Krisp
AI-powered noise cancellation tool that removes background noise from audio in r...
Audacity
Free, open-source audio editing software for recording, editing, and producing m...
Krisp vs Audacity: Which Is Better in 2026?
Comprehensive comparison of Krisp and Audacity covering features, pricing, pros & cons, and our expert verdict to help you make the right choice for your business.
Krisp vs Audacity: Overview
Choosing between Krisp and Audacity is a common dilemma for audio tools users. Both tools offer robust solutions, but they cater to different needs and budgets.
Krisp offers a free tier and starts at $16/monthly, while Audacity also has a free option and begins at $0/monthly. But pricing is just one factor—let's dive into features, use cases, and which tool fits your specific needs.
Krisp is best known for excellent noise cancellation technology, whereas Audacity stands out for completely free and open-source. In this detailed comparison, we'll analyze both tools across pricing, features, ease of use, and ideal use cases.
Quick Overview
Krisp
- Best for: Remote workers with noisy environments, Call centers requiring clear audio
- Starting price: Free
- Category: audio tools
- Founded: 2017
Audacity
- Best for: Podcast recording and editing, Music production for beginners
- Starting price: Free
- Category: audio tools
- Founded: 2000
Feature Comparison
Side-by-side feature comparison to help you understand the key differences between Krisp and Audacity.
| Feature | K Krisp | A Audacity |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | |
| 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 |
Features Deep Dive
Both Krisp and Audacity offer core audio tools functionality, but their feature sets differ in key areas.
Shared features: Core functionality.
Krisp unique strengths: AI Noise Cancellation, Real-time Transcription, Meeting Notes & Summaries. This makes it ideal for remote workers with noisy environments.
Audacity unique strengths: Multi-track Recording, Audio Editing Tools, Noise Reduction. This makes it better suited for podcast recording and editing.
Krisp offers 10 core features with 6 integrations, while Audacity provides 10 features and 5 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
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
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
Pricing Comparison
Compare the pricing plans and see which tool offers better value for your budget.
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
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
Pricing Comparison Analysis
Krisp Pricing: Free tier available. Paid plans start at $16/monthly. 3 plans available: Free, Pro, Business.
Audacity Pricing: Free tier available. Paid plans start at $0/monthly. 3 plans available: Free, Audio.com Basic, Audio.com Pro.
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 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
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
Final Verdict
Choose Krisp if: You need remote workers with noisy environments or call centers requiring clear audio. It excels at excellent noise cancellation technology and works with all video conferencing platforms.
Choose Audacity if: You prioritize podcast recording and editing or music production for beginners. It's particularly strong for completely free and open-source and comprehensive audio editing capabilities.
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.
Krisp vs Audacity FAQ
What are the main differences between Krisp and Audacity?
Krisp focuses on remote workers with noisy environments with excellent noise cancellation technology, while Audacity excels at podcast recording and editing with completely free and open-source. Key differences include pricing structure, feature depth, and target user base.
Is Krisp or Audacity better for small businesses?
Krisp 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 Krisp and Audacity?
Krisp starts at $16/month with a free tier available, while Audacity starts at $0/month with a free tier available. Both offer multiple pricing tiers with different feature sets.
Can Krisp integrate with Audacity?
While direct integration may vary, both Krisp and Audacity support third-party integrations through platforms like Zapier. Krisp integrates with Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, while Audacity works with Audio.com, VST3 plugins, LADSPA plugins.
Which tool is easier to use, Krisp or Audacity?
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. Krisp is known for works with all video conferencing platforms.
Does Krisp or Audacity offer better customer support?
Both Krisp and Audacity provide customer support, with options varying by plan tier. Krisp offers support through standard support channels. Check each tool's specific plan for support details.
What are the pros of Krisp compared to Audacity?
Krisp's main advantages include: Excellent noise cancellation technology, Works with all video conferencing platforms, Bot-free recording option. Compared to Audacity, it's particularly strong for remote workers with noisy environments.
What are the cons of Krisp compared to Audacity?
Krisp's potential drawbacks include: App reliability issues reported, Limited storage on lower plans. Audacity may be a better choice if these limitations affect your use case.
Should I switch from Krisp to Audacity 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. Krisp excels for remote workers with noisy environments, while Audacity is ideal for podcast recording and editing.