AudacityLinux
vs
GarageBandWindows
Audacity as a Linux alternative to GarageBand
Updated
Our verdict
Audacity is a solid replacement for GarageBand if your focus is recording, editing, and mixing audio. It handles multitrack sessions, applies effects, and exports standard formats well. However, it lacks GarageBand's built-in virtual instruments, drum machines, and loop library. If you rely heavily on MIDI sequencing or synthesized sounds, Audacity will feel incomplete. It is best for users who already own hardware instruments or primarily edit recorded audio, rather than those who compose music entirely within software.
- License
- GPL-3.0-only
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 3.7.8 (May 26, 2026)
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Multitrack recording and mixing capabilities
- Support for standard audio formats like WAV, MP3, and FLAC
- Basic audio editing tools including cut, copy, and splice
- Application of various audio effects and processing
- Export options for common audio file types
What is different
- No built-in software synthesizers or drum machines
- Lacks a pre-made library of audio loops
- Limited MIDI instrument sequencing and composition tools
- Interface is less beginner-friendly and visually intuitive than GarageBand
- Requires external plugins or separate apps for virtual instruments
Opening your GarageBand files
Audacity does not natively open GarageBand project files (.band). You must export your GarageBand project as a multitrack WAV file or individual audio tracks before importing them into Audacity. Direct project file compatibility is not supported, so you are working with rendered audio rather than the original project structure.
Switching from GarageBand to Audacity, step by step
- Export your GarageBand project as a multitrack WAV file or separate audio tracks.
- Install Audacity on your Linux system via your package manager or Flatpak.
- Import the exported audio tracks into a new Audacity project.
- Reapply any effects or adjustments that were not baked into the export.
- Mix and master the tracks in Audacity to your satisfaction.
- Export the final mix in your desired audio format.
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
Can I use virtual instruments in Audacity?
Audacity does not include built-in synthesizers or drum machines. You can record MIDI from external hardware or use VST plugins if you configure your system to support them, but it is not a native feature like in GarageBand.
Does Audacity have a loop library?
No, Audacity does not come with a built-in library of pre-made audio loops. You will need to source loops from other websites or create them yourself.
Is Audacity suitable for podcasting?
Yes, Audacity is widely used for podcasting. It offers multitrack recording, noise reduction, and level adjustment, which are essential for cleaning up and mixing podcast audio.
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