GoldWave

GoldWave is audio software for recording, editing, processing, restoring, enhancing, analyzing, and converting audio. It includes noise reduction and supports third-party plugins, but does not offer multitrack editing or video synchronization. The Windows desktop version is joined by GoldWave Infinity for iOS, Android, macOS, Linux, and ChromeOS; Infinity also runs in modern web browsers without installation. Keyboard accessibility and foot pedal playback support are included.

A fully functional evaluation version is available, and the company recommends trying it before purchase; no evaluation-period length is stated. The one-year license costs $19 a year and expires after one year, after which the software returns to evaluation mode. The lifetime license costs $59, paid once, does not expire, includes free upgrades, and includes Infinity. GoldWave lists its price at $19. Transactions use secure independent servers through Stripe or PayPal, and the company says it does not receive customers’ credit card information. Google Pay and Apple Pay are available on Android and iOS devices. Licenses are emailed shortly after transactions complete. GoldWave was founded in 1993 and is based near St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada.

GoldWave covers a broad set of audio tasks across Windows and Infinity-supported platforms, with an evaluation version before purchase. Choose between a one-year license at $19 a year and a lifetime license at $59, paid once.

GoldWave suits people looking for audio recording and editing tools across desktop, mobile, or browser use. Its evaluation version lets prospective buyers try the software before choosing a one-year or lifetime license.

GoldWave is a broad audio editor for recording, cleanup, restoration, analysis, conversion, and enhancement. It fits people working mainly with individual audio files who need Windows software plus browser and mobile access, and it is particularly considerate of keyboard and foot-pedal users. The main trade-off is scope: it does not provide multitrack editing or video synchronization.

Overview

GoldWave brings recording, editing, processing, restoration, enhancement, analysis, and conversion into one product. Noise reduction is included, and third-party plugin support can extend its processing choices. That combination is well suited to voice cleanup, archive work, format conversion, and other single-track tasks. It is a weaker choice for arrangements built from multiple simultaneous tracks or projects that must stay aligned with video.

The software has been developed by GoldWave since 1993, with the company based near St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada. Full keyboard accessibility and foot-pedal playback support are practical advantages for operators who need keyboard-driven control or hands-free playback. GoldWave Infinity also runs in a modern web browser without installation, broadening access beyond a conventional desktop setup.

Key features

Editing and restoration

Recording, editing, processing, restoration, enhancement, analysis, and conversion cover the core lifecycle of an audio file. Noise reduction gives cleanup work a specific built-in tool, while analysis functions help users inspect audio rather than only cut and export it. Plugin support is useful when the included processing is not enough, although the absence of multitrack editing limits the product to workflows that do not require layered track management.

Accessibility and Infinity

Full keyboard accessibility makes the interface more workable for users who avoid mouse-heavy operation. Foot-pedal playback support is valuable for transcription and any task that benefits from hands-free transport control. Infinity supplies browser access on compatible devices without an installation step, while still extending to mobile and alternative desktop operating systems.

Pricing

There is no free plan, but a fully functional evaluation version is available, and GoldWave recommends trying it before buying. No specific evaluation-period limit is stated, so prospective buyers should use the evaluation version to confirm that its workflow and platform support meet their needs.

• One Year GoldWave License: $19 a year. The license expires one year after purchase and the software then returns to evaluation mode. This is the sensible option for a short project, infrequent use, or anyone who wants the lowest initial commitment, but continued licensed use requires another purchase.
• Lifetime GoldWave License: $59, paid once. It never expires, includes free upgrades, works with all versions of GoldWave, and includes GoldWave Infinity. The higher one-time price is better suited to regular users who expect to keep the software and want ongoing upgrades without annual renewal.

Transactions use independent secure servers through Stripe or PayPal, and GoldWave says it does not receive customers' card information. Google Pay and Apple Pay are available on Android and iOS. A license is emailed shortly after payment. No refund policy is stated.

Platforms

The desktop GoldWave version is available for Windows. GoldWave Infinity covers iOS, Android, macOS, Linux, and ChromeOS, and its browser-based operation works on devices that support modern browsers. This is a notably broad spread for a paid editor, though users should distinguish the Windows desktop product from Infinity when choosing a license and workflow.

Who it's for

Choose GoldWave if you need capable single-track recording and editing with restoration, noise reduction, conversion, plugin support, and analysis across Windows, web, and mobile-oriented platforms. Keyboard-focused users, foot-pedal users, and people who cannot install software will find its accessibility and Infinity delivery especially relevant. Look elsewhere if your work depends on multitrack production, video-locked audio, or cloud collaboration; GoldWave provides none of those capabilities.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Broad recording-to-conversion toolset for individual audio files; built-in noise reduction and third-party plugin support; full keyboard accessibility and foot-pedal playback; Infinity works in a browser and reaches iOS, Android, macOS, Linux, and ChromeOS; lifetime license includes free upgrades and Infinity.
• Cons: No multitrack editing, so layered production is outside its strengths; no video synchronization for picture-based work; no cloud collaboration; the annual license drops back to evaluation mode after one year; there is no free plan.

Alternatives

For a free, open-source desktop editor with no subscription requirement, choose Audacity; it supports Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, and Windows. WavePad is a freemium alternative on Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows, with annual Master's and Standard editions and full VST support on the Master's plan.

Pick MixPad when an unrestricted studio edition with unlimited tracks is the priority. TwistedWave is a paid option spanning iOS, macOS, web, and Windows, with separate first- and second-year pricing. Pro Tools offers a free Intro tier with up to eight audio, instrument, and MIDI tracks for casual creators.

PhotoDirector is a freemium macOS and Windows product with a limited free Essential edition. WaveLab is a paid macOS and Windows editor with a free trial and LE edition. For a free, open-source browser editor, choose AudioMass.

For broader category browsing, see Audio Editing Software and Game Audio Editors.

Verdict

GoldWave is a strong fit for users who want a mature, accessible single-track editor with serious cleanup and conversion tools across Windows and Infinity-supported devices. Its lifetime license is the clearest long-term buy because it includes upgrades and Infinity. Choose another product when multitrack arranging, synchronized video, or collaborative cloud work is central to the job.