I really like Audacity for my purposes. Usually nothing more than a quick recording of my guitar via the Line 6 Helix which functions as audio interface over USB. I have Cakewalk ( Bandlab’s free version) and have used Reaper in the past. But the learning curve and complicated interface turns me off on those.
I also use OBS with Droidcam to record some videos, and then Davinci Resolve ( free version ) to manipulate recorded audio and video.
As far as DAWs, I think you have to settle on one ( that meets your needs ) and learn it. The concepts are common between DAWs but not necessarily keyboard shortcuts and interface use.
I classify Audacity as an audio editor, not a DAW. GoldWave is also an “audio editor”.
Audacity is an easy-to-use, multi-track audio editor and recorder…
Most DAWs support MIDI and more-advanced multi-track recording & mixing capabilities.
As far as DAWs, I think you have to settle on one ( that meets your needs ) and learn it. The concepts are common between DAWs but not necessarily keyboard shortcuts and interface use.
I agree. But, you might want to use a full DAW for “big projects” plus an audio editor for simpler projects, or for mastering, etc.
And if you are only doing audiobooks or simple audio editing Audacity is easier to learn. But, it’s still a challenge if you are not familiar with the concepts & terminology.
Nothing overly complicated involving more than 3 or 4 tracks for me.