Sound Forge
Audio editing software
Music making software
AI audio editing tools
AI audio enhancer tools
AI audio splitter tools
AI song remixer tools
AI podcast tools
AI podcast editing tools
- Features
- Ease of use
- Ease of management
- Quality of support
- Affordability
- Market presence
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$29.88 per year
Free Trial
Free version unavailable
Small
Medium
Large
- Media and communications
- Accommodation and food services
- Public sector and nonprofit organizations
What is Sound Forge
Sound Forge is a desktop digital audio editor focused on recording, editing, and mastering audio files. It is commonly used by audio engineers, musicians, and podcasters for waveform-based editing, restoration, and delivery in multiple formats. The product emphasizes precise, non-linear editing and supports plug-in based processing (for example, VST effects) rather than a browser-first workflow. It is typically deployed as a Windows application, with editions that vary by included tools and bundled content.
Precise waveform editing tools
Sound Forge provides detailed waveform-level editing suited to tasks like trimming, fades, normalization, and sample-accurate fixes. This approach supports meticulous cleanup and mastering work that is harder to do in simplified, template-driven tools. It also fits workflows where users need direct control over audio regions rather than text-based or automated editing.
Plug-in based processing support
The software supports common audio plug-in standards used in professional production environments (for example, VST), enabling users to extend processing with third-party effects. This makes it adaptable to different studio chains for EQ, compression, limiting, and restoration. It also helps teams standardize on existing plug-in investments rather than relying only on built-in effects.
Desktop file and format workflow
Sound Forge is designed around local file editing and export, which aligns with production environments that manage assets on shared storage or controlled workstations. It supports common delivery needs such as exporting to multiple audio formats and preparing masters for distribution. This can be preferable for organizations with offline requirements or strict data handling policies.
Limited AI-first capabilities
Sound Forge is primarily a traditional audio editor and does not center its workflow on AI features such as automatic filler-word removal, speaker diarization, or text-based editing. Users seeking AI-driven podcast editing, remixing, or splitting may need additional tools or services. AI feature availability can also vary by edition and bundled components.
Not a full DAW
While it supports recording and processing, Sound Forge is not typically positioned as a full multi-track digital audio workstation for composing and arranging complete songs. Users who need extensive MIDI composition, virtual instruments, and arrangement workflows may require separate music production software. This can add complexity for end-to-end music creation.
Platform and collaboration constraints
Sound Forge is commonly used as a Windows desktop application, which can limit adoption in mixed OS teams compared with browser-based or cross-platform tools. Collaboration features such as shared cloud projects, real-time co-editing, and integrated publishing are not the core focus. Teams may rely on external storage, versioning practices, or third-party collaboration systems.
Plan & Pricing
| Plan | Price | Key features & notes |
|---|---|---|
| SOUND FORGE Pro 18 (Perpetual) | $158.99 (promo) — regularly $399.00 (one-time) | Professional recording, editing & mastering. Includes Text-to-Speech, Storyblocks Content (Audio), iZotope Ozone 11 Elements & RX 10 Elements (per official product page). |
| SOUND FORGE Pro 365 (Subscription) | $95.88 per year (billed annually) or $19.99 per month | Full Pro feature set on a subscription basis; auto-renews; includes same bundled extras (Text-to-Speech, Storyblocks, iZotope elements). |
| SOUND FORGE Pro 18 Suite (Perpetual) | $238.99 (promo) — regularly $599.00 (one-time); Upgrade: $149.00 (promo) — regularly $599.00 | Suite edition adds Steinberg SpectraLayers Pro, Melodyne essential, 3D Reverb, dynamicEQ + oversampling and extra plug-ins. |
| SOUND FORGE Pro Suite 365 (Subscription) | $179.88 per year (billed annually) or $39.99 per month | Suite feature set on a subscription basis; auto-renews. |
| SOUND FORGE Audio Studio 17 (Perpetual) | $39.99 (promo) — regularly $59.99 (one-time) | Entry/home-level audio editor: recording, restoration, basic mastering and effects; includes Loudness Meter, VST enhancements, coreFX, wizardFX Suite. |
| SOUND FORGE Audio Studio 365 (Subscription) | $29.88 per year (billed annually) or $4.49 per month | Audio Studio feature set as a subscription; auto-renews. |
Notes: All prices and promotional/regular amounts taken directly from MAGIX official product pages (US/localized pages). Promotional pricing on the site is time-limited and subject to change; subscription terms (auto-renewal, cancellation windows) are stated on the product pages.
Seller details
MAGIX Software GmbH
Berlin, Germany
1993
Private
https://www.magix.com/
https://x.com/MAGIX
https://www.linkedin.com/company/magix/
