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.
- Best Recording App For Mac
- Best Music Recording Apps For Windows 10
- Best Music Recording App For Macbook Pro
- Free Music Recording Apps For Mac
- Best Music Recording Program For Mac
If you are still looking for a Mac laptop for your music work, here is another option under 1000 Dollars for music production and recording. Not as powerful as MacBook Pro but for people who are on a tight budget but still want the best laptop for music production can opt for the MacBook Air. A best music recording app for talented songwriters, composers, singers, conductors and bandleaders which contributes a large share to the music industry. Leawo – A high-quality recording program that records every audio which is available on your computer as well as music streaming sources such as youtube, Internet Radio, AOL. Download free music production software for Windows, Mac, & Linux. These free music apps are the best free Digitial Audio Workstations for music makers. Looking for the best Mac music-production software? We compare the best alternatives to Apple's free music-making app GarageBand. Usually you'll use a music program to record and arrange parts. Apple Music (iOS) Best for streaming radio. Android and iOS users can both check out the new Apple Music app that offers 30 million songs from the iTunes catalog and access to Beats 1, a 24/7. Download: Mac App Store. Full review: Logic Pro X review. Features: If GarageBand isn't quite powerful enough for your needs then upgrading to this premier music suite should be top of your list.
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.
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
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)
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.
- Please date all articles. Hardware and software change so fast, it is irresponsible not to indicate date of initial publication and any subsequent updates.
- 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.
- I think garageband is an awesome app that I have used so far.
- 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?
- have you heard of soundation???
- 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.
- try out mixcraft! it's really something :)
- I use Mixcraft and it is AWESOME! Real user friendly and produces great tunes!
- 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.
- As a fellow violist, I would suggest practice ;)
- practice!
- Practice....and Melodyne :)
- Auto-Tune or Melodyne.
- Studio One Free is a great program, I used it for my music course last year instead of using a mac.
- How good is it compared to garageband? is it as easy to use with as many options as garageband?
- 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
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- What about Cakewalk?
- You missed Caustic
- Thank you very much for this much needed rundown of the pros and cons of the various Windows alternatives to Garageband.
The iPad has been adopted readily in the music industry by people who are already musicians and by people who want to be musicians.
You can do all kinds of neat things with the iPad with the right app. Plug in a guitar with a guitar interface and use it as an effects processor. Record and tweak music using your iPad as a digital workstation. Turn the iPad itself into a musical instrument or learn an instrument using the iPad as your teacher. Read sheet music while you play. Where should you start on all of this musical goodness? Try some of the highest-rated iPad apps available for musicians.
Yousician
What We Like
- Turns learning to play an instrument into a game.
- Load your own songs into the app.
- Includes lessons for guitar, bass, ukulele, and piano.
What We Don't Like
- Lacks variety and becomes repetitive after a while.
- Subscriptions are pricey and noncancellable.
- Appears crowded on small iPad screens.
If you are new to your music instrument, Yousician is the perfect app. It's free to download but requires a monthly or annual subscription after a trial period. Even if you have been playing a while, Yousician can be a handy tool. The app allows you to play along with it in a manner similar to music games like Rock Band. However, instead of notes coming straight at you, the notes appear on the right and scroll to the left. This is similar to reading music and almost the same as reading tablature, so if you are learning guitar, you learn to read tab at the same time. For piano, the music sheet flows similarly, but you get a cheat sheet of a piano's keys lighting up to help you out.
ForScore
What We Like
- A simple and stable app.
- Excellent for organizing and cataloging music.
- Includes extras for musicians.
What We Don't Like
- Displays sheet music in PDF format.
- Works with collections, but each song must be bookmarked.
Fans of the forScore app declare it is the best music reader anywhere. Its clean interface looks like the app was designed exclusively for iOS devices, and it was. Use it to download sheet music or load PDFs on the iPad and be playing in seconds. The forScore app partners with Musicnotes to give instant access to purchases. You can annotate, play along with an audio track, and create setlists.
The app supports split view and slide-over multitasking on iPads with these features. Play hands-free with forScore's page-turning devices, and MIDI signals or use its built-in remote control. Serious collectors can add composers, genres, tags, and labels to each score's metadata in the library.
Best of all, you can take your entire sheet music library with you wherever you go.
GuitarTuna
What We Like
- Excellent app for tuning guitars.
- Attractive, easy-to-use interface.
- Clear instructions.
What We Don't Like
- Chord libraries and metronomes aren't special.
- Free version includes only standard six-string guitar tuning.
Is your ukulele out of tune? How about your mandolin, banjo, or bass guitar? You need GuitarTuna, the premiere tuning app for all stringed instruments. It's easy, fast and accurate — even for beginners. GuitarTuna offers more than 100 tunings, including standard, Drop-D, half-step down, and 12-string.
The app also includes a metronome, chord-learning games, a chord library, and four practice songs with guitar notation.
Animoog
What We Like
- Great job recreating analogue Moog sounds.
- Dozens of presets to play with.
- Interface feels like a tool and not just a display.
- Cool sounds and effects.
What We Don't Like
- Steep learning curve for anyone not familiar with Moog hardware.
- Doesn't sound exactly like Moog hardware.
Synthesizer fans love Animoog, a polyphonic synthesizer designed for the iPad. Animoog includes waveforms from classic Moog oscillators and allows users to explore the space of those sounds fully. It's not cheap, but for those who want a true synth experience out of their iPad, Animoog is the way to go. Animoog supports MIDI in, so you can use your MIDI controller to create the sound or use the touch interface.
ThumbJam
What We Like
- Jamming on this app delivers top-notch sounds.
- Lots of instruments, scales, and keys to choose from.
- Fun music creation app.
What We Don't Like
- Steep learning curve for novices.
- Complicated layout.
ThumbJam is a virtual instrument designed specifically for the iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch. Rather than provide an on-screen keyboard linked to instrument sounds, ThumbJam turns your device into an instrument. By picking out a key and scale, you can use your thumb to move up and down the notes and wave the device to provide different effects such as pitch bend. This makes it a unique and intuitive way to 'play' your iPad.
GarageBand
What We Like
- Easy to record and mix music.
- Large built-in sound and loop library.
- Includes lessons for guitar and piano keyboard. Others are downloadable.
What We Don't Like
- Lacks depth when editing parameters.
- Doesn't support plug-ins.
- No view of the mixing console.
Easily the most popular music app, GarageBand packs in plenty of functionality for a relatively low price. First and foremost, it is a recording studio. Not only can you record tracks, but you can also play with buddies remotely through virtual jam sessions. If you don't happen to have your instrument with you, GarageBand has virtual instruments. You can use these instruments with a MIDI controller, so if tapping on a touch device doesn't give you the right feel for making music, you can plug in a MIDI keyboard. Best of all, GarageBand is free to anyone who has purchased an iPad or iPhone within the last few years.
Best Recording App For Mac
Music Studio
What We Like
- Realistic, configurable 85-key keyboard.
- More than 100 free instruments.
- Excellent MIDI support.
What We Don't Like
- Needs clearer instructions for novice users.
- Trash folder deletes files slowly.
- No separate mixer.
Music Studio is for people who like the concept of GarageBand but feel constrained by its limitations. The basic concept is the same: provide virtual instruments in a studio setting that allows for the creation of music. Music Studio goes further and adds more sequence features, including the ability to edit tracks, add effects, and draw in additional notes with the digital pencil tool. Music Studio has a comprehensive range of downloadable instruments, so you can expand your sounds as needed.
DM1 - The Drum Machine
What We Like
- It's fun and sounds great.
- Lots of drumkit samples included.
- Great selection of effects.
- Easy for nondrummers to operate.
What We Don't Like
- In-app purchases in a paid app.
- Lacks swing control for individual beats.
One area where the iPad excels is as a drum machine. While playing a virtual piano or guitar on the touch screen can be a little awkward with the lack of tactile sensation leading to missed notes, the touch screen provides a good imitation of drum pads. You might not get the touch sensitivity or advanced features of actual drum pads, but for anyone who wants to tap out a beat, DM1 is the next best thing and far cheaper than a real drum machine. Along with drum pads, DM1 includes a step sequencer, a mixer, and a song composer.
InsTuner Chromatic Tuner
Best Music Recording Apps For Windows 10
What We Like
Best Music Recording App For Macbook Pro
- Six tuning modes.
- Clean, modern-looking interface.
- Works with almost any instrument: stringed, woodwinds, brass, timpani, and more.
What We Don't Like
- Ads appear in the paid app.
- Not useful when at noisy gigs.
- Needs presets for standards tunings.
InsTuner is a chromatic tuner that works with any stringed instrument. The app features the standard frequency gauge as well as a fixed note wheel, which gives you a nice visual feel for the pitch being produced. InsTuner supports tuning through the microphone or through line-in modes, such as using a guitar interface to hook your guitar to your iPad. In addition to tuning, the app includes a tone generator for tuning by ear.
Pro Metronome
What We Like
- Three options for pitches.
- Buttons and wheel to alter the beats per minute.
- Easy to change pitch on one or more notes in a measure.
What We Don't Like
- Design looks outdated.
- Navigation is confusing.
- Subdivisions require in-app purchase.
The metronome is a staple in any musician's arsenal, and Pro Metronome provides a basic metronome that works fine for most musical needs. The app has an easy-to-use interface that allows you to set the time signature, use it in the background, and project a visual representation onto your TV using AirPlay.
TEFview
What We Like
- Great for learning new music.
- Option to slow down tempo while learning new music.
- Includes metronome and countdown.
What We Don't Like
- Interface is not intuitive. Requires a trial and error approach.
- Awkward file management system.
Guitarists who deal with tablature love TEFview. This tab library features MIDI playback with speed control, so you can slow it down while learning the song and speed it up once you have it mastered. You can also print out the tab from within the app and share files via Wi-Fi or email them as an attachment. TEFview supports TablEdit files in addition to ASCII, MIDI, and Music XML files.
Hokusai Audio Editor
What We Like
- Good for basic audio editing.
- Easy to filter out background noice.
- Lots of filters and special effects.
Free Music Recording Apps For Mac
What We Don't Like
- Interface not intuitive. New users need instructions.
- App doesn't save when recording is paused.
Best Music Recording Program For Mac
Want to ditch the virtual instruments but keep the recording capability? No need to go with a more expensive option. Hokusai Audio Editor allows you to record multiple tracks, copy and paste sections of a track, and apply different filters and effects to your tracks. Best of all, the base package is free, with in-app purchases allowing you to expand the capabilities of the app with new tools like grain synthesis, time-stretching, reverb, and modulation.