Incredible music. In the key of easy.
VST3not supportedAUsupportedAAXnot supportedCLAPnot supportedWINnot supportedMACsupportedLNXnot supported+ iOS · iPadOS
Checked September 2026
GarageBand vs Waveform Free (2026)
GarageBand is best for beginners making music free on mac or iphone/ipad; Waveform Free is best for musicians wanting an unlimited free DAW with no track/time restrictions. GarageBand starts at Free and Waveform Free at Free.
Fully featured, completely unlimited free DAW for all music creators.
VST3supportedAUsupportedAAXnot supportedCLAPnot supportedWINsupportedMACsupportedLNXsupported
| GarageBand | Waveform Free | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | beginners making music free on mac or iphone/ipad | musicians wanting an unlimited free DAW with no track/time restrictions |
| Starting price | Free | Free |
| Free version | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Formats | Standalone, AU | Standalone, VST, VST3, AU |
| OS | macOS, iOS, iPadOS | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Key features | 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 | Unlimited tracks and audio/MIDI recording, 14 built-in audio effects plus MIDI/utility plugins, 4 built-in instruments including a sampler and rompler, Flexible routing and export, Sample/plugin browser with tagging |
| Developer | Apple | Tracktion |
Questions people ask
GarageBand starts at Free; Waveform Free starts at Free.
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.
Unlimited tracks and audio/MIDI recording, 14 built-in audio effects plus MIDI/utility plugins, 4 built-in instruments including a sampler and rompler, Flexible routing and export, Sample/plugin browser with tagging.