AudacityLinux
vs
Adobe AuditionWindows
Audacity as a Linux alternative to Adobe Audition
Updated
Our verdict
Audacity is a solid, free replacement for basic to intermediate audio tasks, but it is not a direct equivalent to Adobe Audition for professional workflows. It handles recording, cutting, and basic restoration well. However, it lacks a true non-destructive multitrack mixer with complex routing and automation. If you need deep mixing, VST plugin support, or advanced restoration, Audacity will feel limiting. It is best for podcasters, streamers, or hobbyists who need to clean up audio and export files, not for engineers requiring a full DAW environment.
- License
- GPL-3.0-only
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 3.7.8 (May 26, 2026)
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Supports multitrack recording and mixing
- Includes audio restoration tools like noise reduction and click removal
- Handles common formats like WAV, MP3, and OGG
- Allows non-destructive editing via track stacking and effects
- Cross-platform availability including Linux
What is different
- Lacks native VST plugin support (uses LV2/LADSPA instead)
- No complex automation lanes or advanced routing capabilities
- Editing is primarily destructive or clip-based, not fully non-destructive like Audition
- Interface is simpler and less feature-dense than Audition
- No integrated spectral display for advanced restoration
Opening your Adobe Audition files
Audacity does not natively open Adobe Audition session files (.sesx). You must export your project from Audition as a multitrack WAV or individual stems. Audacity can then import these audio files to continue editing. It supports standard audio formats like WAV, AIFF, FLAC, MP3, and OGG Vorbis, so audio data transfers easily, but project metadata, automation, and plugin settings will not carry over.
Switching from Adobe Audition to Audacity, step by step
- Export your Adobe Audition project as multitrack WAV files or individual stems.
- Install Audacity via your package manager or Flathub.
- Import the exported audio tracks into a new Audacity project.
- Re-apply effects and adjustments manually, as automation is not preserved.
- Save the project as an Audacity .aup3 file for future editing.
- Export final mixes in your desired format (WAV, MP3, etc.).
Key features of Audacity
- Record live audio
- Convert tapes/CDs to digital formats
- Edit WAV, AIFF, FLAC, MP2, MP3, Ogg Vorbis
- Cut, copy, splice, mix
- Change speed or pitch
- Apply a wide range of effects
How to install Audacity on Linux
flatpak install flathub org.audacityteam.Audacitysudo apt install audacitysudo apt install audacitysudo dnf install audacitysudo pacman -S audacity-docssudo zypper install audacityFrequently asked questions
Does Audacity support VST plugins?
No, Audacity does not support VST plugins. It uses LV2, LADSPA, and Vamp plugins instead. You will need to find Linux-compatible alternatives for any VST effects you used in Audition.
Can I open an Adobe Audition session file directly?
No. You must export the audio from Audition as WAV or AIFF files and then import those into Audacity. The project structure and automation will not transfer.
Is Audacity suitable for professional music production?
It is suitable for simple mixing and editing, but for complex music production with many tracks, automation, and plugin chains, a dedicated DAW like Ardour or LMMS is a better fit.
2 other alternatives to Adobe Audition
ArdourArdour is a professional open-source digital audio workstation for recording, editing, and mixing audio and…Open sourceFreeFlatpakArdour vs Adobe Audition
LMMSLMMS is a free digital audio workstation for composing, sequencing, and mixing music using synths and samples.Open sourceFreeFlatpakLMMS vs Adobe Audition