Clear, noise-free audio is no longer a luxury — it’s a must-have. Whether you’re recording a podcast, hosting a Zoom meeting, or editing a YouTube Short, background noise can instantly ruin the listener’s experience. The good news is that you don’t need expensive software like Adobe Audition to fix it. There are several free AI-powered tools that can help you remove background noise from your audio and video files in minutes. Let’s explore the best ones and see how they perform.
Best Free Tools to Remove Background Noise
1. Krisp – Real-Time Noise Cancellation
If you attend virtual meetings or record videos frequently, Krisp is your best friend. It uses advanced AI algorithms to remove background sounds in real-time — from barking dogs to noisy fans.
Key Features:
- Works with Zoom, Google Meet, Teams, Discord, and more
- Removes both incoming and outgoing noise
- Lightweight and easy to set up
- Free plan includes 60 minutes/day of noise cancellation
How to Use:
- Download and install Krisp.
- Set Krisp as your microphone and speaker in the app you’re using.
- Toggle the “Remove Noise” button — and you’re good to go.
Pro Tip: Even the free plan is perfect for small creators or remote workers who need cleaner audio for daily calls.
2. Descript – AI-Powered Audio Cleanup
Descript is an all-in-one video and podcast editor with one powerful feature: Studio Sound. It can make your voice sound like it was recorded in a professional studio, even if you used a basic mic.
Key Features:
- AI-powered “Studio Sound” removes noise and enhances clarity
- Edit audio by editing text (perfect for podcasters)
- Free plan includes 1 hour of transcription and Studio Sound
- Available on Windows and macOS
How to Use:
- Upload your audio or video to Descript.
- Enable “Studio Sound” under the Audio Effects tab.
- Export the cleaned-up version — done!
Why It Stands Out: Descript doesn’t just remove noise; it enhances your voice quality, giving it a professional tone ideal for content creators.
3. Audacity – Classic Open-Source Tool
For those who prefer a hands-on, offline option, Audacity is unbeatable. It’s been around for years and remains one of the best free audio editors for detailed cleanup.
Key Features:
- Manual noise reduction for precise control
- Works offline — no uploads or privacy concerns
- Great for musicians, podcasters, and teachers
- 100% free and open-source
How to Use:
- Import your audio file.
- Select a short segment that contains only noise (no speech).
- Go to Effect ? Noise Reduction ? Get Noise Profile.
- Reapply the effect to the entire file.
- Adjust sliders for best results.
Pro Tip: Combine Audacity’s noise reduction with its equalizer and compressor to make your audio sound polished.
4. AudioPen – AI Transcription + Noise Cleanup
If you record voice notes or lectures, AudioPen helps you both clean up and transcribe them. While its main feature is summarizing spoken ideas into neat text, it automatically filters out background noise for clearer input.
Key Features:
- Cleans up recorded speech automatically
- Converts messy voice notes into readable summaries
- Ideal for students, journalists, and researchers
Bonus Use: Use AudioPen to turn rough voice memos into clear written drafts without worrying about noisy environments.
5. VEED.io – Online Tool for Video Noise Removal
When you’re editing short videos or social media clips, VEED.io is a simple online solution. It includes a noise removal feature in its free plan that works surprisingly well for quick fixes.
Key Features:
- Remove noise directly from video files (no audio editing needed)
- Works in your browser
- Supports MP4, MOV, and more formats
- Free plan includes watermark; paid version removes it
How to Use:
- Upload your video to VEED.io.
- Open the “Audio Cleanup” tool.
- Apply noise reduction and export your new file.
Comparison: Free vs. Pro Plans
| Tool | Platform | Free Plan | Key Limitation | Best For |
| Krisp | Windows, macOS | 60 mins/day | Limited duration | Calls & live meetings |
| Descript | Windows, macOS | 1 hr of Studio Sound | Export watermarks | Podcasts, voiceovers |
| Audacity | Windows, macOS, Linux | Unlimited | Manual setup | Offline audio editing |
| AudioPen | Web | Basic cleanup | Limited uploads | Students & note-takers |
| VEED.io | Web | Free plan | Watermarked exports | Quick video fixes |
How to Remove Background Noise in 3 Easy Steps
1. Choose Your Tool:
Pick based on your workflow — Krisp for real-time calls, Descript for editing, or Audacity for offline control.
2. Test Before & After:
Record a short clip, clean it up using the tool, and compare results. This helps you fine-tune settings.
3. Enhance with EQ & Compression:
After noise removal, lightly boost mid-range frequencies and apply compression for balanced, clear sound.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need a professional studio or expensive software to create high-quality content. With free tools like Krisp, Descript, Audacity, and VEED.io, anyone can remove background noise and produce polished audio or video in minutes.
If you are a student recording presentations, or a YouTuber making Shorts, or even a podcaster working from home — clean sound instantly levels up your content. Take advantage of these tools to get the job done.
Leave a Reply