Choosing the right DAW (or music production software), also known as a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) or audio sequencer, is an essential step for any musician or producer.
Indeed, it is the studio recording software par excellence, on which you will rely for your music production, audio mixing, or even mastering activities.
Although it is not physical equipment, it is somewhat the second most important brick of your home studio after your computer.
Whether you are on Windows or Mac, whether you are a beginner or advanced, the choice of the best software for making music will depend on your needs.
Yet, the information available on the Internet is often contradictory. Determining “what is the best DAW” remains just as complicated today.
That is why I wrote this article to guide you in your selection, whether you are looking for beginner music production software, professional music production software, or simply an alternative to the DAW you are already using.
Here is the list of topics we will cover in this guide:
My Favorites!
In this article, I have provided you with as much information as possible so that you can choose your DAW with peace of mind.
However, if you just want a quick answer to “which music production software should you choose,” here are my two BIG favorites among all the available software.
| Software | For what use | Click to see the price |
|---|---|---|
 PreSonus Studio One | My favorite software for everything related to recording, mixing, and mastering non-electronic music. (You can also make electronic music on it, I do, but above all, it is software that serves all traditional mixing purposes) | Thomann Woodbrass Amazon |
 Ableton Live | The ultimate software for making electronic music. You can do everything with it; the built-in instruments and effects are of very high quality. You can also mix/master your music on it, but it is less suited than Studio One above if you are making rock, metal, or French songs. | (for the standard version: ) Thomann Woodbrass Amazon |
Definition: What is a DAW?
To define what a DAW is, we must start from the notion of a sequencer.
An audio sequencer is simply a tool (physical or digital) that allows recording and/or playing musical sequences.
It is therefore capable of delivering a musical performance (pitch of notes, volume of notes…) based on the data at its disposal.
A story of sequencers
Sequencers were, in a way, invented in the Middle Ages, in the form of automated musical instruments.
For example, the Persian brothers Banū Mūsā, scholars living in Baghdad in the 9th century AD, invented in their time a hydraulic organ and an automatic flute using steam:
More recently, bell towers have been automated to play certain melodies. Thus, in Bruges, Belgium, you can still see and hear the 47 bells of the belfry, powered by a drum associated with a clock.
Here is a photograph taken during my visit to the city:
Of course, street organs are also part of the ancestors of modern sequencers.
Starting from the 1940s, technological development allowed for the manufacture of more modern electronic sequencers.
The latter allowed to generate increasingly complex series of sounds: drum machines, melody repetition, etc.
With the arrival of computers in our daily lives, digital audio sequencers began to appear, giving birth to one of the most important tools in studios and home studios: DAWs.
DAW = Digital Audio Workstation (or STAN)
By misuse of language, we sometimes refer to sequencers to evoke professional music software.
However, most of this software is actually DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations), essential MAO software for recording, composing, and mixing.
This is the term I use most of the time, whether in videos or in articles from Projet Home Studio, but it is good to know that in French we sometimes talk about STAN, which means Digital Audio Workstation.
These are two completely synonymous terms.
A DAW looks something like this:
As you can see, it is quite complex. Simply because, even though there are some DAWs that are easier to handle than others, DAWs are primarily software dedicated to recording studios.
And when we talk about studio software, we mean the necessity of having “a complete set” of tools and features to manage a maximum of situations.
That is why a DAW is much more than just a simple sequencer.
A DAW is a program that contains of course note sequencers, but also allows for much more, such as:
- Editing scores and sequencing notes;
- Sampling sounds and more broadly performing recordings;
- Mixing tracks by adjusting sound levels and applying effects (reverb, equalization, compression…);
- Arranging tracks and structuring compositions;
- Performing audio mastering to finalize tracks;
- etc.
That is the definition of a DAW, in fact.
Unless you are using magnetic tapes or your way of working is resolutely non-digital (sometimes referred to as “DAWless” production), you need a DAW today to produce your music and make your audio mixes: it is truly the essential music creation software that you must have.
However, be careful to have a powerful enough computer suitable for music production: believe it or not, audio processing can quickly become intensive, especially if you use external sample libraries or many effect plugins (especially if you take advantage of the many promotions on plugins at Plugin Boutique, for example…).
“I’m looking for a free DAW”
I regularly receive questions from beginner home studio enthusiasts looking for free music production software or free mixing software.
It must be said that home studio equipment already costs a certain price, so investing in a DAW can sometimes seem unnecessary.
However, most of the time, it’s rather a false good idea.
Avoid basic tools…
There are various free recording and audio processing software that can serve as a DAW, such as Audacity or Kristal Audio Engine.
If you just want to record your voice once a year or an idea from time to time, it might be sufficient.
If you want to produce your music seriously, make an album, or just record in good conditions, I can only advise against them.
Indeed, you risk wasting time looking for features that do not exist, and you will get discouraged (I faced this in the past 😉 ).
Prefer a professional software that will allow you to focus on music production rather than on technical tinkering without added value.
To take a concrete example: in Audacity, if you add effects to a track, you cannot modify them afterwards. This is unthinkable if you want to mix a piece, whatever it may be.
In contrast, in “commercial” DAWs, modifying effects once they have been applied is a feature available by default.
In short, taking a basic tool may seem interesting at first because it is easier to access, but in fact, it is just a waste of time.
There are still good free DAWs
In the past, there was Cakewalk by Bandlab which was completely free, but unfortunately, that is no longer the case.
Fortunately, there are a few alternatives that are indeed free and can be an option for getting started in music production or mixing seriously.
Tracktion Waveform Free
Waveform Free is undoubtedly one of the best free music production software available right now.
Unlike other free DAWs, it is not a stripped-down version of a paid software, but rather a complete music production software.
Finally, there is a “Pro” version available from the publisher, but the free version is not limited in a way that would prevent you from working.
For example, you can easily import effect plugins into it, and add as many tracks as you want.
It offers a modern audio sequencer, a smooth workflow, and compatibility with third-party plugins.
Whether you are a beginner in music production or looking for a free alternative, it is an excellent choice for musical composition, mixing, and studio recording.
👉 Click here to download Tracktion Waveform Free
Universal Audio LUNA
Another option from the famous brand Universal Audio: LUNA.
LUNA is available in two versions: a paid one and a free one.
Clearly, the free version is there to entice you to go for the paid version, but if you are starting out and looking for free recording and mixing software, it can be an interesting option.
Indeed, you have the ability to record all your audio and MIDI tracks with it and mix using the built-in plugins (in demo) or third-party editors (here, there is no limit).
In principle, LUNA is a bit different from other DAWs, as it is designed to simulate an analog-type workflow, with the associated sound specifics.
For example, an analog summation simulation is integrated: again, it’s in demo mode on the free version, but if you decide to take the plunge and get the paid version, it’s one of the few DAWs to offer this type of feature.
By default, three extensions are integrated for free:
- ARP Arpeggiator (a fairly advanced MIDI arpeggiator)
- Oxide Tape Extension (a simulation of magnetic tape saturation)
- Shape Toolkit Instruments (a series of virtual instruments)
In short, if you’re looking for beginner-friendly and free music production software, this can be a very good option to try.
👉 Click here to download LUNA Digital Audio Workstation
Garage Band
Finally, for Mac users, there’s also GarageBand.
GarageBand is a free and intuitive music production software integrated into macOS.
It offers a simple yet powerful solution for composing, recording, mixing, and producing high-quality tracks easily, without needing additional hardware or plugins (but you can also add your own effect plugins).
In fact, it’s software that mainly targets beginners, while Logic Pro, Apple’s professional DAW, is the logical next step for those who want to use “a real DAW”.
That said, since the tool offers a clear interface and a library of basic sounds and effects, it allows you to get started by learning to record your first tracks.
However, at some point, you will find that the software will have its limitations, and you may then evolve to a more comprehensive tool.
👉 Click here to download Garage Band
A tip to get your DAW for free
There is still a way (completely legal, of course 🙂 ) to get a free DAW.
Indeed, when you buy music equipment aimed at home studios (audio interfaces, MIDI keyboards, certain guitar effect pedals…), it often comes with a number of software and other plugins.
Among these, there is often a light version of a DAW.
For example, if you buy an interface like this famous Scarlett, you get a bonus code allowing you to download Ableton Live Lite and Pro Tools Intro+.
In practice, these are stripped-down versions, so with certain limitations:
- on the number of tracks that can be mixed simultaneously;
- on the number of included effects;
- on the features and tools available;
- even on the saving options.
That said, if you are a beginner, these light versions are still very interesting for recording in excellent conditions and at a low price… and for starting to get the hang of things.
Moreover, if you really have trouble choosing a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW, as a reminder, this is an equivalent term to the word “DAW”), I recommend testing first those that come with your equipment: it’s often a good starting point, and it will help you better determine what you need if they don’t suit you.
What is the best DAW?
I hear the question quite often.
However, there is no best DAW.
There is no number 1.
The sound differences between DAWs, a myth
Whether on forums or on Facebook, we often read comments like “mixes sound better on Pro Tools” or that “on Cubase, mixes seem warmer and have better precision”.
So, do some DAWs have better sound than others?
Absolutely not.
It’s just a myth that has a long life! 🙂
Overall, all music production and mixing software calculate sound in the same way. If you mix a track in two different DAWs using the same settings and the same audio plugins, there will be no difference.
At least, no audible difference.
Indeed, from one calculation engine to another, there can be tiny mathematical variations, particularly in the methods of rounding numerical values.
That said, the impact on the final sound is perfectly inaudible.
I therefore advise you to focus more on the style of music you want to produce and the way you want to work if you want to choose a DAW.
Because in terms of sound, they are all equal.
👉 On this subject, I particularly recommend watching the video below, which should give you interesting information:
The Real Differences Between DAWs
However, the various studio/DAW software on the market mainly differ in terms of features and workflow.
This means that, depending on what you want to do, some DAWs will be more suitable than others.
For example, Ableton Live is particularly indicated if you are looking for software for creating electronic music, while PreSonus Studio One or Pro Tools tend to be more oriented towards recording bands, audio mixing, etc.
That said, all three will work well for composing, arranging your tracks, and mixing your albums.
So how to choose?
A good idea is to download a few demos to get an opinion on the different software.
That said, since there are many, I built a small diagram that serves as a comparison between the different DAWs on the market.
Here it is:
Attention: this diagram should be taken with a grain of salt, as they say. The idea is not for it to serve as an absolute truth, but rather to be a guide to discover this or that DAW — based on my own experience with the different software.
Thus, you can very well use Reaper while having a big budget, or FL Studio even if you prefer more complex tools… 😉
The Best DAWs Today
Although there isn’t strictly speaking a better DAW than another, some software stands out more than others.
So whether you are looking for beginner or professional DAW software, DAW software for Mac or Windows, or a DAW to make electronic music, rock, or hip-hop… you will find your happiness in the selection of the best DAWs that I have compiled below.
(Each time, I included a presentation of the strengths and weaknesses, as well as my opinion on each application, to make the comparison as clear as possible.)
1. Ableton Live
If you make electronic music, Ableton Live is undoubtedly the most suitable DAW.
It stands out for its unique workflow, which is based on two complementary modes:
- The Arrangement mode, classic, allows you to record and organize your tracks linearly, like any DAW;
- The Session mode, designed around a loop system, is perfect for improvisation, sampling, and live performance.
Although this second mode was designed for live performances, it is extremely useful in the studio, especially for quickly testing ideas and gradually building a track, relying notably on blocks of MIDI notes.
In addition, there are many features and especially absolutely excellent effects and instruments giving you access to numerous sound possibilities, from the most classic to the most experimental.
And of course, if you plan to use hardware synthesizers to create your music, the integration into Live is perfect and easy to set up.
Tip: If you find that the “Suite” version is expensive (it is!), you can of course opt for the intermediate “Standard” version, which is more than sufficient to work under optimal conditions.
Personally, I have long used only Ableton Live, even for producing non-electronic music styles. I set it aside for a few years in favor of Studio One (which we will talk about in a moment), but I have now returned to it because the quality of the tools and features for producing electronic music far exceeds what all other DAWs offer.
✅ Strengths:
- Fosters creativity through an original workflow
- High-quality built-in effects and instruments
- Ideal for live performance, sampling, and electronic music
❌ Weaknesses:
- The workflow may initially seem a bit complex to grasp
- Less suited for recording bands or acoustic music, although it is possible
- The number of available effects can also hinder creativity for beginners (one risks getting scattered)
👉 Click to compare prices:
- Ableton Live 10 Suite: Thomann Woodbrass Amazon
- Ableton Live 10 Standard: Thomann Woodbrass Amazon
- Ableton Live 10 Intro: Thomann Woodbrass Amazon
2. PreSonus Studio One
Studio One is my main DAW for everything related to mixing and mastering.
It is also on this DAW that I master the albums and singles of my clients (because yes, if you are looking for a mastering software, it can also be a very good option).
Where Ableton Live serves me more for composition and recording more electronic music, Studio One has become for me my usual software for mixing and mastering my tracks, especially for those that are more acoustic / rock / metal oriented.
Relatively recent on the DAW market, Studio One has managed to innovate by bringing ergonomic and effective features. The interface is clear and intuitive, and the workflow management is particularly smooth once you get used to it.
For me, it is THE ideal DAW for home studio enthusiasts who make music other than electronic music. For mixing, it is truly a pleasure to work with this studio software — because it really has all the necessary features (ARA integration with Melodyne Essentials provided for free, easy compilation of multiple takes, powerful editing tools, easy and clear audio routing…).
Admittedly, the default plugins are not necessarily perfect (I talk about it a bit in my review of Studio One), but the features themselves are extremely interesting.
Notably, the “Project” mode allows for mastering a series of tracks, thus an entire album with well-thought-out measurement tools and the ability to generate DDP for CD pressing.
✅ Strengths:
- Smooth and intuitive interface with a well-thought-out workflow
- More innovative approach than other older DAWs
- Relatively easy to grasp even though there are many tools and options
- Multiple useful features for recording music groups
- “Project” mode dedicated to mastering, very convenient for albums
❌ Weaknesses:
- Some bugs from time to time
- Some effect plugins are very nice (like the Pro EQ equalizer), but some are not very convincing (like analog hardware simulations)
- A bit limited in terms of sounds and instruments provided (it remains basic)
- A bit limited for making electronic music (unless you rely on third-party editor tools, which I did for several years)
👉 Click to compare prices: Thomann Woodbrass Amazon
3. Steinberg Cubase
Ah, Cubase!
Without a doubt, one of the most famous DAWs, particularly because the brand is a historical player in the studio software market.
It is, in fact, Steinberg that designed the VST plugins format, a standard that is now essential in music production.
Cubase is primarily software for music production and professional mixing: its clear and well-designed workflow allows for quick focus on the essentials, whether for composing, recording, or mixing.
It stands out particularly for its advanced MIDI editing tools, making it a reference for composers and producers working with virtual instruments. The arrangement management is smooth and efficient, with features like the Chord Assistant, the sampler track, or the chord track, which help quickly structure a harmonic progression.
But Cubase is not limited to composition: it also offers powerful tools for recording and mixing, such as track comping, advanced audio editing, and VariAudio, a pitch editor comparable to Melodyne that is very effective.
However, even though the workflow is quite logical, we are dealing with software that has been on the market for a long time. This means it also comes with its share of small burdens inherited from previous versions.
That said, it is clearly a safe bet among the many existing Digital Audio Workstations. Probably my second choice just behind Studio One for everything related to mixing.
✅ Strengths:
- Historical DAW, stable and fairly well-optimized
- Ideal for composition and production thanks to advanced MIDI tools
- VariAudio, an excellent tool for vocal editing without external plugins
- Good quality of native plugins, especially for mixing
❌ Weaknesses:
- Somewhat long learning curve, especially for beginners
- More limited than Ableton Live or Bitwig for everything related to audio sample manipulation and modulation
- A certain complexity in some aspects inherited from the software’s older versions
👉 Click to compare prices:
- Cubase Pro : Thomann Woodbrass Amazon
- Cubase Artist : Thomann Woodbrass Amazon
- Cubase Elements : Thomann Woodbrass Amazon
4. Avid Pro Tools
Just like Cubase, Pro Tools is one of the essential DAWs.
It’s hard to make a list without mentioning it, as it is the most widely used software in recording studios worldwide.
So let’s be clear: it has some really negative aspects. I’m thinking of the bugs/crashes experienced by many users. But hey, it’s not the only DAW where such bugs occur…
However, it is truly the reference DAW for many studios, especially for everything related to recording, post-production, and mixing.
If you want to pursue a career in the professional music world, for example, mastering Pro Tools is a very good idea! 😉
Based on a very structured workflow, this software indeed allows recording and mixing music groups under optimal conditions. No issues typically for managing large sessions.
On the other hand, it will be less suitable for everything related to electronic music, mainly due to a slight lack of features related to MIDI editing.
Similarly, while the effects included with Pro Tools are very good, allowing you to start mixing as soon as the tool is installed, the software only allows RTAS and AAX type plugins, an alternative format to VSTs. This is not a problem if you use effects plugins created by large brands, but smaller developers do not always offer this format.
Verdict: for home studio, for me, it’s not a very suitable tool, but it’s recommended if you open a professional studio or need to work with other pro sound engineers.
✅ Strengths:
- The standard of recording studios
- Strict, coherent workflow, perfectly suited for recording and mixing complete albums
- Very good plugins included with the software
- Advanced track and audio routing management (but a bit of a headache)
❌ Weaknesses:
- Only accepts RTAS and AAX plugins (so, no VST)
- Lack of stability on certain configurations
- Not well-suited for composition/production with MIDI
- The pricing/license logic does not target home studio users at all
👉 Click to compare prices:
5. Cockos Reaper
Created by the founder of Winamp (yes, that doesn’t make us any younger!), Reaper is often mistakenly perceived as free software, as its trial version never expires. In reality, it is a paid DAW, but offered at an unbeatable price of around 60 dollars, well below its competitors.
While it may not be the prettiest and can seem a bit complex at first, it has the advantage of being supported by a very large community around the world — so there are many tutorials available online in both English and French.
But above all, once you master its use, it turns out to be an extremely efficient mixing and arrangement software that also has good audio editing features.
If you like to tinker a bit, it is also highly customizable, with the ability to completely customize the graphical interface via themes, or to use scripts and macros to automate the actions you perform most often. With Reaper, everything is possible, or almost…
However, the software only comes with effect plugins that are good quality from an audio perspective but extremely ugly. No instruments or sample libraries are provided.
In the end, a budget DAW, but of very high quality!
✅ Strengths:
- Very lightweight to install and efficient
- Very affordable price, with a demo version usable without limitation
- Very effective effect plugins despite an ultra-basic interface (read: very ugly — I’m only talking about the plugins)
❌ Weaknesses:
- Highly customizable, which can be confusing for beginners as there are many options and settings
- Not well suited for electronic music
- No instruments or samples provided
👉 Click to see the price: directly on the official site
6. Image-Line FL Studio
Have you ever heard of FruityLoops? The software that BassHunter used in its early days?
Well, FL Studio is the same tool, but with a more professional name.
Because while FruityLoops was once a bit light for serious production, FL Studio is now a very complete and professional tool.
Clearly, it is a DAW software oriented towards electronic music production in the broad sense. It is often used as software for rap and drill production.
Especially because, although it allows for a linear approach, it is based on a pattern system that works very well for music designed around samples and MIDI loops.
Another major asset: lifetime free updates! A one-time purchase and no need to pay again to enjoy new features. It’s quite rare to note…
It’s worth mentioning a “Performance” mode that allows you to play live by designing your musical arrangements in real-time, using an interactive pad system.
✅ Strengths:
- Ideal for everything related to beat-making in a broad sense
- Easy to access for beginners in electronic music
- Lifetime free updates
❌ Weaknesses:
- The “basic” version does not allow audio recording
- A bit simplistic compared to other DAWs
👉 Click to compare prices:
- FL Studio All Plugins Edition: Thomann Woodbrass Amazon
- FL Studio Signature Bundle: Thomann Woodbrass Amazon
- FL Studio Producer Edition: Thomann Woodbrass Amazon
- FL Studio Fruity Edition: Thomann Woodbrass Amazon
7. Apple Logic Pro X
If you appreciate the Apple ecosystem and work on a Mac, Logic Pro X is probably the DAW that will make the most sense in your home studio.
Combined with real ease of use thanks to a clear workflow, Logic Pro X comes with a large amount of sounds, loops, and very high-quality effects, all orchestrated by good tempo management.
The software also includes very interesting virtual instruments. I’m thinking particularly of Alchemy, originally designed by the famous plugin publisher Camel Audio, and which is truly one of my favorite virtual synthesizers.
In terms of recording, for example for a rock or jazz band, all the features one might expect are available: VCA, track comping during multiple takes… whether it’s MIDI or audio, Logic Pro X is capable of handling it efficiently!
A nice little bonus: thanks to the Logic Remote app, you can also control your software remotely via your iPad or iPhone.
In short, for me, Logic Pro X is an extremely interesting alternative to Studio One and Cubase for MacOS users.
✅ Strengths:
- Fairly easy to get started with, featuring a clear interface as Apple knows how to do
- Contains all the necessary functions for recording and mixing (audio or MIDI)
- A large collection of instruments and samples
- Very high-quality built-in effect plugins (except perhaps the saturation plugins for guitar/bass)
- One-time payment: once you purchase the license, you get lifetime updates
❌ Weaknesses:
- Only available on Mac OS X
- A bit less flexible than Ableton Live or Bitwig for electronic music
👉 Click to see the price : directly on Apple’s website
8. Bitwig Studio
Bitwig Studio is more or less a newcomer in the DAW software market.
Designed by former developers from Ableton, it resembles Ableton Live but with more innovative features. And this, despite a slight lack of maturity in some cases.
Available at a relatively accessible price, Bitwig Studio integrates a large number of instruments and effects (154 in the most complete version!) and is famous for offering around forty “modulators”, tools that allow you to modulate the parameters of other effects.
So clearly: we are looking at a tool 100% oriented towards electronic music.
If you make French songs or rock, for me, Bitwig is not what you need.
The software is characterized by a certain modularity, with three distinct combinable displays: Arrange, Mix, and Edit.
In terms of MIDI management, there are many very interesting and uncommon features, such as MIDI layering management or micropitch. It is worth noting that the software also supports the MPE (MIDI Polyphonic Expression) format, a modern format used by keyboards like the famous Osmose.
Also worth noting is the presence of about thirty extremely powerful modulators to control and automate any effect and hardware or software instrument parameter.
✅ Strengths:
- In the spirit of Ableton Live, thus ideal for live performance and electronic music
- Intuitive and modular tool, with a well-thought-out workflow
❌ Weaknesses:
- Relatively few online resources on the subject
- Not really ideal for recording full music bands
- Due to the young age of the application, some features are still missing today
👉 Click to compare prices:
- Bitwig Studio (full version): Thomann Woodbrass Amazon
- Bitwig Studio Producer: Thomann Woodbrass Amazon
- Bitwig Studio Essential: Thomann Woodbrass Amazon
In conclusion
With this list of the best current DAWs, whether you are more focused on music production or mixing/mastering, I have no doubt that you will find the tool that suits you best.
As I mentioned earlier, each software has its specificities, strengths, and weaknesses: there is no “best DAW” per se.
To make your choice, I recommend taking the time to download a few demos to test the different features.
Indeed, on paper, you may feel that a particular DAW is perfect for you, but in practice, you might prefer another one :)!
► Check out my other tips on Home Studio equipment