• Best Hip Hop Production Software For Mac
• Apple Programs For Mac
• Best Edm Production Software For Mac
• Best Music Production Program For Mac
• Software Programs For Mac

Best Music Production Software of 2019 - Record, Mix, and Produce Music

We spent more than 30 hours testing the virtual instrument selection, editing capabilities and loop libraries in seven of the best music production programs under $200 – a price point that gives you plenty of production tools with some basic editing capabilities. We believe Logic Pro X is the best beat-making software that at this price point. It has the best virtual instruments and editing capabilities of all the programs we tested, and the loop library has a good selection of loops and samples for almost every musical genre. The one glaring problem with Logic is that it is only available on the Mac platform.

Freeple is a production scheduling software developed for Windows Operating Systems. This software will help you with every step of production software, simplify demand forecasting, and quicken the process of inventory planning. A production scheduling software is a computer program developed to help businesses schedule production based on their set standards. The software often helps to capture data from different departments of the organization, and the business uses the results to determine its production margins and frequency.

_{EDITOR’S NOTE: MAGIX has informed us that anew version, Music Maker 2019 Premium Edition, is now available and includes a professional audio engine, true multi-core support, and new loops and effects. We will post the new test results and reviews when we next test Music Production Software.}

Logic Pro X

Logic Pro X is the best audio editing and production program for less than $200. Unfortunately, you can’t use it on a Windows computer.

Cubase Elements 9.5

Cubase Elements costs less than $100 and has all the editing tools and virtual instruments you need to create complex and great-sounding arrangements for every musical genre.

FL Studio 12 Producer Edition

FL Studio Producer Edition has a great selection of virtual instruments and royalty-free loops and samples that work well for producing hip-hop tracks. The user interface is one of the most customizable we tested.

Best Overall

Logic Pro X

If you have a Mac and want to record, produce and edit audio, Logic is the best program available. It is expensive compared with some of the production programs we tested, but it has features similar to software that costs three times as much. The virtual instrument library is one of the best available and can be used for live performances as well as in the studio.

Logic’s virtual drum plug-in uses an AI algorithm to adapt a virtual drummer to the style of music you produce. It is common practice to start a song with a drumbeat, but with the Logic drummer track plug-in you can record a melody first. The virtual drummer of your choice will play along with what you’ve recorded, adapting the feel and rhythm to fit your melody. This is the best drum plug-in available, and it works well with every genre of music.
Logic’s workspace window is arranged nicely, with the transport controls at the top of the window. You can create up to 255 audio and MIDI tracks, which are more than enough to let you build an intricate arrangement and continually add new ideas to a song. The flexible mix window lets you add up to 15 insert effects and eight sends per channel.

Best Value

Cubase Elements 9.5

Cubase Elements is a powerful and affordable music production program that has an impressive list of editing tools and more than 3,500 premade loops to kick-start your project. A good selection of workspace templates helps you get ready to record and produce music quickly.

The interface has a clean layout and is easy to navigate for novice and advanced users alike. You can add content to the arrangement window by dragging and dropping loops from the large loop library, recording up to 24 external instruments simultaneously, or you can use a MIDI controller with one of the three virtual instruments. Three virtual instruments might seem limited compared with other programs we tested, but the HALion Sonic SE workstation plug-in has thousands of usable presets that sound great.
The Elements version of Cubase allows you to record up to 48 audio tracks and 64 MIDI tracks per project. Some of the programs we reviewed have unlimited inputs and outputs, but you should rarely need more than 48 audio tracks in a production session. The mixer in this software supports up to 16 insert and send effects per channel that you can use to create a textured tone and coax a customized sound from the virtual instruments.

Best for Hip-Hop

FL Studio 12 Producer Edition

FL Studio has been one of the most recognizable names in the realm of hip-hop and electronic dance music (EDM) production for almost 20 years. Its virtual instrument catalog and loop library contain all the popular sounds you need to produce professional tracks, and the Producer Edition lets you record instruments and vocals to create a finalized mix.

One advantage of purchasing FL Studio is the free lifetime updates. Most programs we reviewed require you to buy an upgrade license when a new version is released. FL Studio doesn’t charge for updates after you purchase a license, and this software has a track record, having been around for 18 years.
The workspace window in FL Studio is one of the most customizable we tested. Any of the windows in the workspace, including the mixer, step sequencer and menu bar, can be resized, detached and even hidden to help you customize your workflow and readily access the editing and production tools you use most. We tested the new user interface on a laptop screen and widescreen desktop monitor, and it fit nicely on both and saved our customized workspace in the session file. The multi-touch support and customizable workspace make this program one of the most innovative we reviewed when it comes to usability.

Best for EDM

Ableton Live 10 Intro

Ableton Live has a great selection of electronic drum and synth plugins, which are the most important instruments for EDM producers.

The user interface looks markedly different from the other programs we tested, but once you get the hang of it, the workflow becomes simple and efficient. The Intro version includes the Drum Rack plugin that helps you layer multiple samples in a 16-pad grid that looks familiar to those who use classic EDM hardware instruments.
Ableton is one of the best music production programs for producers that want to take their arrangements to the stage. Once you produce a track in the software, you can use hardware control devices to launch samples, adjust tempo and record samples from other hardware instruments. The Standard version has a more comprehensive instrument selection, but the Intro version is a low-cost option to help you learn the interface.

Best for Recording Instruments

Studio One Artist 3

Studio One Artist is available for Mac and PC and gives you the option to add an unlimited amount of audio tracks per session.

It has a good selection of effect and mixing plugins to improve the sound of your recordings and allows for an unlimited amount of effect busses. Not only do the plugins sound professional, they’re also easy to use. There presets help you understand which parameters to tweak and give you a good starting point in the mixing process.
The virtual instrument selection isn’t as good as the best production software we tested, but the instruments sound authentic and natural. Studio One Artist has all the tools to record instruments and finalize a studio-quality mix, and you can always upgrade to the Professional version once you get comfortable with the interface.

Why Trust Us

We’ve been reviewing music and audio editing software for more than 12 years. I personally own five music production programs in addition to my main editing software, Pro Tools, and use them for different applications. I tried hard to eliminate any bias before making my recommendations because I realize everyone who uses music production software has unique requirements. Instead, I focused my recommendations on highlighting the features of each product so you can decide which one is right for you.

I talked to David Evanoff, owner of David Evanoff Sound Designs, about how he uses music production software to create award-winning music for film and television. Although he has access to all the best recording hardware, real instruments and musicians, he told me he still finds value in starting a project with drum loops and software instruments. He uses virtual drums, bass and synthesizers daily to do mock-ups and get the ball rolling.

Rha’Gene Beal, who is pursuing interdisciplinary studies in music with Berklee College of Music’s online platform, told me he learned how to use the drummer track plug-in in Logic Pro X as part of the music production curriculum at that prestigious institution. He now uses the plug-in regularly to inspire compositions and play along with melodies he writes using only a MIDI keyboard and software.

If you plan to distribute the music you produce with one of these programs, consider a membership to ASCAP, BMI or both. In the age of digital publishing, it is important to have the help of large and established advocacy groups to make sure you get paid for the music you produce and publish on sites like Spotify and Apple Music.

How Much Should I Spend on Production Software?

A full-featured digital audio workstation (DAW) costs upwards of $500. We chose to focus this comparison of music production software on programs that cost less than $200 for novice sound engineers who want to produce and arrange music on a budget. The biggest differences between some of these entry-level versions and their more robust counterparts are the editing and mixing tools. The user-interfaces look the same, and all the programs we tested accept third-party plugins and virtual instruments. However, if you plan to produce, mix and master your arrangements, consider one of the more advanced versions of the software in this comparison.

How We Tested

We spent more than 30 hours testing the loop library and virtual instrument catalog while taking note of how easy each program was to install and navigate. The royalty-free-loop grade is based on two factors: the total number of loops and the quality of the sampled instruments used in the loop. A program with a huge loop library full of bad loops doesn’t help much. Similarly, if the samples sound good but lack variety, it will be hard to use them in multiple projects.

We were able to do a side-by-side test of the virtual instrument catalog in each program by recording a short melody played on three often-used instruments and a simple beat played on an electronic drum machine and acoustic drum plug-in. We found similar-sounding presets in each program; recorded a melody on an acoustic piano, Fender Rhodes and lead synth; and issued a score based on the average quality of the instruments. Our final grade is based on the average score for each instrument and drum plug-in.

Our ease-of-use score is based on how easy it was to install the software, control virtual instrument parameters, create a session and export a lossless file that was ready to send to a mastering engineer. We had no problem exporting a master-ready file using the included dynamics and equalization (EQ) plug-ins in each program, but there were significant discrepancies among them in the installation and virtual instrument control tests.

We realize there is a good amount of subjectivity involved in testing software, so we suggest determining the features that are most important to you and choosing a program that provides them. Just because a professional studio or artist you enjoy uses a particular software product doesn’t mean it has the tools you need to produce the music you want.

All the programs we tested support popular third-party plug-in formats, such as VST and AU, so you can supplement a lackluster virtual instrument selection in a program like Mixcraft Pro Studio and take advantage of its incredible editing features and effect plug-ins.

Important Features to Consider When Choosing Music Production Software

Genre-Specific Instruments
All the programs we tested provide often-used virtual instruments like piano, drums and strings. If you plan to produce a genre like EDM or hip-hop exclusively, consider a program that has a good synthesizer and electronic drum machine collection because the hardware equivalent is expensive, and you may be using several layers of each. If you write rock music, it will be important to have good acoustic drum sounds and electric bass and guitar plug-ins. Even if you plan to record real instruments, we learned that using virtual instruments to set a roadmap can save time.

Recording
Recording vocals and external instruments can be an important aspect of music production. Beat-making programs that allow you to record multiple sources simultaneously eliminate the need to rent time at an expensive studio. The total track count is important too, especially if you prefer to build an arrangement with many short samples or short recordings of real instruments.

Effect Plug-ins
If you plan to finalize a product that is worthy of posting on YouTube or Spotify, consider a program with a good selection of effects. Virtual instruments and samples usually don’t need too much manipulation, but it is important to compress and EQ the master bus in a project to make sure the song is at a proper volume and sounds good in headphones and larger speakers. Effects like reverb and delay are also important because they add texture and depth to virtual instruments

MIDI Controllers for Music Production Software

If you plan to use virtual instruments to build an original composition, a MIDI controller is an important tool to add alongside music production software. Here are a couple of our favorite MIDI keyboards that work with every software we tested. We recommend 49-key controllers because that size is a good fit for a desk, but both of our recommendations are available with various numbers of keys.

Novation Impulse 49
Novation MIDI keyboards are easy to set up with any music production software and have the best mapping software to help you fully integrate every button and knob. The Impulse series controllers have pressure-sensitive drum pads and responsive, semi-weighted keys. The Novation Impulse automatically maps the faders and knobs when you open the software, and the Automap software enables you to create custom profiles for third-party plugins. In addition to the USB port for connecting to a Mac or PC, the Impulse controllers have a traditional five-pin MIDI connection for controlling hardware synths.

M-Audio Oxygen 49 MK IV
If you're looking for a controller for less than $200, this is your best bet. The keyboard and drum pads don’t have as many levels of velocity sensitivity as the Novation Impulse, but the M-Audio Oxygen has the same number of faders and knobs. It doesn’t come with helpful mapping software, but the keys and drum pads automatically sync when a software instrument window is open. The Oxygen controllers have eight drum pads and come in 25-, 49- and 61-key configurations. This controller has a slim footprint that works perfectly on a desktop, where space is at a premium.

More Guides for Musicians:

Related Product Reviews

Are you a Windows user who’s been tempted by talk of GarageBand? There are great Windows compatible programs and apps which can do as much, if not more. Here are the best alternatives to Apple’s music production software that you can run on your PC.

1. LMMS

Open-source production software with a bevy of built-in samples and instruments.

The LMMS project is the work of a volunteer development team committed to making an open-source, cross-platform music production suite. It is a flexible and powerful tool that will get you up and running in no time at all. All at the bargain price of free.

LMMS sports a good variety of software instruments. Samples and effects are pre-loaded, which allows you to get up and running straight away. The interface could be clearer. Even then, it’s easy to use the instruments and make beats by experimenting.

Synthesizers are played via musical typing, mapping the computer keyboard to notes on the instrument. Drum sequencing is made easy with a visual mapping tool. While live recording isn’t possible, LMMS comes loaded with an impressive array of samples. External samples are also supported. So if you are using your phone to make recordings5 Feature-Rich iPhone Voice Recorder Apps5 Feature-Rich iPhone Voice Recorder AppsThese iPhone voice recorder apps provide much more functionality than the built-in Voice Memos. Try one of them for better syncing, editing, and more.Read More, you can import them into LMMS and use them.

Building tracks piece by piece is where LMMS shines, and Fruityloops/FL Studio users will find it very familiar. LMMS has an online forum with an active community and a yearly “Best of LMMS” competition!

Download: LMMS for Windows | macOS | Linux (Free)

2. Mixcraft 8 Home

Loop-based software that’s a great first step for budding music producers.

One of GarageBand’s most popular features is its large and diverse library of loops. Users can quickly and easily build a song that sounds good, simply by layering loops of different instruments over one another in a way that sounds pleasing to them. It might be something of a shortcut, but it’s a great way for the uninitiated to dip their toe in the waters of digital music production.

Mixcraft offers a comparable broad selection of loops in an intuitive environment that makes it easy to get up to speed quickly. On top of this, live recording is also possible making this a real direct competitor to GarageBand.

The caveat is that the home edition is limited to just 16 tracks and a reduced set of instruments and samples. Mixcraft 8 Home is perfect for musicians just starting out, though the reduced feature set might be something you outgrow in time.

Download:Mixcraft 8 Home ($40)

3. Music Maker Jam

An entertaining but limited music production app.

While there are certainly plenty of musicians who use GarageBand as a tool, many users enjoy the software as a fun way to play around with music. If you’re more interested in that sort of experience rather than full-on music production, Music Maker Jam will have you creating no time.

Unlike the other software covered here, Music Maker Jam is an app that you can download from the Windows App Store. It is also available for Android and iOS, joining an ever increasing list of music making tools for smartphones8 Music Maker iPhone Apps to Create Music Anywhere8 Music Maker iPhone Apps to Create Music AnywhereNeed a music maker app for your iPhone? These iOS music production apps let you create tunes anywhere.Read More.

The workflow begins by selecting loops by genre, before transferring them into an arrangement to create a song. BPM and volume levels can be tweaked on the fly, and FX applied as you see fit.

Compared to others on this list, the app is limited in what you can do. More a fun way to share music with friends than a fully fledged DAW, it has some unique features aimed at casual musicians. The ability to record vocal tracks over quickly built loops make it perfect for budding MCs and singers.

Star DJs and musicians contribute sound packs to the app, along with stems from popular tunes for users to remix. Winners of remix competitions and trending songs feature on the official Music Maker Jam YouTube channel.

Download:Music Maker Jam (Free, with In-App Purchases)

4. Stagelight

Intuitive and straightforward software on multiple platforms.

Much like Music Maker Jam, Stagelight comes in the form of an Android app for music creation10 Android Apps for Musicians to Record, Tune, and More10 Android Apps for Musicians to Record, Tune, and MoreIf you're a musician, you need these apps on your Android device. They help you record, remix, tune, and more.Read More alongside Mac and Windows programs.

Stagelight takes a slightly different approach to digital music production than other similar packages, with a focus on the interface typically known as a live mode. It’s a way of testing out different loops and audio clips together to see what meshes well, used by some electronic artists in their live performances.

The free version has the same unlimited tracks as the upgraded “Unlock” versions and some limitations. The drum machine and instruments are cut back basic versions, and you get fewer effects and presets overall.

Stagelight brings a unique way of working to the table, and the free version will be more than enough for many users.

Download:Stagelight (Free, with Paid Upgrades)

5. FL Studio

Best Hip Hop Production Software For Mac

Broad package suitable for all experience levels that benefit from a clean and straightforward design.

Apple Programs For Mac

Now in its 20th year, FL Studio is one of the most widely used digital audio workstations available. It’s an excellent intermediate choice for anyone who might have cut their teeth on a free audio editorThe Best Free Audio Editing SoftwareThe Best Free Audio Editing SoftwareEditing audio can be a daunting task. However, here are some great audio editing software to help you overcome any challenges.Read More like GarageBand, but now wants a package with a bit more depth.

FL Studio sets itself apart from other comparable software in the way that it balances broad functionality with a very straightforward workflow. Whether you want to tweak the specifics of a synth or customize your recording technique to suit the sort of instrumentation and style you’re going for, you’re given plenty of options that make it easy to personalize your experience.

Another major selling point for FL Studio is simply that it’s fun to use. Experimenting with beats using its pattern feature is fast and responsive. making it easy for you to get the results that you want without any unnecessary hassle.

FL-Studio is easy to pick up and trusted by thousands and is likely the best value product you are going to find at this price.

Best Edm Production Software For Mac

Download: FL Studio for Windows | macOS ($89 with free trial)

Best Music Production Program For Mac

6. Reaper

Software Programs For Mac

Complex production software that works particularly well with live instrumentation.

There are plenty of apps and programs out there that attempt to make music creation approachable for anyone. But the highest levels of production require complex software. Reaper is a package that gives the expert user a lot of options. Though, it won’t hold your hand through the process. A certain level of knowledge is assumed when you open up the program.

The advantage that Reaper has over the big names in the field of digital audio workstations is its price. Whereas competitors like Cubase, Ableton and Pro Tools typically cost hundreds of dollars, the basic license for Reaper is just $60 for personal use.

While Reaper has an impressive library of VST effects, they require a high level of skill to use. Reaper is also lacking in VST instruments that work “straight out of the box”. Use of external VSTs gets around this problem, but if you already have this knowledge you likely aren’t looking for some simple GarageBand funHow to Use GarageBand: A Step-By-Step GuideHow to Use GarageBand: A Step-By-Step GuideGarageBand is a powerful audio recording and editing software for Mac, but getting started is tough. This tutorial will show you how to use GarageBand.Read More anyway!

This is professional-grade equipment for musicians looking to get real work done, and it does an excellent job if you’re willing to learn the ropes.

Download:Reaper ($60 with free trial)

Music Production on Windows Is Possible

There are many great options for Windows users who like the idea of GarageBand. Something on this list will appeal to any budding musician. If you need more options, we’ve looked at the best free music software for audiophiles.

And if you need a new computer for audio work, check out the best computers for music productionThe 8 Best Computers for Music ProductionThe 8 Best Computers for Music ProductionYou don't have to own a studio to find best computer for music production. Here are some of the best PCs for every budget.Read More.

Explore more about: Audio Editor, GarageBand, Music Production, Record Audio.

1. Please date all articles. Hardware and software change so fast, it is irresponsible not to indicate date of initial publication and any subsequent updates.

2. Good on you for giving an honest description of Reaper. I hear so many people who give it crap for being 'Not truly professional', but the only basis for that argument is its low price. Other people give it crap for being hard to use, but like you said, it's a professional tool, not a toy. Garageband is a toy, although quite a fun one and can be incredibly useful.

   I'd also like to add that Reason Essentials should definitely be added to this list. It's a phenomenal piece of software (essentially a stripped down version of Reason, which is definitely a 'professional tool'), and it now comes with support for VST Plugins! And at only $69, too! Not to mention it's got that fun vibe that people love Garageband for.

3. I think garageband is an awesome app that I have used so far.

4. Does anyone know of a music software that combines creating rhythms with a simple notation as well. Like the old Percussion Studio but better quality sound?

   • have you heard of soundation???

5. There's a great program with a bit of a cost called Reason. You can buy an 'Essentials' version costing around $100 or the proper version costing around $300. Its one of the best programs in my opinion to have and it's even used by many professional DJs.

6. try out mixcraft! it's really something :)

   • I use Mixcraft and it is AWESOME! Real user friendly and produces great tunes!

7. Anyone know a program that can tune an intrument after a recording? I'm thinking about making Viola Covers on youtube and I'm trying to find a good program to use.

   • As a fellow violist, I would suggest practice ;)

   • practice!

   • Practice....and Melodyne :)

   • Auto-Tune or Melodyne.

8. Studio One Free is a great program, I used it for my music course last year instead of using a mac.

   • How good is it compared to garageband? is it as easy to use with as many options as garageband?

     • It's been a while since I've used it, but from what I can remember, if you're mostly planning to do MIDI stuff like create songs with a MIDI controller then its fine, but if you plan to do stuff with loops, the only loops it gives you are all synth loops which sound pretty crap compared to some of the garageband loops

9. Some other options
   sunvox
   audacity
   adobe audition / cool edit pro
   lsdj via an emulator such as retorarch

   • Audacity is more of an editor, and less of a production tool. It's a cool concept of how it's all modular and you can install whatever plugins you want tho.

10. I got a copy of Ableton for free with a little MIDI controller, and I have really come to appreciate it.
    Looks like they might have a free trial as well.

    • HI Paddy,
      can you please tell me what MIDI controller you bought. I am looking to buy one and if ableton comes free it will be worth it.

      • Rahul, Its any of the Novation products such as the launchpad or launchkey

11. I'd recommend taking a look at Tracktion, it's cross platform and extremely powerful, while still easy to use. I backed it years ago when it was a beta and it's come a long way.

12. What about Cakewalk?

13. You missed Caustic

14. Thank you very much for this much needed rundown of the pros and cons of the various Windows alternatives to Garageband.