18.2
n-Track Studio is a digital audio workstation for recording, editing, and mixing music on desktop and mobile devices.
Free planAndroidiOSLinux
Best Music Production Software in 2026
Music production software supports making and arranging music on computers and mobile devices. This list covers tools that run on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS or Android. Before choosing, check the platforms for the version you need, especially Android support. Compare whether a tool has a free plan, a free trial or a paid model, and confirm the desktop or mobile system you use.
27.6
Pro Tools is a digital audio workstation for recording, editing, and mixing audio on Windows and macOS.
Free planmacOSWindows
37.1
Reason is music-making software for Windows and macOS, offered as a full DAW and as a plugin.
Free planmacOSWindows
- 4
Zrythm
Zrythm is a digital audio workstation for GNU/Linux, Windows, and macOS, with multitrack editing, MIDI sequencing, recording, automation, and mixing.
Free planLinuxmacOSWindows7.1From $50 a year - 5
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 - 6
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 - 7
Bitwig Studio
Bitwig Studio is a digital audio workstation for recording, arranging, improvising, performing, sound design, and building instruments.
LinuxmacOSWindows6.8$99 one-time - 8
Nuendo
Nuendo is Steinberg’s audio post-production software for film, television, game audio, and immersive sound work.
macOSWindows6.8$799.99 one-time - 9
Digital Performer
Digital Performer is an application for recording audio, sequencing MIDI, editing, arranging, mixing, and creating music notation.
macOSWindows6.7$499 one-time - 10
GarageBand
GarageBand is a free music-making app for Mac, iPhone, and iPad, with tools for playing, recording, editing, mixing, and sharing songs.
Free planiOSmacOS6.7Free plan - 11
MAGIX Music Maker
MAGIX Music Maker is Windows music-making software from MAGIX, a company founded in 1993 and headquartered in Berlin, Germany.
Free planWindows6.7From $59.99 a month - 12
Cubasis
AndroidiOS6.5$29.99 one-time - 13
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 - 14
Renoise
Renoise is a digital audio workstation for recording, composing, editing, processing, and rendering audio through a music-tracker workflow.
LinuxmacOSWindows6.5$8,800 one-time - 15
SANDYNE
Free planLinuxmacOSWindows6.5Free plan - 16
Cakewalk Sonar
Free planWindows6.4Free plan - 17
LMMS
LMMS is a free, open-source desktop tool for making music on Linux, macOS, and Windows.
Free planLinuxmacOSWindows6.4Free plan - 18
MuLab
MuLab is a music production studio for Windows and macOS, available as a standalone app and as a plugin for other apps.
macOSWindows6.3 - 19
Qtractor
Qtractor is a Linux desktop application for multitrack audio and MIDI sequencing and recording, aimed at personal home studios.
Free planLinux6.3Free plan - 20
REAPER
LinuxmacOSWindows6.2From $60 a month - 21
Ableton Live
Ableton Live is music production software for Windows and macOS, with multitrack editing and MIDI sequencing.
macOSWindows6.1From $31.21 a month - 22
FL Studio
macOSWindows6.1From $99 a month - 23
Harrison Mixbus
Harrison Mixbus is a multitrack digital audio workstation for Linux, macOS, and Windows.
LinuxmacOSWindows6.1From $49.99 a month - 24
Mixcraft
Mixcraft is paid music production software with multitrack editing, MIDI sequencing, third-party plugin support, and video synchronization.
AndroidiOSWindows5.9 - 25
Cubase
Cubase is music production software for Windows and macOS, with tools for multitrack editing, MIDI sequencing, third-party plugins, noise reduction,…
macOSWindows5.4
Choosing well
Match the platform
Check the listed operating systems before downloading. Software in this category runs across Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS and Android, but support can differ by product and version.
If you plan to work on a Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO phone or tablet, confirm that the specific app has an Android release and that it fits your device.
Compare free access and trials
Pricing models include free, freemium and paid software. GarageBand has a free plan, while Ardour and Cakewalk Sonar use freemium models.
Cakewalk Sonar lists a free plan and a three-day trial. Check the maker's current terms before starting a project.
Plan your workflow
Choose software around where you will work: a Windows, macOS or Linux computer, an iPhone or iPad, or an Android phone or tablet. A product's platform listing can help narrow the options.
Cubase, Cubasis and Ableton Live are examples to compare when checking product pages, pricing and supported systems.
Questions people ask
Can I use music production software on Android?
Android is one of the platforms represented in this category. Check the individual product page to confirm Android support for the version you need.
Is free music production software available?
Yes. GarageBand lists a free plan, and Cakewalk Sonar lists a free plan. Ardour and other products use different pricing models, so check their current terms.
Do these tools run on Linux?
Linux is one of the supported platforms represented in the category. Verify Linux support on the product page before installing.
Are free trials offered?
A free trial is available from products in this category. Cakewalk Sonar lists a three-day trial alongside its free plan.
Can I use these tools on iPhone or iPad?
iOS is one of the platforms represented in the category. Check the product's platform details for iPhone or iPad compatibility.