Welcome to Best Free Music Creation Software! If you're looking for some high quality freeware tools to start recording and producing music on your computer, this article will serve as a great starting point. All new Macs come complete with a free copy of the powerful GarageBand music production software - but if you fancy something different then there are lots of fine alternatives out there. Reaper from Cockos is a brilliant piece of music software providing all tools you need to make the best music. Reaper is a multi-track audio and MIDI recording, mixing and mastering, editing and processing digital workstation for both Windows and MAC OS.
- Best Electronic Music Production Software For Mac
- Best Mac Software For Cleaning Hard Drive
- Best Software For Music Production
- Best Mac Software For Video Editing
Having the best laptop for music production packed right next to your headphones is important, if you’re a musician or a professional DJ. You’ll need one of the best processors – not to mention, plenty of fast RAM – as these will enable the best laptop for music production handle multiple music tracks. A fast SSD, capacious hard drive or both is also recommended, as you’ll be working with massive file sizes.
In addition, if you’re often on the road touring, you need a laptop that can handle a beating or two. You probably don’t need to go all out and pick up one of the best rugged laptops, but you should definitely look for a laptop that won’t fall apart, if you so much as look at it the wrong way. And, while we’re on the subject of mobility, a thin and light Ultrabook might do wonders for your back.
While the MacBook Pro may be the default for most musicians, your choice of the best laptop for music production might run Windows 10 instead.
To make it easy to find the best laptop for your music composition demands, we went ahead and included our exclusive price comparison tool, so you know you’re finding the best deal. If you want to see a more comprehensive list of prices and retailers, just click the ‘see all prices’ link on each widget.
The best laptops for music production and DJs:
1. MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2019)
CPU: 6-core Intel Core i7 - i9 | Graphics: AMD Radeon Pro 555X – Radeon Pro Vega 20 | RAM: 16 - 32GB | Screen: 15.4-inch, 2,880 x 1,800 Retina display | Storage: 256GB - 4TB SSD
For years, the MacBook Pro has been the choice laptop for musicians all over the world, and its 2019 refresh follows in its footsteps. As long as you can justify the price of entry, the MacBook Pro is the best laptop for music production… or at least, among the best, as this list has proven. With its 9th-generation Intel Core chips and up to 32GB of RAM, you’re going to be able to load up as many tracks as you want in Logic Pro X without crippling your laptop. It’s also surprisingly durable – you don’t need to worry about things bumping into it in your tour bag, thanks to its robust aluminum unibody design.
Read the full review: MacBook Pro (15-inch, mid-2018)
See more like this: The best Macs
2. Surface Pro 6
CPU: 8th-gen Intel Core i5 – i7 | Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 620 | RAM: 8GB – 16GB | Screen: 12.3-inch, 2,736 x 1,824 PixelSense display | Storage: 128GB – 1TB SSD | Connectivity: 802.11ac Wi-Fi; Bluetooth 4.1 | Camera: 8MP rear-facing, 5MP front-facing
If you want the best laptop for music production that can moonlight as a Windows tablet in your downtime, the Surface Pro 6 should be at the top of your list. Not only does this laptop alternative pack powerful hardware necessary for music production, but it has a beautiful display, and plenty of legacy connections for connecting your equipment. It lacks USB-C and Thunderbolt 3, but if you’re just in it for music production, that shouldn’t really matter.
Best Electronic Music Production Software For Mac
Read the full review:Surface Pro 6
3. Dell XPS 13 (2018)
CPU: Intel Core i5 – i7 | Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 620 | RAM: 4GB – 16GB | Screen: 13.3-inch FHD (1,920 x 1,080) – UHD (3,840 x 2,160) | Storage: 128GB – 256GB SSD
The Dell XPS 13 has been one of the best laptops you can buy for a few years running now, and the 2018 version is no different. For aspiring music producers, the XPS’ move to an 8th-generation Intel Kaby Lake R CPU should be appealing, as it will trim down the time it takes to process tracks, which then allows you to minimize downtime. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to find a 1TB storage drive anymore, but when you get a laptop that looks this good and runs this fast – it’s a worthy tradeoff.
Read the full review: Dell XPS 13 (2018)
4. Surface Laptop 2
CPU: 8th-generation Intel Core i5-i7 | Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 620 | RAM: 8GB – 16GB | Screen: 13.5-inch 2,256 x 1,504 PixelSense Display | Storage: 128GB - 1TB SSD
With all the 2-in-1 laptops that convert into a tablet being packed with unnecessary features, sometimes a more traditional Windows 10 laptop is just what you need. Luckily, Microsoft has rolled out the Surface Laptop 2, one of the best laptops in its lineup. Not only does this best laptop for music production feature a quad-core processor and plenty of memory, but it also has a lovely touch display and all the ports you need – even if it’s lacking Thunderbolt 3. As long as you don’t need Logic Pro X, you really can’t go wrong with the Surface Laptop 2.
Read the full review:Surface Laptop 2
5. MacBook Air (2018)
CPU: 8th-generation Dual-core Intel Core i5 | Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 617 | RAM: 8GB-16GB | Screen: 13.3-inch Retina (2,560 x 1,600) | Storage: 128GB – 1.5TB PCIe SSD | Dimensions (W x D x H): 30.41 x 21.24 x 1.56cm
The MacBook Air, which has recently been refreshed, brings Apple’s thin and light mainstream laptop into the modern day with a sleek aluminum build, a Retina display and an actual modern processor. This all makes for the best laptop for music production that want to stay with macOS and save some money as well. Just be sure to invest in a couple of dongles, as the two Thunderbolt 3 ports aren’t compatible with a lot of music equipment.
Read the full review:MacBook Air
6. Dell XPS 15
CPU: Intel Core i5-7300HQ - i7-7700HQ | Graphics: NVIDIA® GeForce GTX 1050 with 4GB GDDR5 | RAM: 8GB - 16GB DDR4 | Screen: Up to 15.6-inch Ultra HD (3840 x 2160) InfinityEdge touchscreen | Storage: 1TB HDD - 512GB SSD
If you're looking for a larger and more powerful laptop for running music production software on, then the Dell XPS 15 might just be for you. Boasting the same InfinityEdge technology as the smaller XPS 13, the screen extends right to the edge of the machine. This means that it's as small as it's possible to make a 15-inch laptop. It's quite pricey, depending on which version you get, but the very top end version has a 4K color-accurate display, which can give you an excellent overview of all the tracks you're working on.
Read the full review:Dell XPS 15
- Want more choices? Check out our list of the best laptops of 2018
Are you a Windows user who’s been tempted by talk of GarageBand? There are great Windows compatible programs and apps which can do as much, if not more. Here are the best alternatives to Apple’s music production software that you can run on your PC.
1. LMMS
Open-source production software with a bevy of built-in samples and instruments.
The LMMS project is the work of a volunteer development team committed to making an open-source, cross-platform music production suite. It is a flexible and powerful tool that will get you up and running in no time at all. All at the bargain price of free.
LMMS sports a good variety of software instruments. Samples and effects are pre-loaded, which allows you to get up and running straight away. The interface could be clearer. Even then, it’s easy to use the instruments and make beats by experimenting.
Synthesizers are played via musical typing, mapping the computer keyboard to notes on the instrument. Drum sequencing is made easy with a visual mapping tool. While live recording isn’t possible, LMMS comes loaded with an impressive array of samples. External samples are also supported. So if you are using your phone to make recordings5 Feature-Rich iPhone Voice Recorder Apps5 Feature-Rich iPhone Voice Recorder AppsThese iPhone voice recorder apps provide much more functionality than the built-in Voice Memos. Try one of them for better syncing, editing, and more.Read More, you can import them into LMMS and use them.
Building tracks piece by piece is where LMMS shines, and Fruityloops/FL Studio users will find it very familiar. LMMS has an online forum with an active community and a yearly “Best of LMMS” competition!
Download: LMMS for Windows | macOS | Linux (Free)
2. Mixcraft 8 Home
Loop-based software that’s a great first step for budding music producers.
One of GarageBand’s most popular features is its large and diverse library of loops. Users can quickly and easily build a song that sounds good, simply by layering loops of different instruments over one another in a way that sounds pleasing to them. It might be something of a shortcut, but it’s a great way for the uninitiated to dip their toe in the waters of digital music production.
Mixcraft offers a comparable broad selection of loops in an intuitive environment that makes it easy to get up to speed quickly. On top of this, live recording is also possible making this a real direct competitor to GarageBand.
The caveat is that the home edition is limited to just 16 tracks and a reduced set of instruments and samples. Mixcraft 8 Home is perfect for musicians just starting out, though the reduced feature set might be something you outgrow in time.
Download:Mixcraft 8 Home ($40)
3. Music Maker Jam
An entertaining but limited music production app.
While there are certainly plenty of musicians who use GarageBand as a tool, many users enjoy the software as a fun way to play around with music. If you’re more interested in that sort of experience rather than full-on music production, Music Maker Jam will have you creating no time.
Unlike the other software covered here, Music Maker Jam is an app that you can download from the Windows App Store. It is also available for Android and iOS, joining an ever increasing list of music making tools for smartphones8 Music Maker iPhone Apps to Create Music Anywhere8 Music Maker iPhone Apps to Create Music AnywhereNeed a music maker app for your iPhone? These iOS music production apps let you create tunes anywhere.Read More.
The workflow begins by selecting loops by genre, before transferring them into an arrangement to create a song. BPM and volume levels can be tweaked on the fly, and FX applied as you see fit.
Compared to others on this list, the app is limited in what you can do. More a fun way to share music with friends than a fully fledged DAW, it has some unique features aimed at casual musicians. The ability to record vocal tracks over quickly built loops make it perfect for budding MCs and singers.
Star DJs and musicians contribute sound packs to the app, along with stems from popular tunes for users to remix. Winners of remix competitions and trending songs feature on the official Music Maker Jam YouTube channel.
Download:Music Maker Jam (Free, with In-App Purchases)
4. Stagelight
Intuitive and straightforward software on multiple platforms.
Much like Music Maker Jam, Stagelight comes in the form of an Android app for music creation10 Android Apps for Musicians to Record, Tune, and More10 Android Apps for Musicians to Record, Tune, and MoreIf you're a musician, you need these apps on your Android device. They help you record, remix, tune, and more.Read More alongside Mac and Windows programs.
Stagelight takes a slightly different approach to digital music production than other similar packages, with a focus on the interface typically known as a live mode. It’s a way of testing out different loops and audio clips together to see what meshes well, used by some electronic artists in their live performances.
The free version has the same unlimited tracks as the upgraded “Unlock” versions and some limitations. The drum machine and instruments are cut back basic versions, and you get fewer effects and presets overall.
Stagelight brings a unique way of working to the table, and the free version will be more than enough for many users.
Download:Stagelight (Free, with Paid Upgrades)
5. FL Studio
Broad package suitable for all experience levels that benefit from a clean and straightforward design.
Now in its 20th year, FL Studio is one of the most widely used digital audio workstations available. It’s an excellent intermediate choice for anyone who might have cut their teeth on a free audio editorThe Best Free Audio Editing SoftwareThe Best Free Audio Editing SoftwareEditing audio can be a daunting task. However, here are some great audio editing software to help you overcome any challenges.Read More like GarageBand, but now wants a package with a bit more depth.
FL Studio sets itself apart from other comparable software in the way that it balances broad functionality with a very straightforward workflow. Whether you want to tweak the specifics of a synth or customize your recording technique to suit the sort of instrumentation and style you’re going for, you’re given plenty of options that make it easy to personalize your experience.
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Another major selling point for FL Studio is simply that it’s fun to use. Experimenting with beats using its pattern feature is fast and responsive. making it easy for you to get the results that you want without any unnecessary hassle.
FL-Studio is easy to pick up and trusted by thousands and is likely the best value product you are going to find at this price.
Download: FL Studio for Windows | macOS ($89 with free trial)
6. Reaper
Best Software For Music Production
Complex production software that works particularly well with live instrumentation.
There are plenty of apps and programs out there that attempt to make music creation approachable for anyone. But the highest levels of production require complex software. Reaper is a package that gives the expert user a lot of options. Though, it won’t hold your hand through the process. A certain level of knowledge is assumed when you open up the program.
The advantage that Reaper has over the big names in the field of digital audio workstations is its price. Whereas competitors like Cubase, Ableton and Pro Tools typically cost hundreds of dollars, the basic license for Reaper is just $60 for personal use.
While Reaper has an impressive library of VST effects, they require a high level of skill to use. Reaper is also lacking in VST instruments that work “straight out of the box”. Use of external VSTs gets around this problem, but if you already have this knowledge you likely aren’t looking for some simple GarageBand funHow to Use GarageBand: A Step-By-Step GuideHow to Use GarageBand: A Step-By-Step GuideGarageBand is a powerful audio recording and editing software for Mac, but getting started is tough. This tutorial will show you how to use GarageBand.Read More anyway!
This is professional-grade equipment for musicians looking to get real work done, and it does an excellent job if you’re willing to learn the ropes.
Download:Reaper ($60 with free trial)
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Music Production on Windows Is Possible
There are many great options for Windows users who like the idea of GarageBand. Something on this list will appeal to any budding musician. If you need more options, we’ve looked at the best free music software for audiophiles.
And if you need a new computer for audio work, check out the best computers for music productionThe 8 Best Computers for Music ProductionThe 8 Best Computers for Music ProductionYou don't have to own a studio to find best computer for music production. Here are some of the best PCs for every budget.Read More.
Explore more about: Audio Editor, GarageBand, Music Production, Record Audio.
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Please date all articles. Hardware and software change so fast, it is irresponsible not to indicate date of initial publication and any subsequent updates.
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Good on you for giving an honest description of Reaper. I hear so many people who give it crap for being 'Not truly professional', but the only basis for that argument is its low price. Other people give it crap for being hard to use, but like you said, it's a professional tool, not a toy. Garageband is a toy, although quite a fun one and can be incredibly useful.
I'd also like to add that Reason Essentials should definitely be added to this list. It's a phenomenal piece of software (essentially a stripped down version of Reason, which is definitely a 'professional tool'), and it now comes with support for VST Plugins! And at only $69, too! Not to mention it's got that fun vibe that people love Garageband for.
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I think garageband is an awesome app that I have used so far.
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Does anyone know of a music software that combines creating rhythms with a simple notation as well. Like the old Percussion Studio but better quality sound?
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have you heard of soundation??? Best gaming mouse for mac.
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There's a great program with a bit of a cost called Reason. You can buy an 'Essentials' version costing around $100 or the proper version costing around $300. Its one of the best programs in my opinion to have and it's even used by many professional DJs.
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try out mixcraft! it's really something :)
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I use Mixcraft and it is AWESOME! Real user friendly and produces great tunes!
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Anyone know a program that can tune an intrument after a recording? I'm thinking about making Viola Covers on youtube and I'm trying to find a good program to use.
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As a fellow violist, I would suggest practice ;)
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practice!
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Practice..and Melodyne :)
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Auto-Tune or Melodyne.
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Studio One Free is a great program, I used it for my music course last year instead of using a mac.
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How good is it compared to garageband? is it as easy to use with as many options as garageband?
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It's been a while since I've used it, but from what I can remember, if you're mostly planning to do MIDI stuff like create songs with a MIDI controller then its fine, but if you plan to do stuff with loops, the only loops it gives you are all synth loops which sound pretty crap compared to some of the garageband loops
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Some other options
sunvox
audacity
adobe audition / cool edit pro
lsdj via an emulator such as retorarch-
Audacity is more of an editor, and less of a production tool. It's a cool concept of how it's all modular and you can install whatever plugins you want tho.
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I got a copy of Ableton for free with a little MIDI controller, and I have really come to appreciate it.
Looks like they might have a free trial as well.-
HI Paddy,
can you please tell me what MIDI controller you bought. I am looking to buy one and if ableton comes free it will be worth it.-
Rahul, Its any of the Novation products such as the launchpad or launchkey
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I'd recommend taking a look at Tracktion, it's cross platform and extremely powerful, while still easy to use. I backed it years ago when it was a beta and it's come a long way.
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What about Cakewalk?
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You missed Caustic
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Thank you very much for this much needed rundown of the pros and cons of the various Windows alternatives to Garageband.