Continue with some other best DAW apps you should know…
6. GarageBand
GarageBand is almost a household name at this point. The free DAW developed by Apple has done more for democratizing music production than almost any other music software.
You may even be surprised to know what hit records have been made on it considering it’s a free program that comes with all versions of Mac OSX.
The helpful tips that GarageBand provides in-app are written in simple language accessible to all production skill levels—you can learn a lot that way!
Overall, GarageBand is a simple but effective tool for getting started with music production. And if you’re reading this on a Mac, you already have it. So make something today!
7. Logic Pro X
Logic Pro X is Apple’s pro audio software product.
Logic shares its user-friendly design philosophy with Garageband. If you started with Garageband, you’ll find a lot to love in Logic Pro X.
In the most recent versions, Apple has been focusing on creating fantastic built-in plugins that give you a suite of all the tools you need to create great recordings right away.
Couple that with intuitive MIDI and audio editing and a powerful sample editor, Logic Pro X strikes a perfect balance between functionality and ease of use.
Logic has even added pro-level features like pitch and timing correction as well as convincing guitar amp emulation plugins natively in-app.
You’d have to pay thousands for that kind of functionality from third parties!
The sheer amount of sample and plugin content bundled with Logic is impressive. If you’re looking for a one-stop shop DAW, this could be it!
8. Steinberg Cubase Pro 10
Steinberg’s Cubase was one of the first commercially available DAWs and still has a strong following.
Cubase 10 is the latest version of the app and it’s packed with all the features you need to create a pro-quality track.
Cubase began as a MIDI only application and it’s MIDI editing capabilities are still among the strongest.
It’s audio and mixing features are no slouch either—this DAW can do everything the big names are capable of.
Steinberg pioneered the popular VST plugin format, so there’s great compatibility with free VST plugins, especially on Windows.
Cubase has a lot of great features, so it’s worth considering as you search for the best DAW for you.
9. FL Studio 20
FL Studio (formerly known as Fruity Loops) is a favourite among hip-hop and electronic producers for its no nonsense interfaces that can get you started making beats right away.
Many beatmakers got their first taste of creating loops and grooves with FL Studio and continue to use it to this day.
Version 20 includes extensive integration with AKAI’s FL Studio specific hardware and even a mobile extension of the DAW to keep you creating music anywhere.
It comes standard with a wide variety of native plugins including synths, samplers and virtual effect units.
Image-Line also offers free lifetime updates to the program. That means if you purchase once you’ll have access to every version from now until forever.
10. REAPER
REAPER (Rapid Environment for Audio Production, Engineering, and Recording) is the last one of 10 best DAW apps that comes from the same developers as the WinAmp audio player and Gnutella peer-to-peer network.
It’s a powerful, comprehensive and adaptive DAW without any engineering compromises.
REAPER comes with a free 60 day trial, but an individual license only costs $60 USD—it’s the best value in DAW software.
There are no track types in REAPER—each track you create can do anything you need it to (audio, midi, video, bussing)—which makes arranging super simple.
REAPER is an equally good option if you’re just starting out or if you’ve had your head in a DAW for as long as you can remember.
Beginners can simply press record to get started and experienced users can take advantage of the advanced routing matrix or use ReaScript to program anything from a macro to a full-featured extension.
Create, Mix, Repeat
Whether at a home studio or in a professional environment DAW software has made creating accessible and easy. With all the different apps out there to choose from, there’s no excuse to not be creating everyday.
If you’re asking yourself how to record music better or how to edit music better, Or how to mix music, chances are there’s a DAW out there that’s the answer.
Now that you know 10 best DAW apps, get out there start looking for the DAW of your dreams.