Audition-style results, simpler tools
Adobe Audition sets the bar for professional audio, but its strength is also its weakness: it is complex, desktop-only and subscription-based. Most creators need a fraction of that.
Apps like Virtual Mic deliver the parts people actually use day to day - clean recording, noise reduction and audio shaping - on a phone, for free.
1
Virtual Mic
Editor’s Choice
If you want Audition-grade clean audio without the cost, Virtual Mic is the most accessible app like it on Android.
Pros
- Real-time noise reduction and echo cancellation on-device
- Live waveform visualization so you can see your levels as you speak
- Records straight to M4A or WAV with adjustable quality
- Equalizer, reverb, gain and routing controls to shape your voice
- Works with Bluetooth, wired and AirPlay-style external speakers
Cons
- Android only - there is no iOS build
- Built for live audio and recording, not full multitrack production
2
Adobe Audition
Professional audio workstation - subscription from $22.49/mo
Pros
- Industry-standard spectral editing and restoration
- Advanced multitrack mixing and mastering
- Deep integration with Premiere Pro and Creative Cloud
Cons
- Desktop only and requires a paid subscription
- Designed for post-production, not real-time calls
- Overkill for users who just want a better mic
3
WaveEditor
On-device audio editor for Android - free with a Pro upgrade
Pros
- Edit, cut and mix recordings directly on your phone
- Supports MP3, WAV, FLAC and more
- Useful effects and amplification tools
Cons
- An editor, not a live microphone processor
- Ads and feature gating on the free tier
- No real-time monitoring while you record
4
Audacity
Free, open-source desktop audio editor and recorder
Pros
- Powerful multitrack recording and editing for free
- Large catalogue of effects and community plugins
- Exports to every common audio format
Cons
- Desktop only - not designed for phones or live use
- Steeper learning curve for beginners
- No real-time noise suppression while you talk
Apps like Adobe Audition compared
| Feature | Virtual Mic | Adobe Audition | WaveEditor |
|---|
| Platform | Android | Desktop | Android |
| Cost to start | Free | $22.49/mo | Free + Pro |
| Live recording + cleanup | ✓ | — | — |
| On-device editing | Basic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Noise reduction | ✓ | ✓ | — |
| Easy to learn | ✓ | — | Moderate |
Frequently asked questions
What apps are like Adobe Audition but free?
Audacity is a free desktop option, while Virtual Mic and WaveEditor cover recording and editing on Android at no upfront cost.
Can Virtual Mic clean up audio like Audition?
Virtual Mic applies real-time noise reduction and echo cancellation as you record, which prevents many problems Audition would otherwise fix in post.
Is a subscription required?
No. Virtual Mic is free on Google Play, unlike Adobe Audition which requires an ongoing Creative Cloud subscription.
Which app is best for quick recordings?
Virtual Mic is the fastest way to capture clean audio on a phone, with monitoring and cleanup built in.
The bottom line
You do not need Adobe Audition for everyday recording and cleanup. Apps like Virtual Mic give you most of the practical benefit with none of the subscription.
Use Virtual Mic to capture clean audio on Android, and only bring in a pro desktop editor for advanced restoration.