List of DAWs
List of DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations)
Section titled “List of DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations)”Here’s a list of the most popular DAWs, along with a short description of each.
Reaper
Section titled “Reaper”REAPER is a complete digital audio production application for computers, offering a full multitrack audio and MIDI recording, editing, processing, mixing and mastering toolset.
- Developer: Cockos
- Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
- Price: individual 60$ / commercial 255$
- Official website
Cubase
Section titled “Cubase”A powerful DAW popular for MIDI composition, scoring, and film post-production. Known for its advanced editing and robust plugin support.
- Developer: Steinberg
- Platforms: Windows, macOS
- Price: ~$329 (Cubase Pro)
- Official website
Nuendo
Section titled “Nuendo”Designed for high-end audio post-production, game audio, and film scoring. Includes all features of Cubase plus advanced post tools.
- Developer: Steinberg
- Platforms: Windows, macOS
- Price: ~$999
- Official website
Studio One
Section titled “Studio One”An intuitive and modern DAW with drag-and-drop workflow and integrated mastering. Well-suited for both beginners and professionals.
- Developer: PreSonus
- Platforms: Windows, macOS
- Price: ~$399.95 (Professional)
- Official website
Ableton Live
Section titled “Ableton Live”A DAW known for live performance, clip launching, and electronic music production. Includes session and arrangement views.
- Developer: Ableton
- Platforms: Windows, macOS
- Price: ~$449 (Standard), ~$749 (Suite)
- Official website
FL Studio
Section titled “FL Studio”Popular among electronic and hip-hop producers for its step sequencer and pattern-based workflow.
- Developer: Image-Line
- Platforms: Windows, macOS
- Price: ~$199 (Producer Edition)
- Official website
Pro Tools
Section titled “Pro Tools”Industry standard for audio recording, editing, and mixing in film, TV, and music. Requires subscription for full features.
- Developer: Avid
- Platforms: Windows, macOS
- Price: ~$299/year (Studio version)
- Official website
Bitwig Studio
Section titled “Bitwig Studio”A modular and flexible DAW designed for electronic music, offering advanced modulation and clip launching.
- Developer: Bitwig GmbH
- Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
- Price: ~$399
- Official website
Logic Pro
Section titled “Logic Pro”A full-featured DAW for macOS users, known for its value, instruments, and compatibility with Final Cut Pro.
- Developer: Apple
- Platforms: macOS only
- Price: ~$199
- Official website
Digital Performer
Section titled “Digital Performer”A long-standing DAW used in film scoring and complex MIDI/audio projects. Advanced timeline and cueing tools.
- Developer: MOTU
- Platforms: Windows, macOS
- Price: ~$499
- Official website
Cakewalk
Section titled “Cakewalk”A full-featured DAW for Windows, previously SONAR, now offered completely free with BandLab integration.
- Developer: BandLab
- Platforms: Windows only
- Price: Free
- Official website
Tracktion Waveform
Section titled “Tracktion Waveform”A creative DAW with a single-screen interface and unique workflow aimed at indie producers and sound designers.
- Developer: Tracktion Corporation
- Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
- Price: ~$119 (Waveform Pro)
- Official website
Reason Studios
Section titled “Reason Studios”Originally a virtual rack of instruments and effects, now a full DAW with plugin compatibility and modular routing.
- Developer: Reason Studios
- Platforms: Windows, macOS
- Price: ~$499 (Reason 12)
- Official website
SoundBridge DAW
Section titled “SoundBridge DAW”Designed with intuitive features and a user-friendly interface, SoundBridge empowers both beginners and seasoned producers to create professional-quality tracks without the complexity typically associated with traditional DAWs.
- Developer: SoundBridge
- Platforms: Windows, macOS
- Price: $200 Lifetime License or $9.99/month subscription
- https://www.soundbridge.io/
Ardour
Section titled “Ardour”A free and open-source DAW for Linux, macOS, and Windows. Ideal for those who want full control and customization.
- Developer: Open Source
- Platforms: Linux, macOS, Windows
- Price: Free (or pay-what-you-want)
- Official website
Renoise
Section titled “Renoise”A tracker-based DAW focused on sample manipulation and pattern sequencing. Great for experimental and chiptune music.
- Developer: Renoise
- Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
- Price: ~$75
- Official website
ZRYTHM
Section titled “ZRYTHM”A modern and experimental open-source DAW with a modular design. Still in development but promising for Linux users.
- Developer: Open Source
- Platforms: Linux, macOS, Windows
- Price: Free (or pay-what-you-want)
- Official website
Recomendations
Section titled “Recomendations”So which one should I choose?
It depends on you and your past experience, your working style, and how you perceive music and sound in general. Another contributing factor is what you plan on making. A singer-songwriter with a guitar will have a different approach than a game audio sound designer.
Don’t be afraid to pick one now. You can always change later. As the years go by, you’ll probably work with multiple DAWs and potentially switch a few times. At the end of the day, they’re just tools.
The most important part is training your understanding of audio production, ear training, and taste. The tool is just a tool.
That being said, we want to be helpful. Our suggestion is to pick one that has an active community and plenty of available resources online. If you have friends who make music, consider looking at what software they use.
Look up videos to see how the interface looks. Does it make sense to you? Ideally, download the trial version and test it before committing.
Our top recommendations to check out:
- Reaper - Steeper learning curve, but very flexible and offers a rewarding workflow in the long run.
- Cubase / Nuendo - You can do almost everything with the stock plugins. If you’re into composing, film music, or game audio, take a look at these.
- Ableton - Great for electronic music. It has a unique live composing workflow.