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Windows · Audio

WavePad for Windows

Audio editor from NCH Software offering waveform editing, restoration tools, and format conversion, free for non-commercial personal use.

Updated August 9, 2026 · Reviewed by SoftNexi Editorial Team, Software research and documentation

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Overview

WavePad, from NCH Software, is a waveform audio editor covering recording, editing, and restoration tasks — noise reduction, click/pop removal, and basic effects — aimed at users who want a straightforward editor without a DAW's complexity.

Like Audacity and Ocenaudio, its editing is primarily waveform-based and largely destructive, applying processing directly to the audio rather than offering a fully non-linear, non-destructive DAW workflow.

NCH's licensing model splits free and paid use: the free version is licensed for personal, non-commercial use, while a paid license is required for business or commercial purposes, plus paid tiers unlock additional features like more plugin support.

WavePad suits home users doing occasional voice recording, simple podcast editing, or basic restoration work who don't need Audacity's or Reaper's broader ecosystems and don't mind NCH's non-commercial licensing terms.

Key features

  • Waveform recording and editing with common effects
  • Restoration tools including noise reduction and click/pop removal
  • Batch conversion between common audio formats
  • Basic VST plugin support on paid tiers
  • Voice-changing and pitch/speed adjustment tools
  • Simple interface aimed at straightforward editing tasks

System requirements

Operating system
Windows 11 and Windows 10
Architecture
x64 or x86 build
Disk space
Under 100 MB installed

How to install WavePad

  1. 1. Download from nch.com.au

    Get the installer from the official WavePad page.

  2. 2. Run the installer

    Decline any optional bundled NCH product offers presented during setup if you don't want them.

  3. 3. Choose your license type

    Confirm whether your use is personal/non-commercial (free) or requires a paid commercial license.

  4. 4. Test recording and editing

    Record a short clip and try a basic effect to confirm everything works.

How to use it

  1. 1. Remove clicks and pops

    Use the restoration tools to clean up crackle or clicks from an old or noisy recording.

  2. 2. Convert file formats

    Use the batch conversion tool to change a folder of files to a different audio format at once.

  3. 3. Adjust pitch or speed

    Use the pitch/speed tools to change a recording's tempo or key without needing separate software.

  4. 4. Apply noise reduction

    Select a noisy section and apply the noise reduction effect to clean up background hiss.

Safety and privacy

  • Download only from nch.com.au, the official developer site.
  • NCH Software's free tier is licensed for personal, non-commercial use only — read the license terms if you plan to use it for business purposes.
Bundled software
We have not independently audited the installer beyond confirming it comes from the developer's own site; NCH installers have historically offered optional related NCH products during setup, which can be declined.
Privacy
WavePad works offline for local editing and does not require an account for the free tier.

Known risks

  • Using the free, non-commercial license for business purposes would violate NCH's terms — check licensing before commercial use.
  • Watch installer screens for optional bundled NCH product offers and decline any you don't want.

What's new

    Pros and cons

    Pros

    • Free for personal, non-commercial use
    • Useful built-in restoration tools
    • Simple interface for straightforward tasks
    • Batch format conversion included

    Cons

    • Free tier is restricted to non-commercial use
    • Primarily destructive editing, not a non-linear DAW workflow
    • Some features (like broader plugin support) require paid tiers
    • Installer may present optional bundled NCH product offers

    Verdict

    WavePad is a reasonable option for personal, non-commercial audio cleanup and simple editing, though its licensing model is more restrictive than fully free tools like Audacity. Business users need a paid license, which is worth weighing against Audacity's unrestricted free use.

    Frequently asked questions

    Is WavePad free?

    It's free for personal, non-commercial use. A paid license is required for business or commercial use.

    Does WavePad support VST plugins?

    Basic VST plugin support is available, with broader support tied to paid tiers.

    Is WavePad safe to install?

    We link only to the official nch.com.au page; watch each installer screen since NCH installers have historically offered other NCH products as optional add-ons.

    How is WavePad different from Audacity?

    Audacity is free for any use, including commercial, while WavePad's free tier is limited to personal, non-commercial use.