For music producers, composers, songwriters and musicians, the right software is essential for bringing musical ideas to life. Fortunately, free music production software has come a long way in capabilities and features. Amateur and professional musicians alike can find options to craft demos, edit recordings, mix tracks and more without spending any money.
In this comprehensive guide, we will cover the top 10 free digital audio workstations (DAWs), virtual instruments, effects bundles and other music production tools. Whether you’re recording vocals, making beats, jamming guitar riffs or writing orchestral scores, these free software options have you covered.
This guide covers free music-making software ranging from easy-to-use entry-level DAWs ideal for beginners all the way to advanced bundles used by professional producers. For each option, we’ll summarize key features, ideal users, limitations, and more to help you find the perfect fit for your needs.
Let’s dive in and take a look at the top free tools for making music on the computer!
1. Audacity – Best Overall Free DAW
Audacity is an open-source, completely free DAW available for Windows, macOS and Linux. With its approachable interface and abundance of features, Audacity takes the top spot as the best overall free music production software.
Key Features
- Multi-track recording
- Audio editing tools like cut, copy and paste
- Effects like reverb, echo, distortion
- Support for VST plugins
- Mixdown to MP3, FLAC, WAV and more
Audacity packs powerful recording and editing capabilities into a user-friendly interface. Beginners can quickly record songs by plugging a mic into their computer. More advanced users can edit multi-track recordings and apply effects using the many included tools.
The wide range of effects and audio manipulation options give you freedom to be creative. You can layer tracks, splice together clips, tweak pitches and more to achieve any sound you want.
Audacity’s main downside is the lack of virtual instruments. However, you can easily record MIDI instruments or virtual synths from a separate program.
Overall, Audacity provides the best starting point for beginners to learn multi-track recording. But its depth also allows experienced artists to edit and mix professional recordings.
Ideal For
- Beginners new to DAWs and music production
- Podcasters and voiceover artists
- Musicians on a budget
2. LMMS – Best Free DAW for Electronic Music
LMMS (originally Linux MultiMedia Studio) is a free, open-source DAW for Windows, macOS and Linux. It’s tailored for making electronic music of any genre from chiptune to house.
Key Features:
- Synthesizers, samplers, drum machines
- Tools like piano roll, automation editor
- Effects like delay, reverb, distortion
- Support for VST instruments and plugins
LMMS comes packed with virtual instruments so you can start making beats instantly. The easy-to-use interface makes music production approachable for beginners. But advanced users can also benefit from tools like the piano roll editor and FX mixer for intricate sound design.
While LMMS can record live audio, its main focus lies on electronic music creation. The included synthesizers and samples make it easy to create original sounds from scratch. You can tap out basslines on a MIDI keyboard or program drums with the pattern editor.
LMMS streamlines the process for crafting professional electronic music. However, recording and editing audio requires a bit more effort compared to traditional DAWs.
Ideal For
- Producers of electronic genres like house, techno, hip hop, etc.
- Chiptune and 8-bit video game music
- Beginners interested in creating electronic music
3. GarageBand – Best Free DAW for Mac Users
GarageBand is Apple’s free DAW built into every Mac computer. Like Logic Pro, it provides a complete toolkit for creating music of any genre. But GarageBand’s simplified interface makes music production accessible for novices.
Key Features
- Keyboard instrument you can play with mouse or keyboard
- Smart drums with session drummer that follows your rhythm
- Guitar amp simulators and effects
- Loops, samples and presets for quick sketching
- Tools for cleaning up vocals and recordings
GarageBand lets you perform software instruments live into your songs using MIDI or looping. Apple’s proprietary sound library offers thousands of virtual session musicians, synths, drum kits and more.
You can record vocals and real instruments alongside the virtual ones. Tools like autotune help you polish off-key vocals and takes. Though not quite as advanced as Logic Pro, GarageBand provides impressive depth for a free DAW.
The only downside is that GarageBand is only available on Mac. But it remains one of the best free music production apps for Mac users.
Ideal For
- Beginner and intermediate music producers on Mac
- Guitarists looking to record home demos
- Crafting radio-ready songs with virtual session musicians
4. Cakewalk by BandLab – Most Feature-Packed Free DAW
Cakewalk by BandLab is a professional DAW made free with no strings attached. Under previous owners Gibson, Cakewalk retailed for over $400. BandLab snapped up the assets in 2018 and made it permanently free.
Key Features
- Unlimited audio and MIDI tracks
- Clip-based editing workflow
- Built-in instruments, loops and samples
- Effects, mixing and mastering tools
- Support for VST plugins
- Advanced automation capabilities
Despite being free, Cakewalk offers pro features on par with premium DAWs like Ableton or Logic. You get unlimited tracks, non-linear editing, surround mixing, advanced automation and more. There‘s a learning curve to get started, but Cakewalk rewards time invested with its deep toolset.
Cakewalk works well for any music style from rock band demos to EDM production. While beginners may feel overwhelmed, intermediate to advanced users will appreciate Cakewalk’s depth and customization options.
The main downside is the lack of native virtual instruments. However, you can easily integrate external synths and samplers using MIDI.
Ideal For
- Intermediate and professional music producers
- Recording and mixing multi-instrument compositions
- Scoring to picture, post-production
5. Soundation – Best Free Browser Based DAW
Soundation is an online DAW that runs entirely in your web browser with no downloads required. You can start recording, adding virtual instruments and arranging songs instantly.
Key Features
- Record audio from microphone
- Instruments like guitar, piano, synthesizer
- MIDI editor and step sequencer
- Effects including reverb, delay and distortion
- Export songs as MP3 files
As an online DAW, Soundation works on any device with a browser and internet connection. You can sketch song ideas on a phone then continue working on a laptop seamlessly. Collaborating is easy since projects are saved online.
The streamlined interface is great for beginners who want to quickly lay down melodies over beats. But advanced users may desire more intricate editing and mixing capabilities compared to a desktop DAW. There are also limitations for recording live instruments and monitoring latency.
Still, Soundation provides good sound quality and responsiveness even on slower connections. It removes hassles so anyone can make music online.
Ideal For
- Beginner music producers
- Quickly recording musical ideas
- Collaboration and sharing online
6. Tracktion Waveform Free – Full-Featured Free DAW
Waveform Free offers advanced music production capabilities in a free package. It’s a scaled-down version of Tracktion’s premium DAW tailored for beginners.
Key Features
- Unlimited audio and MIDI tracks
- Single-screen interface
- MIDI editing and modulation tools
- Effects like reverb, delay, EQ
- Support for third-party VST plugins
Waveform Free has a clean single-window interface that lets you start recording quickly. Despite being free, it provides pro features like auto-sampling instruments and clip triggering. The uncluttered workflow makes it easy for beginners to learn.
You can build songs by recording live instruments, programming MIDI patterns and arranging loops. Modulation tools let you draw in parameter changes like synthesizer filter sweeps. While the stock plugin selection is limited, it works seamlessly with third-party VSTs.
Thanks to its lightweight architecture, Waveform Free offers speedy loading and operation. This makes it possible to run on older computers. The main downside is collaboration features are missing compared to Tracktion‘s paid plans.
Ideal For
- Beginners transitioning from simple audio editors
- Music producers working with limited system resources
- Recording and producing your own compositions
7. AmpliTube Custom Shop – Best Free Guitar Amp Simulator
AmpliTube Custom Shop is a free guitar amp simulator from IK Multimedia. It accurately models amps and pedals, letting you practice, play and record realistic amp tones at home.
Key Features
- Realistic models of vintage and modern guitar amps
- Cabinet impulse responses for realistic sound
- Stompbox effects like distortion, chorus, delay
- Simple recording interface
- Expandable by purchasing additional amps
AmpliTube CS comes loaded with 24 rigs covering clean, crunchy and high-gain tones. You can dial in sweet spots on realistic models of classics like the Marshall JCM800, Fender Twin and more. Effects like Tube Screamer and delay pedals further shape your tone.
While the free version is limited, you can expand it by buying individual amps, cabs, mics and effects. This modular approach lets you tailor it to your budget and needs.
AmpliTube works as a standalone app or audio plugin. The intuitive interface makes it easy to get great guitar tone when recording or practicing at home. No physical amps, mics or effects needed.
Ideal For
- Guitarists looking to practice quietly and record from home
- Music producers wanting authentic guitar tones
- Anyone getting started with amp/cabinet modeling
8. Komplete Start – Best Free Plugin Bundle
Komplete Start offers a collection of studio essentials like synthesizers, samplers, effects and more. It serves as a free entry point into Native Instruments’ Komplete suite.
Key Features
- 6 GB library of quality samples
- Massive synthesizer with 1,300 presets
- Replika delay effect
- Solid Bus compressor and EQ
- Guitar Rig 5 amp simulator
With Komplete Start, you get professional-grade instruments and effects to use in any DAW. Massive provides endless possibilities for growling bass, crystalline pads and more. Replika adds organic flavor with its model of an iconic tape delay.
Guitar Rig 5 simulates amps and effects for authentic guitar tones without recording an amp. While costlier Komplete upgrades offer more, Komplete Start provides quality bread-and-butter tools for free.
The main limitations are lack of technical support and limited expandability. But the savings are worth the compromise for budget producers and beginners.
Ideal For
- Music producers on tight budgets
- Adding quality sounds and effects to a DAW
- Producers making electronic, hip hop, dance music
9. Soundation Studio – Full-Featured Cloud DAW
Soundation Studio offers advanced online music production tools while remaining easy for beginners. It runs entirely in your browser without requiring downloads.
Key Features
- Record live audio from microphone
- Software instruments like piano, synth, strings
- Waveform editing tools
- Mixing console with effects
- Mastering tools like compressor, EQ
- Export songs and stems
With Soundation Studio, you get capabilities resembling a desktop DAW like Ableton or Pro Tools. But everything exists online, letting you create music from anywhere.
You can capture ideas by recording vocals or instruments live into your songs. The software instruments offer realistic sounding piano, guitars, drums and more. Supported effects like distortion, reverb and delay let you polish your mix.
Soundation provides good performance even on slower connections. However, a strong, stable internet connection ensures the best results.
Ideal For
- Musicians wanting to write and record from anywhere
- Beginners interested in cloud-based music production
- Remote collaboration on musical projects
10. BandLab – Social Music Creation Platform
BandLab offers a free cloud DAW combined with a social network for music collaboration. You can create songs, then share and get feedback from musicians worldwide.
Key Features
- User-friendly multi-track recording
- Browser-based access requiring no downloads
- Instruments, loops and sounds to create with
- Effects like reverb, delay, compressor
- Share songs and collaborate with others
BandLab combines easy online music production with a community of artists, producers and fans. The streamlined interface allows creators to craft songs using any device. Adding effects and editing tracks is straightforward and intuitive.
Finished creations can be shared on the BandLab social network for feedback and promotion. You can access a global community while retaining full rights over your music.
The emphasis on collaboration and community engagement sets BandLab apart. However, more advanced users may desire certain professional-grade features found in desktop DAWs.
Ideal For
- Hobbyists and beginner music creators
- Musicians looking for feedback and promotion
- Online collaboration with other artists
Free Music Production Software: Final Recommendations
The best free music recording software provides plenty of capabilities to create professional-sounding songs without spending money.
For most users, Audacity is the best free DAW for getting started with multi-track recording and audio editing. GarageBand offers Mac users an easy entry point into the world of virtual instruments and MIDI sequencing.
LMMS and Cakewalk provide more advanced tools tailored for crafting original electronic music and full band productions respectively.
Cloud-based options like Soundation Studio provide studio capabilities without downloads or specialized hardware. AmpliTube and Komplete Start give guitarists and electronic producers access to pro-grade gear for free.
The most important factor is choosing free production software suited for your operating system and experience level. With so many options available today, you can find the perfect free tools to turn your musical creativity into professional recordings.