DAW software is the essential tool and basis for music production. With the DAW we can record, edit, sample, mix and much more, all within a single software. When we talk about which is the best DAW for producing, there is really no single answer. If it existed, everyone would use the same DAW, right? Instead, each one offers a different proposal for each type of use. Therefore, in this list I am going to show the best DAW software, but they will not be ordered from best to worst anymore. that there is no such thing. Instead, I am going to show the best uses and functions of each software so that you can choose the right one for you.
Guide
Best DAW Software for ProductionFL StudioAbleton LiveAvid Pro ToolsReaperLogic Pro
Best DAW Software for Production
FL Studio
Featured in: Easy to sample, insert VSTs, duplicate patterns in the overview and super visual to work with.
FL Studio is one of the most popular DAW software in the production field. It is well known within the electronic music realm, but in recent years it has also become popular for general production. What I like most about this software is the ease of work with duplicating patterns, removing and placing tracks. Its visual appeal helps a lot to work efficiently. If you are not familiar with FL Studio, you may find it a little strange because it does not have the typical DAW interface. But after following some guides to use it, you will find the best of it. The software comes equipped with many VST plugins related to electronic music, although it also has many very good general instruments. Pros:
- Excellent visual to work with.
- If you make electronic music, it comes with many VST plugins in the industry.
- Reasonable price.
- Updates forever after purchasing it.
Cons:
- If you don’t make electronic music, it will be a shame not to take advantage of all the VSTs that are included.
Summary: FL Studio is a great DAW software for working with production. It has a focus on electronic music, but is regularly used for many musical styles.
You can compare prices and packages at Thomann / Amazon / WoodBrass.
Ableton Live
Featured in: Vista Session for live looping, MIDI automation.
Ableton Live is a very innovative software that stands out for the session view that became super popular in YouTube videos like these.
The most fun thing about this DAW software is looping the tracks that we are recording and making songs in the most improvised way. And of course, it will encourage you to buy all the MIDI controllers that you find to improve performance (a warning before going for this software).Then, the VST plugins that are included are very good and are very visual for editing.The general view for recording and editing tracks is quite usual, although with some peculiarities.
Pros:
- Super fun to do live looping.
- Powerful software in features.
- The automation and MIDI functions are great.
- Good CPU optimization to avoid lags.
Cons:
- The most complete version is a bit expensive.
Summary: Ableton Live is a great DAW software for producing and live looping.
You can check the packages at Thomann
Avid Pro Tools
Featured in: Professional studio interface.
Pro Tools is known as a professional DAW software for music production, there is no doubt about that. It has a particular focus on professional recording due to the many tools available for recording, mixing and mastering. However , the lack of native support for VST plugins means that it has remained a bit over time. It only supports AAX type plugins, which is their own format. But of course, if you pay for the most complete version of Pro Tools you will have its integrated plugins that are great… but it has its price. Beyond that, Pro Tools continues to be a professional and very prestigious option for editing and mixing audio.
Pros:
- Professional interface.
- Robust editor and features.
Cons:
- Does not support VST.
- Its price is monthly and it is very expensive.
You can compare their packages on their page.
Reaper
Featured in: Complete interface to produce and economical price.
The Reaper is a DAW software that has gained a lot of popularity in recent years due to its great advantages. Its price is super cheap ($60 for the full version) and it has nothing to envy of other DAWs. In fact, if you know how to use it to the maximum with all its functions, it is a great, very powerful software. A great advantage that Reaper has is that it is very light (on my PC it takes up only 63MB installed) so it is ideal for not saturating your PC. It is also very fast to use and light on resources.
Pros:
- Very affordable price.
- Super lightweight and light.
- Robust interface to produce.
- It has a demo version to test that is identical to the paid one.
Cons:
- There is nothing to criticize in terms of functions, but it could be more visual to work fluidly.
Summary: The Reaper is a DAW software loved by many for its great advantages. It is positioned as a great option when choosing.
See Reaper on its official website.
Logic Pro X
Featured in: Professional software for Mac OS users, Live Looping.
Photo by Tiago Cassol on Flickr
Logic Pro of FL Studio. Its price is fixed, that is, $200 is the only version you have to buy. No versions with added functions. Something to keep in mind is that only plugins with Apple’s AU (Audio Units) extension work. VST or VST3 do not work.
Pros:
- Unique and reasonable price.
- Many new features.
- Complete software.
Cons:
- Only compatible with Mac OS, no Windows.
- Only compatible with AU plugins, VSTs do not work.
Summary: For Mac OS users, this is an option that you should try, it even has a demo version for it. Its price is very reasonable and worth it.
See in the Apple store
Cubase
Featured in: Stable software with years of experience.
Photo on Flickr
Cubase is one of the oldest DAWs, born in 1989. The ones we produced quite a few years ago, Cubase was one of the few options available. Of course there are many more options available now, but it is still a robust software for recording and produce.
Pros:
- Robust recording and editing.
- Great compatibility.
Cons:
- The fullest version is very expensive.
- You have to pay for each new version.
It currently has three versions (Pro, Artist and Elements) where each one offers different packages. Elements may be a bit basic and limited but useful. And the Pro and Artist are quite expensive.
See packages at Thomann / Amazon.
Bandlab Cakewalk
Featured in: Free.
Bandlab’s Cakewalk software is one of the few that offers free DAW. The truth is that for being free, it offers many tools available to produce music. You can record tracks, MIDI, edit audio, mix and even master your songs . It is also compatible with VST plugins to import into your projects.
Pros:
- The only free one.
- Many tools available.
- VST compatible
Cons:
- To be gratuitous, you can’t criticize anything (A gift horse, don’t look it in the mouth).
Summary: Cakewalk is a great DAW software to work with for free.
You can download the software from their website.
Bitwig Studio
Bitwig Studio is not such a well-known software because it is quite new, but it is quite good. One cannot help but mention its similarity to Ableton Live, due to the looping view and the general panel. This is because it was founded by engineers who previously worked in Ableton. The way of working is quite good with this program, and you can easily adapt if you used Ableton.
Pros:
- Comfortable panel to work with.
- Versatile configuration.
- VST support for 32 and 64-bit plugins.
Cons:
- The most complete version is a bit expensive.
You can check the packages at Thomann
PreSonus Studio One
Featured in: Composition, drum and harmonic editor, automation.
The Presonus brand is well known for its studio equipment such as monitors, interfaces or consoles, but it also has its Studio One software. But this DAW has a very good combination of recording features and innovative technologies. In itself, everything The software is very intuitive because it is “Drag and Drop” style but it also has many things to learn because it added many functions in its latest version. Some of the highlighted tools are the score editor, drums, harmonics.
Pros:
- Composition tools.
- Good plugins and loops included
- Great value for the price.
- Intuitive interface and great to work with.
Cons:
- We can’t find.
The Presonus Studio One only has two versions: Artist ($99) and Professional ($399). The Professional adds some specific features for mixing and mastering, but doesn’t limit big things for most. You can check out the packages at Thomann.
Motu Digital Performer
Featured in: Live Performance
The Motu Digital Performer may be one of the least known of all, but it is worth mentioning. It has all the DAW functions and I also added the Live Performance function for looping (yes, it is very fashionable). The only negative is that it is a bit expensive, and well… not many people know about it to talk about it with your friends.
Pros:
- Good built-in features.
- Live Looping
Cons:
- High price
See packages at Thomann
Tips for choosing a DAW
First of all, it must be noted that there is no DAW that is better than another. But each one offers a solution more suitable for one use than another. Therefore, the ideal one for you will be the one with which you can work most comfortable with your style of music. For example, I have a friend who is a Reaper fan who makes incredible music and he doesn’t leave it for anything. I think it is an excellent, super complete software, but I just don’t feel comfortable with its interface. That’s why you simply have to look for the one that feels most comfortable for you to produce music. Don’t listen to the voices of “this one is better because…” And of course, functions are also a vital aspect. Some DAWs focus more on the recording/mixing aspect, and others focus more on production with sampling and sequencing.
Other DAWs as alternatives
Acoustica Mixcraft Reason Studios GarageBand (Free for Mac!) Audacity (Super limited to produce but free) These are other DAWs that I had to mention in case you are looking for even more alternatives. They are not the most popular, but you can check them out a look.
Best DAW Software: Final Thoughts
In this list I mentioned the best DAW software for music production. Each DAW software offers unique value for producing music. Simply choose one and start producing. Leave your vote and comment below!
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