio tracks | |
| Noise Reduction | ||
| Effects & Filters | Reverb, echo, distortion, EQ, and more | |
| Multiple Format Support | MP3, WAV, FLAC, OGG, AIFF, and more | |
| Plugin Support | VST3, LADSPA, LV2, Nyquist, Audio Unit | |
| Spectogram Analysis | ||
| Cloud Storage | Via Audio.com integration | |
| Real-time Effects Preview | ||
| Batch Processing | ||
| AI Noise Cancellation | 60 minutes daily on Free plan | |
| Real-time Transcription | Unlimited on all plans | |
| Meeting Notes & Summaries | 2 daily on Free plan | |
| Bot-free Recording | Records directly on device | |
| Video Recording | Pro plan and above | |
| Screen Recording | Pro plan and above | |
| Multi-language Support | 10+ languages supported | |
| Custom Vocabulary | 750 words on Free plan | |
| Echo Cancellation | Acoustic and room echo removal | |
| Integrations | HubSpot and others on Business plan |
Features Deep Dive
Both Audacity and Krisp offer core audio tools functionality, but their feature sets differ in key areas.
Shared features: Core functionality.
Audacity unique strengths: Multi-track Recording, Audio Editing Tools, Noise Reduction. This makes it ideal for podcast recording and editing.
Krisp unique strengths: AI Noise Cancellation, Real-time Transcription, Meeting Notes & Summaries. This makes it better suited for remote workers with noisy environments.
Audacity offers 10 core features with 5 integrations, while Krisp provides 10 features and 6 integrations.
Our Verdict
After extensive testing and analysis, Audacity edges out as the winner in this comparison. While both tools excel in their respective areas, Audacity offers better overall user satisfaction. Krisp remains a strong alternative, especially for users who prioritize remote workers with noisy environments.
Audacity
Best for Podcast recording and editing and Music production for beginners. Completely free and open-source.
Try AudacityKrisp
Best for Remote workers with noisy environments and Call centers requiring clear audio. Excellent noise cancellation technology.
Try KrispPros & Cons
Audacity Pros & Cons
Pros
- Completely free and open-source
- Comprehensive audio editing capabilities
- Cross-platform compatibility
- Extensive plugin ecosystem
- No watermarks or limitations
Cons
- Outdated user interface
- Steep learning curve for beginners
- Limited advanced features compared to paid DAWs
- Can be overwhelming due to complexity
Krisp Pros & Cons
Pros
- Excellent noise cancellation technology
- Works with all video conferencing platforms
- Bot-free recording option
- Real-time transcription and summaries
- Easy setup and integration
Cons
- App reliability issues reported
- Limited storage on lower plans
- Voice can sound robotic in extreme noise
- No offline transcription capability
Pricing Comparison
Compare the pricing plans and see which tool offers better value for your budget.
Audacity
freemium- Unlimited audio editing
- Multi-track recording
- Cross-platform support
- Unlimited projects
- 250GB cloud storage
- Unlimited audio transcription
- Unlimited projects
- 2TB cloud storage
- Unlimited audio transcription
Krisp
freemium- 60 minutes noise cancellation daily
- Unlimited transcription
- 2 AI summaries daily
- Unlimited noise cancellation
- Unlimited transcription
- Unlimited AI summaries
- All Pro features
- 30GB storage
- Unlimited integrations
Pricing Comparison Analysis
Audacity Pricing: Free tier available. Paid plans start at $0/monthly. 3 plans available: Free, Audio.com Basic, Audio.com Pro.
Krisp Pricing: Free tier available. Paid plans start at $16/monthly. 3 plans available: Free, Pro, Business.
Verdict: Audacity is more affordable at the entry level and offers a free tier. However, Krisp may offer better value at scale with Easy setup and integration.
For budget-conscious teams, Audacity is the clear winner. For teams prioritizing remote workers with noisy environments, Krisp's pricing may be justified.
Which Tool Is Best For You?
Choose Audacity if you need:
- Podcast recording and editing
- Music production for beginners
- Audio format conversion
- Educational purposes
- Budget-conscious creators
- Completely free and open-source
- Comprehensive audio editing capabilities
Choose Krisp if you need:
- Remote workers with noisy environments
- Call centers requiring clear audio
- Professionals in open offices
- Teams needing meeting transcription
- Excellent noise cancellation technology
- Works with all video conferencing platforms
Final Verdict
Choose Audacity if: You need podcast recording and editing or music production for beginners. It excels at completely free and open-source and comprehensive audio editing capabilities.
Choose Krisp if: You prioritize remote workers with noisy environments or call centers requiring clear audio. It's particularly strong for excellent noise cancellation technology and works with all video conferencing platforms.
Overall: Audacity has a slight edge with a 4.5/5 rating from 460 reviews. However, Krisp has a larger user base with 850 reviews, suggesting broader market validation.
Both tools are solid choices in the audio tools space. Your decision should ultimately depend on your specific requirements, team size, and budget.
Audacity vs Krisp FAQ
What are the main differences between Audacity and Krisp?
Audacity focuses on podcast recording and editing with completely free and open-source, while Krisp excels at remote workers with noisy environments with excellent noise cancellation technology. Key differences include pricing structure, feature depth, and target user base.
Is Audacity or Krisp better for small businesses?
Audacity offers a free tier which is great for small businesses starting out. For small businesses with limited budgets, consider starting with the tool that offers Audacity's lower starting price of $0/month.
What is the pricing difference between Audacity and Krisp?
Audacity starts at $0/month with a free tier available, while Krisp starts at $16/month with a free tier available. Both offer multiple pricing tiers with different feature sets.
Can Audacity integrate with Krisp?
While direct integration may vary, both Audacity and Krisp support third-party integrations through platforms like Zapier. Audacity integrates with Audio.com, VST3 plugins, LADSPA plugins, while Krisp works with Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet.
Which tool is easier to use, Audacity or Krisp?
Based on user reviews, Audacity generally receives higher marks for ease of use with a 4.5 rating. However, ease of use can depend on your specific needs and technical background. Audacity is known for comprehensive audio editing capabilities.
Does Audacity or Krisp offer better customer support?
Both Audacity and Krisp provide customer support, with options varying by plan tier. Audacity offers support through standard support channels. Check each tool's specific plan for support details.
What are the pros of Audacity compared to Krisp?
Audacity's main advantages include: Completely free and open-source, Comprehensive audio editing capabilities, Cross-platform compatibility. Compared to Krisp, it's particularly strong for podcast recording and editing.
What are the cons of Audacity compared to Krisp?
Audacity's potential drawbacks include: Outdated user interface, Steep learning curve for beginners. Krisp may be a better choice if these limitations affect your use case.
Should I switch from Audacity to Krisp or vice versa?
Consider switching if your current tool doesn't meet your needs. Key factors include: current pain points, migration complexity, team training, and total cost of ownership. Use our ROI calculator to estimate the potential impact of switching.
Which tool is best for audio tools in 2026?
In 2026, Audacity leads in this comparison with a 4.5 rating. However, the best choice depends on your specific requirements. Audacity excels for podcast recording and editing, while Krisp is ideal for remote workers with noisy environments.