Find your way to make music, from a spark of an idea to a finished track.
VST3supportedAUsupportedAAXnot supportedCLAPnot supportedWINsupportedMACsupportedLNXnot supported
Checked September 2026
Ableton Live 12 vs GarageBand (2026)
Ableton Live 12 is best for live performance and loop-based electronic music production; GarageBand is best for beginners making music free on mac or iphone/ipad. Ableton Live 12 starts at $99 one-time (Intro) and GarageBand at Free.
Incredible music. In the key of easy.
VST3not supportedAUsupportedAAXnot supportedCLAPnot supportedWINnot supportedMACsupportedLNXnot supported+ iOS · iPadOS
| Ableton Live 12 | GarageBand | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | live performance and loop-based electronic music production | beginners making music free on mac or iphone/ipad |
| Starting price | $99 one-time (Intro) | Free |
| Free version | No | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | — |
| Formats | Standalone, VST3, AU | Standalone, AU |
| OS | Windows, macOS | macOS, iOS, iPadOS |
| Key features | Session View for live performance/looping, Max for Live (Suite only), Meld and Roar built-in devices (Live 12), Sound Similarity Search | Up to 255 audio tracks, Session/virtual drummers across 6 genres, Guitar and bass amp simulation, Built-in piano and guitar lessons, Flex Time rhythm correction |
| Developer | Ableton | Apple |
Questions people ask
Ableton Live 12 starts at $99 one-time (Intro); GarageBand starts at Free.
Session View for live performance/looping, Max for Live (Suite only), Meld and Roar built-in devices (Live 12), Sound Similarity Search.
Up to 255 audio tracks, Session/virtual drummers across 6 genres, Guitar and bass amp simulation, Built-in piano and guitar lessons, Flex Time rhythm correction.