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12 Best DAWS of 2023 (Ranked For EVERY Type Of Producer)
- An expert guide to best digital audio workstations for music production
- We break down 12 DAWs to help you decide which is best for you
- There’s a product comparison chart, buying advice, and an FAQ
- Also, check out this article cover the best DAW control surfaces
A good DAW is ground zero for audio projects, and there are 15+ contenders in the test bed.
Sadly, bullet-point “best DAW” listicles and biased forum sentiments rarely clarify how to choose the perfect DAW. On the other hand, demoing trials can take forever, and experimenting along the upgrade path costs precious money.
So, what’s the easy ticket to a dream workflow?
Here at Producer Hive, we’ve spent a lot of time testing, reviewing, and writing articles about every major DAW on the market, and it’s time for the mother lode.
So, we’ve created this expert guide to the best DAWs, with considerations for all budgets, platforms, and uses.
We’ve handpicked and reviewed 12 audio packages, ranging from OS-specific freeware to standard-bearing DAWs, and spec’d out suites used by the biggest names in the music industry.
But user experience and intent matter, and comparing the top digital audio workstations involves too many variables to vouch for a single DAW that’ll work for everyone.
So, we’ve presented our top picks as the “best” in a specific context based on the strengths they bring to the table.
The product reviews below outline each DAW’s pros, flaws, and conclusive perks, which can help you decide if it suits your audio production needs.
And, if you need to know what to look for, our buying guide has valuable tips to streamline your search for the perfect DAW.
Best DAW of 2023: Our Top Picks
Among the freeware options, we’ve picked Cakewalk as the best free DAW for Windows, GarageBand as its Mac-only equivalent, and Tracktion Waveform Free for Linux users.
For producers on a tight budget, $60 gets you a full version of Cockos Reaper. This DAW is famed for its raw power, CPU efficiency, and customizability, though GUI is pretty darn artless.
Logic Pro has very little competition among Mac-only digital audio workstations if you can spend three figures. Likewise, PreSonus Studio One is a stellar all-around DAW for PC.
For music production purposes, FL Studio, Bitwig, and Ableton Live are apt for beat-making, sound design, and
Lastly, we’d recommend Avid
On the other hand, Steinberg Cubase has a long history as one of the best mix environments for classical composers and film scoring.
Here are the best DAWs for a start-to-finish audio and music production workflow:
- Best Free DAW for Windows: Cakewalk by BandLab
- Best DAW for Beginners: Apple GarageBand
- Best Online DAW: Soundation
- Best Budget DAW: Cockos Reaper
- Best DAW for Making Beats: Image-Line
FL Studio - Best DAW for Mac: Apple
Logic Pro - Best DAW for Electronic Music: Ableton Live
- Best DAW for Sound Design: Bitwig Studio
- Best DAW for Recording and Mixing: Avid
Pro Tools - Best All-Round DAW: PreSonus Studio One
- Best DAW for Composition: Steinberg Cubase
- Best DAW for Hardware Nerds: Reason
1. Best Free DAW for Windows: Cakewalk by BandLab
“The most popular free digital audio workstation for the Windows platform.”
Cakewalk by BandLab is a comprehensive music production software with everything you need to compose, record, edit, and mix tracks.
This Windows-only DAW boasts an award-winning Skylight interface, effortless workflow, and a class-leading 64-bit engine for music production tasks. Moreover, it’s free to download and has no paid tier or upgrade path.
Key Specs:
- Platform: Windows
- Free Version: N/A
- Price: Free
- Learning Curve: Low-medium
Review
The Cakewalk DAW was once a part of Roland’s Sonar Platinum package, later owned by Gibson, and finally acquired by BandLab in 2018.
Currently, it’s free to download, along with an assistant app for desktop and mobile that grants access to 2000+ free loops.
Cakewalk has a clean, well-structured GUI, comprehensive creative tools, automation features, virtual instruments, and audio effects.
You can use unlimited tracks per project, and the software is compatible with all third-party instruments and effects plugins.
While it may not be flashy, the DAW has an intuitive workflow and impressive audio FX collection, including reverbs, saturation, EQ, multiband compressors, and limiters. Other notable features include console emulators and “VocalSync” for automatic audio alignment.
Lastly, Cakewalk is an efficient production solution compatible with all Windows platforms and touch devices. It supports ARA2, VST2, and VST3 and has nifty sharing components to publish songs directly to social media platforms like Facebook, YouTube, etc.
Verdict
Cakewalk is easy to use even if you have no prior experience in audio production, and not having to pay to experiment makes it a fool-proof choice.
Plus, there’s a Cakewalk Tutorial Series to learn how to set up, navigate, and make music using this digital audio workstation.
Pros
- Completely free, fully-featured DAW
- Highly customizable interface (Theme Editor)
- CPU-efficient and compatible with touch devices
- Perfect DAW for hobbyists and dabblers
Cons
- Native plugins are not of the best quality
- No support for samplers or synth hardware
Best Alternative: Which is better, Cakewalk or Waveform?
Cakewalk is better than Waveform Free to make tracks from start to finish, but the DAW is only available for Windows. Waveform has cross-platform availability, making it the better and only choice for Mac and Linux-based music producers.
P.S. – Read our full-length Cakewalk review to determine if it’s the best DAW for you.
2. Best DAW for Beginners: GarageBand
“A free ticket to learn the guitar, piano, and the basics of audio production.”
You already own GarageBand if you have an Apple computer or iOS device. It’s a stripped-down Mac-only digital audio workstation with decent power, a handful of virtual instruments, and online sharing options.
The DAW can service hobbyists, but to be honest, it’s best used to explore how to record audio, arrange loops, and learn the guitar or piano.
Key Specs:
- Platform: Mac and iOS devices
- Free Version: N/A
- Price: Free
- Learning Curve: Low
Review
To put it bluntly, GarageBand is a no-frills version of Apple’s
GarageBand has impressive functionality, virtual instruments, and bundled content despite being free. It has multi-track recording and sequencing capabilities, so you can add up to 255 tracks or loops and layers and edit them with Smart Controls.
Just as importantly, the DAW supports all third-party AU plugins. It has nifty kits and drum machines to make beats, and you can download additional packs and instruments, either for free or as in-app purchases. But the lack of a full mixing console is somewhat disappointing.
Budding musicians will appreciate the free music lessons with visual features for feedback. You could purchase a beginner MIDI keyboard and use the DAW to learn the piano or download additional lessons to learn the guitar or music theory. All for free, of course.
Verdict
GarageBand is not a pro-grade DAW, but its unfussy demeanor and user-friendly interface are designed spectacularly to cater to beginners.
However, committed professionals are better off investing in
Pros
- User-friendly interface
- Intuitive workflow and low learning curve
- Free to use on Apple computers
- Guitar and piano lessons are included
- Downloadable lessons, packs, and instruments
Cons
- Not for professional use
- Lacks audio effects and presets
- Only for Apple users
P.S. – Want similar options for PC? Check out the best GarageBand alternatives for Windows.
3. Best Online DAW: Soundation
“This online music maker is a handy companion to sketch ideas for FL or Ableton.”
An online DAW can be very useful for making music on the go or jotting down ideas when creativity strikes. There are a bunch of browser-based DAWs, like Soundation, Soundtrap, and Bandlab, with varying features and specialties.
We’ve picked Soundation as the best online DAW for this roundup based on its clean GUI, easy navigation, and straightforward workflow.
Key Specs:
- Platform: Mac, PC browsers
- Free Version: Trial
- Price: $4.99 to $29.99
- Learning Curve: Low-medium
Review
Soundation is a freemium online DAW with a built-in sequencer, four samplers, five software synths, 700+ loops, and fourteen audio effects.
There’s a free trial, and users can upgrade to the paid version to access additional content and feature like an 8-band EQ and 20k loops.
This online DAW has a minimalist GUI with a linear workflow comparable to classic digital audio workstations. It is a no-fuss method to record/edit audio and create beats from a Mac or PC browser plus, you can also co-create and share projects or samples in real-time.
The free version of Soundation comes with a good supply of stock sounds accessed through the sample library.
But some of them are very generic, and there’s limited choice for certain genres. Users can buy (or sell) loops, one-shots, and beat packs in the online store.
Soundation can be used in real-time with FL and Ableton, one of its biggest pros. You can use it as a sketch pad and drag-and-drop audio samples into your primary DAW.
Likewise, you can drag-drop samples to convert them to MIDI for rearrangement or tweaks.
Verdict
Soundation scores well on ease of use and functionality, but the DAW needs more resizable elements, and the mix environment is nothing special.
You’ll also pay between $4.99 and $29.99 per month to create multiple projects and access more samples and storage.
Pros
- Minimalist user interface for a fast workflow
- Lots of customization options
- Drag-and-drop directly into
FL Studio and Ableton - Convert audio samples into MIDI
Cons
- Sound libraries aren’t versatile
- Not the best DAW for making beats
P.S. – Check out the five best online music makers based on features and usability.
4. Best Budget DAW: Cockos REAPER
“This spartan DAW is powerful, adaptable, slightly nerdy, and going for a song.”
How much would you pay for a customizable DAW with top-notch functionality, an active community, and constant updates? If you said $60, the folks at Reaper agree, but that doesn’t make it a cheapo or compromise.
Reaper is rife with power, possibilities, and an advanced routing matrix, plus the tiny memory footprint means you don’t need a spec-out system.
Key Specs:
- Platform: Mac, PC, Linux
- Free Version: 60-day trial
- Price: $60 or $225 (flat-rate)
- Learning Curve: Low-medium
Review
Reaper is a pro-level DAW with powerful recording and mixing capabilities.
There’s a 60-day trial followed by a $60 and $225 flat rate for an individual and commercial license, respectively, and the download size is roughly 25 MB, but only because there’s no bundled content.
In the audio production community, this digital audio workstation is famed for its raw power, minimal bloat (read: CPU-efficient), open source code, and low entry price.
It includes nearly 300 plugins, two basic synths, and class-leading MIDI/audio routing capabilities.
The DAW also has many creative tools, shortcuts, and time-saving features to craft an efficient workflow.
Conversely, the GUI could be more pretty, and the stock plugins and MIDI editor look as bland as butter. But these cosmetic issues don’t affect the performance in any way.
All things considered, Reaper is an excellent DAW if you value functionality over aesthetics (read: if you can get over the UI and overloaded menus).
Luckily, there are loads of scripts to build menus, macros, and toolbars to tweak the user interface.
So, is Cockos REAPER suitable for beginners?
Reaper is a lucrative DAW for music producers of all skill levels, but the artless GUI, long drop-down menus, and unintuitive MIDI editor may deter beginners.
It has a learning curve, but much of it is offset by a helpful online community and readily available instructional videos.
Verdict
If you want a customizable, feature-rich, and CPU-efficient DAW for recording instruments and audio editing, Reaper is a top-hole wizard at a price you cannot ignore.
But it lacks bundled content and doesn’t cut it for video editing, beat making, live performance, and immersive audio.
Pros
- Full-featured digital audio workstation for $60
- Highly customizable interface
- Supports unlimited tracks and effects
- One of the most stable and CPU-efficient DAWs
- The notation editor will appeal to composers
Cons
- No bundled content or video-editing features
- The MIDI editor and plug-ins look dated
- Tweaking features can overwhelm beginners
P.S. – Explore more options in our guide to the best music production software for beginners.
5. Best DAW for Making Beats: Image-Line FL Studio
“The best DAW for beats, loop-based music, and EDM tracks but not multi-track recording.”
FL Studio has been the DAW of choice for many indie, hip-hop, and EDM producers, including yours truly. It’s a reasonably priced package with lifetime free updates that add compounding value in the long run.
Moreover, the DAW is ReWire compatible (works with other software), supports most hardware devices, and has a well-functioning mobile version.
Key Specs:
- Platform: Windows and Mac
- Free Version: Feature-limited demo
- Price: Tiered pricing, $99 to $499
- Learning Curve: Low-medium
Review
No matter how you “slice” it, FL Studio is a powerful and visually intuitive software with a massive collection of plugins and virtual instruments (in the All Plugin Bundle).
It also has the best synth VSTs and piano roll among its ilk and an array of effects sorted by category.
But unlike its conventional counterparts, this DAW has a unique non-linear workflow with separate windows for arrangement, sequencing, and mixing.
You can place or paint patterns anywhere in the timeline and employ endless ways to route sounds and effects.
Some music producers enjoy this multi-window fragmented composing and mixing approach, while others find it cluttered.
Either way, everything is neatly arranged in menus and toolbars for quick access, and there’s a labor-saving sidebar with lots of shortcuts to speed up work.
FL is terrific for creating arrangements, composing with a MIDI keyboard, complex sequencing, and making slick beats.
It has class-leading MIDI controller integration, second only to Ableton, and the in-depth editing features make it one of the best DAW for sampling.
That said, this digital audio workstation could be better for recording a band, editing videos, and console integration.
The messy plugin management and unconventional workflow may also repel producers from switching from a traditional DAW like Cubase or
Is
FL Studio’s user-friendly interface makes it an excellent DAW for any skill level. Beginners can learn the FL Studio software in a day and create audio projects shortly after.
But like any pro-grade DAW, it’ll take much longer to tap into the advanced features and functionality.
Verdict
FL Studio is an excellent DAW for sampling, loop/MIDI/pattern-based compositions, making beats, and electronic music genres.
However, it’s worth noting that the demo is borderline useless for serious audio projects, and the first tier lacks audio recording/editing features.
Pros
- Beginner-friendly with loads of free online tutorials
- The best piano roll among its peers
- Excellent automation features
- Class-leading MIDI controller integration
- Free upgrades forever = excellent value
Cons
- Everything pop-ups in a new window
- Not the best DAW for recording instruments
- Slightly confusing plugin management
Best Alternative: Is Ableton better than FL Studio ?
Ableton Live and
However, Ableton is the clear winner for live performance, and
P.S. – Read our full-length FL Studio 20 review before you pull the trigger on this DAW!
6. Best DAW for Mac: Apple Logic Pro
“This tried-and-tested DAW is the best music production software for Mac and iOS devices.”
Logic Pro is a near-ubiquitous DAW for the Mac platform, from amateur workrooms to project studios and pro setups.
It’s easy to navigate, fun to use, and loaded with everything needed to make pro-sounding music, all for a $199 flat rate. The DAW delivers superb value and works for everything from ideating to songwriting, recording, and mastering.
Key Specs:
- Platform: Mac and iOS devices
- Free Version: 90-day trial (no limitations)
- Price: $199 (flat-rate)
- Learning Curve: Low-medium
Review
Apple’s Logic Pro is a one-stop solution for music production thanks to the clean interface, smooth workflow, and impressive suite of plugins and software instruments.
Moreover, the recent updates have added exciting features for sampling-oriented music production.
This Mac-only DAW has a powerful engine for recording/editing audio, a step sequencer, nifty beat-making tools, and production effects to create pristine mixes.
It comes with top-of-the-line bundled content like producer samples and arguably the best AI drummer in the realm.
Besides class-leading MIDI architecture, Logic’s audio recording features and editing power makes it one of the best DAW to record instruments or a full band.
It boasts seamless punching and quick swipe comping and can handle large audio projects with several tracks.
The latest update added a Live Loops grid to trigger/manipulate loops in real-time, which brings it on a level with Ableton.
Spatial audio is also gaining ground in music streaming, and Logic obliges with a surround mixer and enhancements to expand into the Dolby Atmos system.
Is
Logic Pro is a fine choice for new recruits and first-time music producers thanks to the clean GUI, clutter-free timeline, and affordable price point. It also has an active community and countless instructional videos for beginners and intermediate-level music producers.
Verdict
Logic Pro is a first-rate DAW for studio production, film scoring, and everything in between.
While there are better options for live performance, it’s easily the best overall DAW for Mac, and in fact, the DAW has caused many PC users to migrate into the Apple fold. True story!
Pros
- Clutter-free and easy to navigate
- Contemporary music production tools
- Best-in-class bundled content and virtual drummer
- Touch, MIDI, and MIDI-MPE support
- Excellent value for money
Cons
- Complex file management
- Only for Apple users
P.S. – We’ve compared Logic Pro vs.
7. Best DAW for Electronic Music: Ableton Live
“There’s a reason why many of the best DJs and electronic musicians use this DAW.”
Ableton appeared on the scene two decades as a library of music editing apps and quickly morphed into a top-rated DAW for making audio tracks from start to finish.
Its clip-based workflow, automation features, ability to edit/trigger loops, and tight integration with hardware devices like a Launchpad or Ableton Push make it the best DAW for electronic musicians.
Key Specs:
- Platform: Windows and Mac platforms
- Free Version: 30-day limited-feature demo
- Price: Intro $99, Standard $249, and Suite $849
- Learning Curve: Low-medium
Review
Ableton Live is an excellent tool for multi-track recording, audio processing, sequencing, live performance, and DJing. It’s a top choice to create complete songs in various electronic genres, including pop, RnB, and hip-hop.
Ableton users can pick between the freeform, loop-oriented Mode View and a conventional timeline-based Arrangement View.
Either way, the DAW impresses with an intuitive GUI and fast workflow. Plus, you can turbo-charge productivity with keyboard shortcuts and templates.
The DAW has live performance capabilities you won’t find elsewhere, and users can tap into extended functionality with Ableton hardware controllers like Push 2.
These devices add to the cost but are the perfect sidekick to trigger clips, record new ideas on the fly, and more.
Besides top-notch automation and MIDI sequencing, Ableton has the best-in-class stock plugins and software instruments. However, its routing and DSP limitations indicate there are better DAW for mixing.
There are no surround sound facilities (for Dolby Atmos), anyway.
Is Ableton Live good for beginners?
Ableton Live’s responsive, user-friendly interface and obstacle-free workflow make it a popular DAW for beginners.
It has intuitive features and functionality, and you’ll find many free & paid Ableton courses to learn how to set up, navigate, and use this pro audio software.
Verdict
Ableton Live is one of the best digital audio workstations for pattern-and-loop-based composition, MIDI sequencing, sampling, and live performance.
It’s a great shout for DJs and electronic musicians, but better options exist for film scoring and recording a band.
Pros
- Clip-based workflow is beginner-friendly and clutter-free
- Exemplary elastic audio engine and step sequencers
- Top-notch time stretching and advanced automation features
- Tight integration with hardware controllers co-developed by Ableton
- The perfect DAW for live DJing and electronic musicians
Cons
- Top-tier is expensive
- Lacks pitch correction tools
Best Alternative: Is Logic Pro better than Ableton?
Although Ableton can cover all studio production bases, Logic’s latest update introduced a Session Mode, making it an arguably better all-purpose DAW for Mac users.
Linux users can audition Bitwig, and frugal producers can opt for
P.S. – Check out the seven best MIDI keyboards for music production and live performance.
8. Best DAW for Sound Design: Bitwig Studio
“This eclectic DAW is a shoo-in for electronic music, performance, and sound design.”
Bitwig Studio 5 is one of the best DAW for creatively-inclined music producers, with abundant ease of use and complexity.
It ditches the classic format for a unified modular system ideal for making beats, generating rhythms, and crafting unpredictable sounds.
Moreover, the packages include 10 GB of content and 90+ creative tools, effects, and instruments.
Key Specs:
- Platform: Mac. PC, Linux
- Free Version: 30-day demo
- Price: $499
- Learning Curve: High
Review
Bitwig is a purpose-driven DAW with a comping engine and single-window interface for linear and non-linear workflows.
Its modular composition feels like operating a synth, and there are exciting choices to interact with elements in the arrangement and playback.
You can toggle 3 modes – a central space for the arrangement, a full-screen mixing console, and an event editor to tweak audio and MIDI.
The interface also has a clip launcher and a nifty browser to search for samples, plugins, instruments, and presets.
The DAW is best known for its easy automation, time-stretching features, spectral processing, and dual sequencer.
Its 30+ modulators are no small thing, and its ability to control the parameters of any plugin or hardware device makes Bitwig an excellent DAW for sound design.
Additionally, Bitwig boasts unique features like nested devices, event operators, chained Note FX, and more that we don’t have space to get into.
It also supports MIDI controllers, Eurorack, touch devices, and MPE-MIDI controllers – important for live performance.
On the flip side, Bitwig lacks a scalable GUI, track grouping, and auto-tune support, and it could do with more bundled content and plugins.
Additionally, the DAW needs more DSP efficiency of hybrid engines (like
Verdict
Bitwig is the perfect DAW for crushing musician’s block and making music in unconventional ways. Its cutting-edge approach, modular elements, and endless routing possibilities make it an excellent DAW for sound design, electronica, live performance, and making beats.
Pros
- Excellent time stretching and comping option
- Inspired modular approach to music making
- Sandboxed plugins for crash protection
- Myriad ways to route signals
- Active development and regular upgrades
Cons
- The audio FX library is scant
- No integrated pitch correction
Best Alternative: Is Bitwig better than Ableton?
Ableton Live is a more feature-complete DAW than Bitwig, though both are top choices for sound design, live performance, and
Bitwig Studio is more affordable and CPU-efficient, and Ableton offers more audio FX and software instruments.
P.S. – Check out these creative sound design tips to rethink how to use audio effects.
9. Best DAW for Recording and Mixing: Avid Pro Tools
“A top-end DAW for recording, mixing, and mastering music at the highest level.”
Avid Pro Tools is an industry-standard recording software with a lionized rep among audio professionals. It’s a premium-level DAW, best used to record instruments, mix & master tracks, and score for films and games.
However, it’s not famous for electronic music, and the prohibitive pricing has prevented it from infiltrating into bedrooms and project studios.
Key Specs:
- Platform: Windows and Mac
- Free version: Full-featured 30-day trial
- Pricing: Subscription tiers from $99 to $999
- Learning curve: High
Review
Pro Tools is the best in the business – a time-tested DAW with a powerful engine to record bands, orchestras, and any ensemble you can conjure.
Its feature-laden tiers have industry-standard tools, and you can tap into dedicated DSP hardware for max processing power.
The DAW mainly relies on two windows – Edit and Mix – to cover all your audio/MIDI recording, editing, and arranging tasks.
It’s an intuitive, clean, and easy-to-use interface with cleverly designed tools and shortcuts to develop an efficient workflow for your audio projects.
Pro Tools can easily claim the best mixing and post-production environment, evidenced by its presence in top-end film studios.
Its definitive perks include a pro-grade sequencer, Score Editor, a “Control” app for phones, cloud collaboration, and a thriving community and forum.
Coming to the cons, the learning curve and system requirements are high, and the DAW could benefit from more virtual instruments. Avid has also moved to a subscription-only model instead of perpetual licenses, so you’ll pay $10/month for the Artist tier and $100 for Flex.
Is
Avid
Verdict
Pro Tools is designed and priced for professional producers, and it’s an excellent DAW for multi-track recording and creating polished mixes.
It’s well worth the money if you want a class-leading performance that sets the benchmark in the audio production industry.
Pros
- A free 30-day full-featured trial
- User-friendly interface and super clean workflow
- Best-in-class multi-track recording features
- Top choice for both audio and video applications
- Superior mixing environment
Cons
- Subscription-only plans make it a pricey affair
- Installing and deleting the DAW is a bit of a hassle
- You need
Pro Tools Flex to use HDX digital I/O hardware
P.S. – Check out these 7 best Waves plugins for mixing vocals like a pro.
10. Best All-Round DAW: PreSonus Studio One
“Great for all kinds of music, Studio One is arguably the best DAW for songwriters.”
It’s hard for burgeoning DAWs to steal market share away from industry titans, yet Studio One has managed to break into the league in less than a decade.
A slick UI, contemporary features, versatile use, and a clever start-to-finish audio production workflow back its meteoric rise. In fact, this jack-of-all-trades is a DAW we could recommend to almost anyone.
Key Specs:
- Platform: PC, Mac
- Free Version: 30-day demo
- Price: Tiered pricing
- Learning Curve: Low-medium
Review
Studio One is a pro-grade DAW with a customizable interface, drag-and-drop workflow, 64-bit engine, and Smart Templates to save time.
It can handle everything from recording bands to film scoring and modern sequencing, but it also boasts features you won’t find elsewhere.
The package includes hundreds of loops, samples, effect plug-ins, and virtual instruments to create sounds.
Other noteworthy perks include a built-in beat maker, advanced Melodyne integration, video editing essentials, a score editor, and a remote-control app.
Mixing artists will enjoy the time-saving templates, surgical automation, routing options, and native audio effects plug-ins with one-click sidechain routing.
The DAW isn’t scalable like
But why should a DAW stop being helpful after the mastering stage? Studio One can process metadata, distribute music, import album art, and create disc description protocol (DDP), which is precisely why it’s one of the best start-to-finish music-making DAWs.
Verdict
All things considered, Studio One 6 is a Swiss-army-knife DAW that will appeal to a broad range of producers.
Its tiered packages represent value and are tailored to appease everyone – songwriters, composers, music producers, cloud-based collaborators, and content creators.
Pros
- Contemporary features to record and mix music
- Top-notch composition tools
- Streamlined audio production workflow
- Elaborate mastering facilities
- Dedicated online portal to collaborate
Cons
- High system requirement
- The mixing console looks crowded
P.S. – Read our article on the 7 best studio monitors (all budgets & sizes).
11. Best DAW for Composers: Steinberg Cubase
“A versatile DAW that facilitates EDM bangers and orchestral mockups with equal aplomb.”
Steinberg’s been creating cutting-edge music-making tools for 30 years, and their flagship DAW – Cubase – is one of the most popular DAW to compose for film.
In fact, it was the first to employ the block-based arrangement screen ubiquitous today, and it has evolved into a full-featured DAW with several versions targeting users of all skill levels.
Key Specs:
- Platform: PC, Mac
- Free Version: 30-day demo
- Price: $499
- Learning Curve: High
Review
Cubase is a grand old DAW with a 64-bit engine, timeline-based workflow, stellar multi-track recording functions, and a versatile mix environment.
It has a lot of content, including software instruments, VST plugins (audio and MIDI effects), and sound samples.
The DAW can handle recording-heavy projects and orchestral VST mockups gracefully. Plus, the recent update added a lot of technical improvements and powerful compositional tools like audio-based chord detection, FX Modulator, Chord Track, and VariAudio Scale Assistant.
Cubase has a superb mixing console with features like “Control Room” and “Workspaces” to streamline your workflow.
The former lets you split the mix environment into a studio and control room, and the latter saves layout settings of windows and dialogues for instant recall.
There are stellar automation features and a channel strip on each track for in-depth tweaks. The DAW also has one of the best surround-sound mixing environments for immersive audio adventures and powerful MIDI integration to cater to electronic music producers.
Verdict
We can see why Cubase earns favor with
The pro-grade mixing tools, multi-step operations, and Head Tracking make it one of the best DAWs for film scoring and composition, more if you’re a Dolby Atmos rendered.
Pros
- The user interface is very beginner-friendly
- Varied and affordable price points
- Streamlined MIDI editing process
- Top-notch stock channel strip
- Easy plugin management
Cons
- The audio library is slightly confusing
- Keyboard shortcuts aren’t great
P.S. – Check out these 5 free orchestral VST libraries that sound amazing.
12. Best for Hardware Nerds: Reason
“Reason invites you into the rack paradigm with a unique workflow & inspiring sound set.”
Reason combines the typical DAW functions with a workflow that feels like you’re handling analog equipment. It’s best known for virtual modular synthesis and worth exploring for sound design.
The rack extensions make it easy to create or add plugins and patch them with almost anything. A little experimentation can yield killer sounds you’d not be privy to otherwise.
Key Specs:
- Platform: PC, Mac
- Free Version: 30-day demo
- Price: $499
- Learning Curve: Low-medium
Review
Reason has a very different take on workflow elements, and many music producers love its rack paradigm, sequencer workflow, and SSL-style professional mixer. Essentially, you make music in the DAW using separate windows for the rack, sequencer, and mixer.
The digital audio workstation is a killer sound set with 30k loops, samples, and instrument patches. It’s also kitted with creative samplers and shape-shifting synthesizers – all stocked with lovely presets. It also boasts a mixing desk modeled after an SSL 9000k analog console.
The DAW comes with beautiful-sounding audio effects and features a sequencer with curved automation and multilane editing. You can execute seamless crossfades, move multiple faders simultaneously, and much more. But all this implies there’s a steep learning curve to it.
That said, there are better DAW to record bands or polish tracks than Reason 12. It lacks notation, surround-sound facilities, and core film score functionality. The audio editing and VST tools are decent but don’t square up to an all-purpose DAW like Logic or Reaper.
Verdict
Reason has many built-in features, bundled instruments, and a massive library of sounds to flesh out ideas when creativity hits.
It’s best suited for electronic music, and you can create and edit loops or REX files on the fly, but it doesn’t emphasize performance like Ableton.
Pros
- SSL-style mix compression
- A vast library of samples and loops
- Plenty of software instruments
- Best for electronic music
Cons
- Lacks notation and surround sound facilities
- Skip if you need a DAW for recording instruments
- Lacks key features for film scoring and mastering
Best Alternatives: Is Reason Better than Ableton Live?
Ableton Live is a better alternative, as Reason doesn’t emphasize live performance, although you can create/edit loops or REX files on the fly.
Moreover, the rack concept is only some people’s cup of tea, but there’s a fully functional demo to check if the Reason DAW is best for you.
P.S. – Interested in Modular VSTs? Check out this Softube vs. VCV Rack shootout.
FAQs
Which Free DAW Is Best For Beginners?
Cakewalk and GarageBand are the best free DAWs for PC and Mac. Among paid software,
What DAW Do Most Artists Use?
Ableton,
Which Is The Best DAW For The Mac Platform?
Apple’s
Which Is The Best DAW for Windows and PC?
Studio One, Ableton,
Studio One is an excellent DAW overall, and Reaper may appeal to users who want a light memory footprint and asking price.
Having trouble deciding on a DAW for your projects? Take a look at our guide that can help you choose the perfect DAW for your needs!
Maybe worth mentioning that Reason can also be used as a VST plugin in combination with another DAW.