18.2
Android app for recording and producing music; also available on iOS, Linux, macOS and Windows.
Free planAndroidiOSLinux
Best Digital Audio Workstations in 2026
n-Track Studio leads this chart of 39 (8.2/10, free plan). Pro Tools is next (7.6/10, free plan), and SunVox is the next highest-placed with a free plan (7.3/10). Digital audio workstations organize audio and MIDI projects; platform support and the editing features you need help decide between them. Compare Android, web, Windows, iPhone or iPad, Mac and Linux support, then check free access, paid entry price, track limits, audio warping, score editing, video timelines and VST3 support. If Android matters, confirm that the specific tool has an Android app rather than assuming…
27.6
Windows and macOS DAW with multitrack tools, MIDI sequencing and noise reduction.
Free planmacOSWindows
37.3
Android app for multitrack editing and MIDI sequencing, with web and desktop versions.
Free planAndroidiOSWeb
- 4
7.1Free plan - 5
Zrythm
Free-plan desktop DAW for multitrack editing, MIDI sequencing and third-party plugins.
Free planLinuxmacOSWindows7.1From $50 a year - 6
Logic Pro
Logic Pro is a music creation app for Mac and iPad, used for beat-making, songwriting, recording, editing, mixing, and remixing.
iOSmacOS6.9From $29.99 a year - 7
LUNA
LUNA is Universal Audio’s digital audio workstation for recording, producing, and mixing music.
Free planmacOSWindows6.9From $149 a year - 8
Ardour
Ardour is an open-source workstation for recording, editing, mixing, and mastering audio and MIDI projects on Linux, macOS, and Windows.
LinuxmacOSWindows6.8From $1 a month - 9
Bitwig Studio
Bitwig Studio has a 30-day trial and runs on Linux, macOS and Windows.
LinuxmacOSWindows6.8$99 one-time - 10
Nuendo
Nuendo is Steinberg’s audio post-production software for film, television, game audio, and immersive sound work.
macOSWindows6.8$799.99 one-time - 11
6.8Free plan - 12
Digital Performer
Digital Performer is an application for recording audio, sequencing MIDI, editing, arranging, mixing, and creating music notation.
macOSWindows6.7$499 one-time - 13
GarageBand
Free Apple app for multitrack editing and MIDI sequencing on iPhone, iPad and Mac.
Free planiOSmacOS6.7Free plan - 14
6.7From $59.99 a month - 15
SoundBridge
Windows and macOS DAW for film scoring and remote sessions in public beta.
Free planmacOSWindows6.7Free plan - 16
Tracktion Waveform
Free-plan DAW for multitrack band sessions, MIDI tools and audio effects.
Free planLinuxmacOSWindows6.7$249 one-time - 17
ACID Pro
Windows6.6From $69.95 a year - 186.5
- 19
OpenMPT
OpenMPT is a tracker and audio application for composing and playing music, with a sample-based workflow or DAW-style use through plugin support.
Free planLinuxmacOSWindows6.5Free plan - 20
Renoise
Renoise uses a music-tracker workflow and supports VST, AU, LADSPA and DSSI plugins.
LinuxmacOSWindows6.5$8,800 one-time - 21
Cakewalk Sonar
Windows 11-and-later DAW with multitrack editing, MIDI sequencing and video synchronization.
Free planWindows6.4Free plan - 22
LMMS
Free desktop music tool for composing, mixing, sequencing and arranging samples.
Free planLinuxmacOSWindows6.4Free plan - 23
MuLab
Desktop music studio with modular synth, sampler and effects, also available as a plugin.
macOSWindows6.3 - 24
Qtractor
Qtractor is a Linux desktop application for multitrack audio and MIDI sequencing and recording, aimed at personal home studios.
Free planLinux6.3Free plan - 25
Cakewalk Next
Free-plan DAW with audio recording, timeline-block arranging and Piano Roll MIDI editing.
Free planmacOSWindows6.2Free plan
Choosing well
Which platforms does it need to run on?
Choose a workstation that lists the operating system you plan to use. The chart covers Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android and web access.
For a Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO phone, check for an Android app in the tool's platform details. A web version is a separate option and does not establish Android app support.
Can you start for free?
Check whether the entry is marked free or has a free plan, then read the paid-from price when you need more capability.
A free trial is different from a free plan: a trial gives temporary access, while a free plan is an ongoing option stated by the maker.
How many audio and MIDI tracks do you need?
Compare the maximum audio-track and MIDI-track fields with the size of your projects. These limits can affect arrangements with layered recordings or instruments.
Look at both limits, since a workstation may offer room for audio without matching capacity for MIDI projects.
Which editing tools are important?
Use the feature fields to match your workflow: audio warping changes timing, a score editor works with notation, and a video timeline supports projects built around video.
Check the specific fields instead of assuming a workstation includes a tool you need.
Do you need VST3 plug-ins?
If your setup relies on VST3 effects or instruments, confirm VST3 support in the comparison before choosing.
Treat plug-in support as a separate check from the operating system, because a compatible platform does not by itself confirm VST3 support.
Questions people ask
Which digital audio workstations work on Android?
Check the platform details for an Android app. Android support is listed separately from Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and web access.
What should I compare when choosing a digital audio workstation?
Compare platform support, free plan and paid-from price, maximum audio and MIDI tracks, audio warping, score editor, video timeline and VST3 support.
Is a free trial the same as a free plan?
No. A free trial provides temporary access, while a free plan is an ongoing free option stated in the pricing details.
Do digital audio workstations support VST3?
VST3 support varies by tool. Use the VST3 field in the comparison to check a specific workstation.
Can I use a web-based digital audio workstation?
Web is one of the platform options shown in the comparison. Check the tool's platform details to confirm browser access.