10 Best Music Software Programs for Beginners

Here is an overview of the best music software programs and Digital Audio Workstations for Windows and Mac.

I have included software comparisons, videos, lists of features, and helpful links to get you started.

Music Software Programs Compared

Most Popular
Image Line Music Software, (5391502517895)
Ableton Multitrack Recording Software, Green (Live 10 Intro)
Reason Studios AB Multitrack Recording Software (11)
Steinberg Cubase Artist 10.5 Music Production Software Upgrade from Cubase AI
Avid Pro Tools
Acid Music Studio - Version 11 - Simply Creative
Name
FL Studio
Ableton Live
Propellerhead Reason
Steinberg Cubase
Avid Pro Tools
Acid Music Studio
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$103
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Most Popular
Image Line Music Software, (5391502517895)
Name
FL Studio
Reviews
-
Rating
-
Price
$99
-
Ableton Multitrack Recording Software, Green (Live 10 Intro)
Name
Ableton Live
Reviews
-
Rating
-
Price
$103
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Reason Studios AB Multitrack Recording Software (11)
Name
Propellerhead Reason
Reviews
-
Rating
-
Price
Price not available
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Steinberg Cubase Artist 10.5 Music Production Software Upgrade from Cubase AI
Name
Steinberg Cubase
Reviews
-
Rating
-
Price
Price not available
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Avid Pro Tools
Name
Avid Pro Tools
Reviews
-
Rating
-
Price
$599
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Acid Music Studio - Version 11 - Simply Creative
Name
Acid Music Studio
Reviews
-
Rating
-
Price
Price not available
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Last update on 2024-03-16 / Affiliate Disclaimer


Table of Contents

  1. Music Software Options
  2. Top 3 Music Software Programs
  3. Additional Digital Audio Workstations

Music Software Options

There are tons of music production software programs out there, but which one is best for you?

Watch this video for a brief overview of the different music programs available.

We ran a poll asking what was the best music software, and here are the results:

Poll: Best Music Production Software ( Closed )

Poll: Best Music Production Software

Top 3 Music Software Programs

#1. FL Studio

FL Studio (formerly known as FruityLoops ) is a digital audio workstation developed by Image-Line. FL Studio features a graphical user interface based on a pattern-based music sequencer.

fl studio music software

Why FL Studio is popular:

  • It’s easy to learn.
  • Lower cost than many other programs.
  • Supports VST plugins, samples, and other software programs.
  • Making patterns and arrangements is easy.
  • It offers tons of built-in instrument plugins.

Learn About FL Studio

FL Studio comes in 3 versions:

  1. Fruity Edition – No audio clips or audio recording. Limited features.
  2. Producer Edition – Includes Audio Recording & full Playlist features.
  3. Signature Bundle – Includes plugins, recording & full Playlist features.

FL Studio Links:


#2. Propellerhead Reason

Propellerhead Reason is a digital audio workstation for creating and editing music and audio developed by Propellerhead Software. It emulates a rack of hardware synthesizers, samplers, signal processors, sequencers, and mixers.

How to Make Beats: Music Production Software 101

Why Reason is popular:

  • It includes tons of Synthesizers, Samplers, Drum Machines, and Effects.
  • Cool interface, racks, and mixer.
  • ReWire allows you to use Reason in other popular music software apps.
  • Add additional sounds called Refills.

Learn About Reason

Helpful Links


#3. Apple Logic

Logic Pro is a digital audio workstation and Musical Instrument Digital Interface MIDI sequencer software application for the Mac OS X platform.

apple logic

Why Apple Logic is popular:

  • Nice-looking interface.
  • The virtual instruments and session drummer sound incredible.
  • Mixing, effects, and automation
  • Enhanced Piano Roll Editor.

Learn About Logic


You should research the programs mentioned above and see what works best for your needs.

In the music software poll, 41% picked FL Studio. So you may want to look into that program if you are a music beginner.


Additional Digital Audio Workstations

There are tons of other popular music software programs available.

Ableton Live

Ableton Live 10

Ableton Live Features:

  • Multi-track audio recording at up to 32-bit/192 kHz
  • Creative MIDI sequencing of software and hardware instruments
  • Advanced warping and real-time time-stretching
  • Up to 16 tracks and 8 scenes per track
  • Includes 3 software instruments, 26 effects, and 4 sound libraries (Packs)

Ableton Live comes in 3 versions:

  1. Live 10 Intro
  2. Live 10 Standard
  3. Suite Multitrack Recording Software

Related: How to Use Ableton Live ( Ableton Live Tutorials )


Steinberg Cubase Elements

Cubase Elements Music Software-min

Cubase Features:

  • Personal music production system, offering a set of streamlined audio/MIDI recording, editing, scoring, and mixing tools
  • Supports 64 MIDI and 48 audio tracks with up to 24-bit/192 kHz
  • Includes outstanding virtual instruments: HALion Sonic SE workstation, MPC-style Groove Agent ONE drum machine, Prologue synthesizer
  • Comes ready with 44 audio effect processors, including Pitch Correct for vocal intonation correction, Morph Filter, and the extraordinary VST Amp Rack guitar tone suite.

Learn About Cubase

Related: Cubase Tutorials


Pro Tools

Pro Tools Music Software

Pro Tools Features:

  • Unleash your creativity with the award-winning toolset
  • create bigger mixes, with up to 96 audio tracks
  • Compose with virtual instruments and MIDI and Score Editors
  • This product includes installation discs

Learn About Pro Tools

Related: Pro Tools Tutorials


Reaper – Digital Audio Workstation

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Reaper Features:

  • Record audio and MIDI from multiple inputs simultaneously
  • Layer recorded tracks and take over previous recordings
  • Edit recordings in almost any imaginable way
  • Hundreds of audio and MIDI processing effects are included, or choose from thousands of third-party effects
  • All editing and effects are completely non-destructive

Learn About Reaper

Related: How to Use Reaper


Garageband

Garageband - Digital Audio Workstation Software

GarageBand is a line of digital audio workstations for macOS and iOS devices that allows users to create music or podcasts.

Garageband Features:

  • A fresh new look, designed for easy music-making
  • Virtual session drummer, percussionist, or beat producer to your song that takes direction and plays realistic beats
  • Apple Loops covering the latest electronic and urban genres
  • Audio recording
  • Virtual software instruments
  • MIDI editing
  • Additional audio loops

Learn About Garageband

Related: GarageBand Tutorials


Sony Acid Music

 Acid Music Studio - Version 11 - Simply Creative

Sony Acid Pro Features:

  • The Audio and MIDI mixing digital audio workstation console allows users to visually represent audio signals in a project and provides additional routing options,
  • Flexible and efficient in-studio recording environment.
  • Input busses control the routing of input signals
  • Sony Acid includes software for professional music production and editing, including ACID Pro Effects Rack powered by iZotope, Garritan Aria for ACID Pro Player & Sonoma Wire Works KitCore.

Learn About Acid Pro


Acoustica Mixcraft Pro Studio

Acoustica Mixcraft 8 Pro Studio

Acoustica Mixcraft Pro Features:

  • Professional interface with high-contrast graphics
  • Custom loop in a huge variety of styles
  • Easily import loop files and loop CDs into the loop library
  • Loop Library features an easy search tool to quickly find loops and sound effects
  • Record multiple MIDI and audio tracks simultaneously

Learn About Acoustica Mixcraft


So that is a list of some of the most popular music software programs available.

Common Music Software Programs

What music software is best for beginners?

We think FL Studio and Garageband are the easiest programs to learn from the list above.

Is there free music software?

Yes, we have two articles to check out:

Can I make music online?

You can’t make professional music online, but there are some fun websites to play with:

Do you have tutorials for music software?

Yes, we have multiple beginner guides:

What does DAW mean?

DAW stands for Digital Audio Workstation. It’s pretty much just another name for music production software.

Related: What is A DAW?


Helpful Links on Music Software

Leave a comment on your favorite music software and why you picked it.

This article is a part of the How to Make Beats series.

What is your favorite music software?

Please Note: As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Mark V.

Written By Mark V.

Mark Valenzuela is a professional blogger, entrepreneur, and educator with more than 15 years of experience in music production. In 2008, Mark founded Hip Hop Makers, a top resource for aspiring music producers and beatmakers. He specializes in content on music production, software, gear, and free music resources. Committed to empowering creators of all levels, Mark continues to inspire and help music creators pursue their dreams.

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Comments

  1. I’ve been using Cakewalk for a long time. I need a new computer more than a new DAW. :)

  2. Hi guys, I use Maschine for all my producing and I’m just trying to figure out what works best with it for recording hip hop lyrics. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

  3. I wonder if Cubase is suitable for Hip Hop production ?

  4. Yes, Cubase is another great program.

  5. as a Fruityloops user, i think this DAW is amazing, easily to use, lot of tutorial on the internet, which is really help me to learn to make or remix music especially the electronic music

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