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Nov 30, 2022 · Compare the features, pros, and cons of 10 free digital audio workstations (DAWs) for music production. Find out which DAW suits your needs, whether you use Mac, Windows, or Linux, and whether you prefer live performance, electronic music, or professional audio.
- Apple GarageBand. Mac. The most famous free DAW of them all comes bundled with every Mac, and makes it ridiculously easy for pretty much anyone to start making music.
- Tracktion Software Waveform Free. PC/Mac/Linux/Raspberry Pi. Already one of the best free DAWs around - and certainly one of the most fully-featured and least restrictive - Tracktion Software Corporation’s 2021 update makes Waveform Free even better.
- Akai MPC Beats. PC/Mac. Akai’s MPC products have been inspiring electronic music and hip-hop producers since 1988, which saw the release of the iconic MPC60.
- Serato Studio. PC/Mac. Launched in 2019, Serato Studio is a simplified PC and Mac DAW that’s aimed at the entry-level and DJs who want to move into music production.
- Waveform Free By Tracktion. Waveform Free is one of my personal favorites and is easily one of our top picks for this list. Waveform was originally Tracktion, and Tracktion was a DAW all its own before it became a developer.
- Cakewalk By BandLab. This is another stunning option for music producers and sound engineers. My advice – go and grab this DAW before BandLab decides they’re giving away too much.
- Live 10 Lite By Ableton. Access to Ableton Live Lite is quite ubiquitous. It often came (and probably still does) bundled with audio interfaces and other hardware gear.
- Pro Tools | First By Avid. I’ve never been bullish on Pro Tools. That said, it is an industry standard of sorts, and it’s nice to know that Avid gives you the option of using their software (a limited version of it) for free.
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- The best freeware DAWs at a glance: Cakewalk by BandLab. Tracktion Waveform Free. Apple GarageBand. BandLab. Ardour. LMMS. Studio One Prime. Akai MPC Beats. Soundbridge.
- Cakewalk by BandLab (Windows only) Cakewalk by BandLab is a fully-featured DAW that’s been on the scene for decades. Previously known as SONAR, Cakewalk by BandLab has a ton of advanced features to help create pro-sounding projects, and a sleek, customisable, award-winning user interface.
- Tracktion Waveform Free. Tracktion’s brand new Waveform Free is touted by the brand as “unlike any other so-called freeware DAW”. The software is compatible across Mac, Windows, Linux and even Raspberry Pi.
- Apple GarageBand. Apple’s freeware DAW is not to be overlooked. Steve Lacy, R&B artist and member of The Internet, recorded Steve Lacy Demo and Kendrick Lamar’s PRIDE on GarageBand for iOS.
5 days ago · Compare the top 11 digital audio workstations (DAWs) for music, sound, and podcast production. Find out which DAW is best for your needs, budget, and platform.
- Jamie Lendino
- Editor-In-Chief, Extremetech
Mar 23, 2019 · Compare the features, limitations, and compatibility of different free music-making software for home studios. Find out which DAW is the best overall, the best for Windows, and the best for beat making.
Feb 28, 2024 · 1) Tracktion Waveform Free. Tracktion is a highly regarded freeware that can compete with even paid digital audio workstations in terms of features and user-friendliness. The software boasts having “no restrictions whatsoever,” such as unlimited track count and the ability to add third-party plugins, which are included as standard features.
