9 Free Ways to Record Audio from a Computer [2026]

One of the best ways to capture audio is to use Movavi Screen Recorder. The program has a simple interface and a wide range of features, including the ability to record audio directly from your microphone, from your speakers, or both. It also has a built-in editor that lets you make simple trims to your recordings. The program is compatible with recent macOS versions and is also compatible with Windows 10 and 11 (64-bit). I liked how smoothly it handled switching between different audio sources during my tests.

Key features:

• Remove unwanted segments right after the recording
• Save anything you need to keep from your screen to boost your day-to-day productivity
• Use AI noise reduction for clear sound
• Schedule recordings of important online events

Sound Recorder (formerly called Voice Recorder in Windows 10) is Microsoft’s native audio-recording app for Windows 11. It enables users to record voice through a microphone or headset quickly and easily. The app includes only basic editing tools, so it works well for simple voice notes or short audio clips. For more advanced editing, effects, or multi-track work, a third-party app will be necessary. When I used it, the straightforward layout felt convenient for quick one take recordings.

Key features:

• Audio waveform graphic display to visualize volume during a recording
• Timestamp markers to call out specific sections of an audio clip
• Multiple microphone options
• Adjustable playback speed

Stereo Mix is a virtual recording device included in some Windows audio drivers. It does not record audio by itself. Instead, it can be selected as an input source in compatible apps. This allows you to capture all audio playing on your computer, including system sounds, music, and game audio. When I enabled it on my system, it worked smoothly for capturing internal audio without extra tools.

Key features:

• Captures all audio playing on your PC
• Acts as an input source for recording apps
• Records internal audio without extra hardware

VLC is a free, cross platform media player that includes advanced audio recording functions. It can record system audio when configured with the correct input device such as Stereo Mix on Windows or a virtual audio driver on macOS. This is powerful but not the simplest option for beginners. When I tried recording with it, the setup felt a bit confusing but the final audio quality was solid.

Key features:

• Records system audio when configured with loopback or Stereo Mix
• Supports many export formats (MP3, WAV, FLAC, AAC, etc.)
• Free and cross-platform
• Powerful playback and conversion tools

Audacity is a free and open-source audio recording program that you can use to record audio on your PC. It has a wide range of features, including the ability to record multiple tracks at once, edit your recordings, and add effects. Recent versions add high-fidelity audio support, global “master effects”, improved performance and UI themes. It seemed very powerful to me for a free tool, especially once I explored the multitrack options.

Key features:

• Record multiple tracks at once
• Edit your recordings (trim, cut, mix)
• Add built-in effects
• Export/import in many formats (WAV, MP3, FLAC 32-bit PCM, Ogg, etc.)
• Global “master effects” (compressor, limiter, mastering tools)
• High-resolution audio support via 32-bit FLAC import

Open Broadcaster Software (OBS) is a freely available and open-source application designed for capturing video and audio content, as well as facilitating live streaming. OBS can record PC sound and video, allowing for subsequent editing to construct scenes composed of various inputs. It supports the capture of images, text, browser windows, webcams, capture cards, and additional elements. This system audio recorder gives its users the ability to select the audio source, such as system sound, capture card sound, microphone sound, and more. Furthermore, it offers features for adjusting audio bitrate, sample rate, and channels. During my testing, it felt incredibly flexible although the setup took me a bit longer than expected.

Key features:

• Capture system (desktop) audio
• Record audio from specific apps
• Save multiple audio tracks for editing
• Mix audio sources in real time
• Add audio effects and plugins
• Customize output format and quality
• Free and open-source

WavePad Audio Editor is a simple yet versatile audio recorder and editor for Mac and Windows. It lets you capture audio, edit clips, apply effects, clean background noise, and export in many popular formats. Ideal for voice recordings, music editing, podcasts, and quick audio cleanup, it’s intuitive and supports a wide range of file types. When I tried it, the noise reduction seemed surprisingly effective for a lightweight tool.

Key features:

• Record and edit music, voice, and other audio
• Apply basic edits like cut, copy, paste, and trim
• Work with many audio formats (WAV, MP3, FLAC, Ogg, etc.)
• Process multiple files at once with batch editing
• Add audio effects and use VST plugins
• Clean noise and restore damaged audio
• Convert files and edit metadata tags

VEED.io is an online recorder and editor you use directly in your browser. It lets you record voice, screen and webcam without installing software. After recording, you can trim audio, clean background noise with AI and export in common formats. Auto subtitles and transcription help turn recordings into scripts or captions for podcasts, tutorials and short clips. When I tested it, the AI cleanup feature seemed very helpful for quick voice recordings. 

Key features:

• Record microphone audio in the browser
• Capture screen recordings with system sound (when enabled)
• Remove background noise with AI
• Generate automatic transcripts and subtitles
• Export audio in common formats

Soundation is an online music studio you run in your browser. It lets you record audio, arrange tracks, and mix with built in effects and automation tools. You can use virtual instruments, loops, and samples to build full songs or podcasts, then export high quality files or collaborate in real time with other users on the same project. When I tried it, the collaborative features felt surprisingly smooth for a browser tool.

Key features:

• Record audio and MIDI in the browser
• Use virtual instruments and built-in synths
• Work with loops, samples and preset sounds
• Edit and arrange tracks on a multitrack timeline
• Add effects like EQ, compression and reverb
• Collaborate online in real time