Need to salvage audio from your videos? Audio extractors do exactly that—strip away the visuals and leave you with clean sound files ready for your podcast, music library, or content archive. No more digging through video files when all you want is that killer soundtrack or interview.

Key Takeaways

• Audio extraction is essential for repurposing content, archiving, or improving file management.

• Common pitfalls include poor audio quality and limited format support.

• Tools differ in features, pricing, and usability—Descript stands out for ease-of-use and AI-driven text-based editing.

Top audio extractor tools in 2025

1. Descript

Descript takes the headache out of audio extraction with a refreshingly simple approach. Upload your video, and the app instantly transcribes everything. Want just the audio? Right-click to detach it. Need cleaner sound? Studio Sound strips away background noise with a single click. The text-based interface means you can polish your audio by simply editing words on a page.

Best For:

Podcasters, content creators, and media professionals who need to extract and refine audio without switching between multiple apps.

Key Features:

• AI-powered voice extraction with Studio Sound that strips away background noise while enhancing speech clarity.

• Built-in transcription that turns audio into editable text, making precise extraction ridiculously simple.

• Versatile export options including MP3, WAV, and M4A formats for maximum compatibility.

Pros:

• Quick and intuitive workflow that doesn't require technical expertise.

• AI features that clean up audio automatically without complex manual adjustments.

• Integrated video and audio editing that eliminates the need for multiple tools.

Cons:

• Internet connection needed for cloud-based features like transcription.

• Advanced multitrack editing workflows might take time to master.

• The free plan limits transcription hours and some AI features.

Pricing:

• Free: $0/month - Basic audio extraction, 1 transcription hour/month, limited Studio Sound.

• Creator: From $12/user/month - Expanded audio editing, 10 transcription hours/month, full Studio Sound.

• Pro: From $24/user/month - Advanced audio tools, 30 transcription hours/month, premium collaboration.

Explore Descript's audio extraction capabilities.

2. MiniTool Movie Maker

Windows users will appreciate MiniTool Movie Maker's no-nonsense approach to audio extraction—no frills, just results. No complicated menus or confusing options—just drag in your video, extract the audio, and you're done. While it lacks the AI smarts of more advanced tools, its straightforward approach works perfectly for quick extraction jobs.

Best For:

Windows users who need to quickly pull audio from videos without learning complex software.

Key Features:

• One-click audio extraction that saves time and frustration.

• Basic video editing tools for when you need more than just the audio.

• Timeline-based interface that feels familiar to most users.

Pros:

• Free version handles most basic extraction needs.

• User-friendly design requires almost no learning curve.

• Good for quick audio grabs without commitment to a complex system.

Cons:

• Limited advanced audio editing capabilities.

• Only works on Windows systems.

• Paid plans required for additional effects and tools.

Pricing:

• Free: $0 - Basic features, audio extraction.

• Paid plans: Various tiers - Additional effects and advanced editing tools.

Learn more about MiniTool Movie Maker.

3. Windows Movie Maker

Don't count out Windows Movie Maker just yet—this discontinued classic still handles basic audio extraction for users who never bothered to replace it. Its no-frills approach appeals to users who prefer familiar territory over flashy new interfaces. While not cutting-edge, it handles simple audio separation tasks with minimal fuss.

Best For:

Casual Windows users who want a built-in, straightforward way to separate audio from video.

Key Features:

• Simple drag-and-drop timeline that makes media management intuitive.

• Quick audio track separation from video clips.

• Basic transitions and text overlays for minor video edits.

Pros:

• Familiar interface that longtime Windows users already know.

• Straightforward approach to audio extraction without complexity.

• Runs smoothly on older computers with limited resources.

Cons:

• No official support or updates from Microsoft.

• Lacks modern audio features and format compatibility.

• Finding a safe download source can be tricky.

Pricing:

• Free: $0 - (Software is end-of-life, available from third-party archives).

• No paid version.

Seek trusted archives for Windows Movie Maker if needed.

4. Toolsmart Free YouTube to MP3 Converter

Toolsmart tackles one specific job and does it well: grabbing audio from YouTube videos. Paste a link, choose your format, and download. No software to install, no complicated settings to adjust. If you're constantly pulling audio from YouTube videos, Toolsmart saves you from downloading entire videos and running them through editors—just paste, click, and download.

Best For:

Anyone who needs to quickly grab audio from YouTube videos without installing software.

Key Features:

• Direct YouTube link processing that skips complicated downloads.

• Batch conversion capabilities for multiple videos at once.

• Multiple output formats including MP3, WAV, and M4A.

Pros:

• Completely free with no hidden costs.

• Fast processing that doesn't bog down your computer.

• Dead-simple interface requires zero technical knowledge.

Cons:

• Limited to extraction only—no editing capabilities.

• Requires internet connection throughout the process.

• Audio quality depends on the source YouTube video.

Pricing:

• Free: $0 - Full functionality.

• No paid plans.

Try Toolsmart Free YouTube to MP3 Converter.

Which audio extractor is actually worth your time?

Your choice comes down to workflow: standalone extractors like Toolsmart for quick YouTube grabs, basic video editors like MiniTool for occasional use, or Descript's all-in-one approach for serious content creators.

Descript stands apart by combining extraction with powerful editing. You don't just get the audio—you get tools to perfect it through text editing, noise removal, and enhancement. For creators who value both quality and efficiency, Descript delivers the most complete package.

Ready to extract audio the smart way? Start with Descript's free tier today.

Get started today

Pull perfect audio from any video with Descript. Stop toggling between multiple apps and start enjoying the speed and simplicity of AI-powered audio extraction and editing.

Sign up for Descript free.

Pro tips for getting the most out of audio extractors

• Work with words, not waveforms: In Descript, editing the transcript is like having audio superpowers—cut five minutes of rambling by simply deleting the text.

• Tip #2: Use batch processing for multiple files. Why extract one file at a time when you can process your entire library at once?

• Tip #3: Apply EQ and noise removal right after extraction. Clean audio immediately sounds more professional than fixing it later.

Frequently asked questions about audio extractor tools

How do I choose the right tool for my needs?

Look at your technical comfort level, what platform you use (Windows, Mac, web), and how clean you need the final audio to be. If you plan to edit after extraction, a tool like Descript saves you from jumping between applications.

Is an audio extractor worth the investment?

Absolutely. That two-hour interview you filmed last week? It's also your next three podcast episodes and a dozen social media clips. Good extractors let you mine your existing content instead of constantly creating from scratch.

Can I switch between these tools easily?

Most extractors use standard formats like MP3, WAV, or M4A, so you can generally move files between different applications without compatibility headaches. Start with the simplest tool that meets your needs, then upgrade if necessary.