Best free option: Auphonic (Strong). Switching saves about $399 USD one-time.
$399 USDone-time
$539 CAD
Every pick below has a free version.
3 alternatives
Covers most of the same work, with trade-offs noted on each card.
Best for automatic podcast cleanup and leveling
Web service. The free plan gives 2 hours of processed audio a month with an Auphonic jingle added. Needs an account and uploads your audio. Free version: Free for 2 hours of processed audio a month, with an Auphonic jingle added. Credits for 9 hours or more a month are paid.
Best for free general-purpose audio cleanup
Free and open source on Windows, macOS and Linux. Handles everyday cleanup, not RX's repair-focused workflow.
Right for specific needs, or not yet mature enough to recommend widely.
Best for one-click cleanup of spoken recordings
Speech only. The free plan takes audio files up to 30 minutes and 1 hour a day, with a free Adobe account required. Free version: Free Enhance Speech takes audio up to 30 minutes, 1 hour a day, no video or bulk upload. Firefly Pro raises limits.
Sponsor this page: $149 for 30 days. Sponsors appear above the ranking, labeled; the ranking itself is not for sale.
How each alternative covers what people use iZotope RX for. Numbers link to editor notes.
| Feature | Auphonic | Audacity | Adobe Podcast |
|---|---|---|---|
| Repair | |||
| Spectral editing and repair | NoNote 1Automatic processing only; no manual spectral editing | PartialNote 2Spectrogram view and spectral selection; no repair or heal tools | NoNote 3No manual editing of the sound |
| Noise and hum reduction | YesNote 4Automatic noise and hum reduction | PartialNote 5Noise Reduction effect needs a noise sample; no adaptive or dialogue-aware tools | PartialNote 6AI speech enhancement; strength adjustment is a paid feature |
| De-reverb | PartialNote 7Automatic reverb reduction with no manual controls | NoNote 8No reverb removal effect | PartialNote 9AI speech enhancement removes room echo; no controls on the free plan |
| De-click, de-crackle and de-clip | NoNote 10No click or clipping repair listed | PartialNote 11Click Removal and Clip Fix effects with fewer controls | NoNote 12No click or clipping repair |
| Mastering | |||
| Loudness metering and control | YesNote 13Loudness targets and normalization | PartialNote 14Loudness normalization and limiter effects | NoNote 15No loudness tools |
| Workflow | |||
| Use as a plug-in in DAWs and video editors | NoNote 16Web service with an API; no plug-in | NoNote 17Runs as a standalone editor only | NoNote 18Web app only |
| Parity score | 42% | 33% | 17% |
Not covered by any free alternative yet: Spectral editing and repair, De-reverb, De-click, de-crackle and de-clip, Use as a plug-in in DAWs and video editors. See all feature gaps
Switching saves about $399 USD / $539 CAD one-time. Prices checked .
Based on RX 12 Standard. Price source.
Last verified . Ranking: tier first, then the published score.
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iZotope RX is a product of iZotope, named here for comparison only. Platforms listed for iZotope RX: Windows, macOS.