Free and polished on Apple devices, opens in Logic Pro later.
VST3not supportedAUsupportedAAXnot supportedCLAPnot supportedWINnot supportedMACsupportedLNXnot supported+ iOS · iPadOS
Checked September 2026 · 5 picks · 11 compared
Best Free DAW (2026)
The best free DAWs are GarageBand (Mac, iPhone and iPad), Waveform Free (unlimited tracks with VST support on Windows, Mac and Linux), BandLab (browser and mobile), LMMS (open source, FL Studio-style) and Pro Tools Intro.
Unlimited tracks and third-party plugins at no cost.
VST3supportedAUsupportedAAXnot supportedCLAPnot supportedWINsupportedMACsupportedLNXsupported- FREE
#3BandLab Technologies
BandLab
Runs in a browser or on a phone, no install needed.
VST3not supportedAUnot supportedAAXnot supportedCLAPnot supportedWINsupportedMACsupportedLNXnot supported+ iOS · Android · Web - FREE
#4LMMS
LMMS
Open-source pattern workflow similar to FL Studio.
VST3not supportedAUnot supportedAAXnot supportedCLAPnot supportedWINsupportedMACsupportedLNXsupported - FREEpaid $9.99+
#5Avid
Pro Tools
Pro Tools Intro is a free, limited version of the studio standard.
VST3not supportedAUnot supportedAAXsupportedCLAPnot supportedWINsupportedMACsupportedLNXnot supported
Comparison table
| Name | Price | Formats | Runs on |
|---|---|---|---|
| GarageBandApple | Free | Standalone, AU | macOS, iOS, iPadOS |
| Waveform FreeTracktion | Free | Standalone, VST, VST3, AU | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| BandLabBandLab Technologies | Free | Web app, Standalone | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Web |
| LMMSLMMS | Free | Standalone, VST | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Pro ToolsAvid | Free | Standalone, AAX | Windows, macOS |
| ArdourArdour | Free | Standalone, VST3, AU, LV2 | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| AudacityMuse Group | Free | Standalone, VST3, LV2 | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Cakewalk SonarBandLab Technologies | Free | Standalone | Windows |
| LUNAUniversal Audio | Free | Standalone, VST3, AU | Windows, macOS |
| ReasonReason Studios | Free | Standalone, VST3, AU, AAX | Windows, macOS |
| Serato StudioSerato | Free | Standalone, VST3, AU | Windows, macOS |
More options
- FREE
Ardour
Ardour
Free, open-source, cross-platform DAW for recording, editing and mixing audio and MIDI.
VST3supportedAUsupportedAAXnot supportedCLAPnot supportedWINsupportedMACsupportedLNXsupported Free, open-source multitrack audio editor and recorder (not a full beat-making DAW).
VST3supportedAUnot supportedAAXnot supportedCLAPnot supportedWINsupportedMACsupportedLNXsupportedFree Windows DAW successor to the discontinued Cakewalk by BandLab, with an optional paid BandLab Membership.
VST3not supportedAUnot supportedAAXnot supportedCLAPnot supportedWINsupportedMACnot supportedLNXnot supportedDAW with built-in tape/console emulations and AI-assisted tools; runs without UAD hardware.
VST3supportedAUsupportedAAXnot supportedCLAPnot supportedWINsupportedMACsupportedLNXnot supportedRack-based DAW combining a sequencer with virtual instruments, effects, and modular routing.
VST3supportedAUsupportedAAXsupportedCLAPnot supportedWINsupportedMACsupportedLNXnot supported- FREEpaid $149+
Serato
Serato Studio
Beat-making software with real-time Stems separation and a built-in sample deck.
VST3supportedAUsupportedAAXnot supportedCLAPnot supportedWINsupportedMACsupportedLNXnot supported
Questions people ask
FL Studio has a free trial with no time limit, but you can't reopen saved projects until you buy. LMMS is a free, open-source alternative with a similar workflow.
GarageBand, Waveform Free, BandLab, LMMS, Pro Tools, Ardour, Audacity, LUNA, Reason, Serato Studio.
Waveform Free, LMMS, Ardour, Audacity.