Here are the best free music production software programs to download online. These free DAWs work on Windows, Mac, Linux, Ubuntu, and Mobile.
These digital audio workstations allow you to make music without spending money. They include features in popular paid music programs, like drum sequencers, audio recording, virtual instruments, and more.
I have included free music-making apps for Windows, Mac, and Linux computers.
Best Free Music Production Software
- LMMS
- Apple Garageband
- Ardour
- Audacity
- Ableton Live Lite
- Akai MPC Beats
- Waveform Free
- SoundBridge
- Cakewalk by Bandlab
- BandLab Online
- Soundtrap
- Magix Music Maker Free
- Serato Studio
- Soundation Studio
- Mixxx
- DarkWave Studio
- MuLab Free
- Cubase LE
- Qtractor
- Hydrogen
With all the free VST plugins online, you can have unlimited virtual instruments and audio effects without spending a dime. Many great music-making apps are free alternatives to paid programs like Logic Pro, Pro Tools, Cubase, etc.
Instructions: Click each link below and look around each website for the download link or button. Do not install any suspicious software.
1. LMMS
LMMS ( Linux Multimedia Studio ) is a free, open-source, and multiplatform music-making software that makes music more accessible than ever before.
It is available on Windows, Linux, and macOS and enables users to sequence songs using a straightforward interface.
Use MIDI or typing keyboard for playback with full user-defined track-based automation control and computer-controlled automation sources while consolidating instrument tracks using its Beat+Bassline Editor.
Additionally, it provides a Piano Roll Editor for fine-tuning patterns, notes, chords, and melodies, along with the ability to import MIDI.
LMMS Features:
- Song Editor for Composing Songs
- Beat Bassline Editor for Creating Beats and Baselines
- Easy-to-use Piano-Roll for Editing Patterns and Melodies
- FX Mixer with 64 FX Channels
- Includes Software Instruments & Effect Plugins
- Automation Support
- SoundFont2 Support
- Import of MIDI Files & FL Studio Projects
- Pattern Editor
- Sequence, Compose, & Mix
- 16 Built-in Synthesizers
- Hard Disk Recorder
- Built-In Compressor, Delay, Limiter, Reverb, and Bass Enhancer
LMMS | Windows, Mac, Linux Version
2. Apple Garageband
Apple Garageband is an intuitive, modern music creation studio that offers something for every musician, regardless of skill level or experience.
It is free for every Apple Mac computer owner.
Everyone from beginner guitar players to advanced vocalists and music producers can use its comprehensive sound library, which includes 28 beat-making drummers, three percussionists, and 100 EDM- and Hip Hop-inspired synth sounds.
An easy-to-use interface also helps make making music a breeze – users can even create a song with up to 255 tracks across their Mac, iPhone, iPad, and other Apple devices.
Apple Garageband is a great tool with all the features you need to capture your musical inspirations and create amazing tunes quickly and easily.
Garageband Features:
- 28 Beat-Making Drummer Kits
- 100 Synth Sounds
- Simple Interface
- Add Up to 255 Tracks
- Import iPhone & iPad Projects
- Built-In Sound Libraries
- Multi-Track Recording
- Interactive Visual EQ
- Enable Quick Help To Get Useful Hints
- Free Drummer Loops
- Bass Amp Designer
- Supports Free Plugins
- Design Custom Pedalboards
- 35 Stompbox Effects
- Export Directly to SoundCloud
- Sync Projects on iCloud
- Works w/ Logic Remote
- Single Window Interface
- Musical Software Instruments
- Use iPhone or iPad Multi-Touch Gestures
- 40 Basic Lessons For Guitar & Piano
- Virtual Session Drummer
Garageband | Mac
3. Ardour Free Music Production Software
Ardour is an open-source music software that allows music creators to record, edit, and mix music on Linux, Mac OS, and Windows.
It features flexible recording, including the ability to master record or individual tracks, and provides support for PCI, USB, and Firewire audio interfaces.
With this powerful software, musicians can enjoy non-destructive, non-linear editing capabilities with unlimited undo/redo’s and a built-in audio mixer, inline plugin control, and drag-n-drop plugins. Includes automation features.
Suitable for all levels of experience, from amateur to professional musicians.
Ardour also supports AU (OS X), VST (PC/Linux), and LV2 formats, meaning users can access many high-quality plugins and effects.
Ardour’s memory management also allows you to recover disk space instantly – completing multipass operations such as multichannel exports or stem exports hassle-free.
Features
- Records and edits music on multiple platforms
- Supports PCI, USB, and Firewire interfaces
- Non-destructive, non-linear editing with unlimited undo
- Built-in audio mixer with inline plugin control
- Supports AU, VST, and LV2 formats for plugins
Pros
- Flexible recording options for different needs
- Allows multichannel and stem exports easily
- Suitable for amateurs and professional musicians
- Memory management recovers disk space quickly
- Drag-n-drop plugin feature simplifies workflow
Cons
- It may be complex for complete beginners
- Requires compatible hardware interfaces
- Some features need advanced knowledge
- It could be resource-intensive on older computers
Ardour Website | Linux, Windows, Mac
- Unlimited Beats & Pages
- Sell Digital & Physical Products
- Full WordPress Music Website
- 90 Free Graphics - Get $15 Off
4. Audacity – Audio Editing
Audacity is an excellent solution for anyone looking to record, edit, and mix audio.
From live recordings to multitrack projects, Audacity offers a wide selection of audio tools to help you work on music projects.
The software manages multiple recordings with level meters that display volume levels and audio clipping.
Those desiring more precision can record from microphones, instrument inputs, and USB devices and dub over existing audio tracks.
If this isn’t enough, you can create multitrack recordings and record audio at low latencies and 24-bit depth.
Additionally, you can make use of VST, LADSPA, LV2, Nyquist, and Audio Unit plugins while having the ability to generate tones and unlimited undo/redos.
Its comprehensive features are creatively designed for use in any situation, from home recording to audio mastering.
- Record Via Microphone or Mixer
- Manages Multiple Recording
- Level Meters Can Monitor Volume Levels
- View Audio Clipping Levels
- Record from Microphone, Input, and USB devices
- Dub Over Existing Tracks
- Create Multitrack Recordings
- Low Latencies
- Record At 24-Bit Sound Technology
- Record Multiple Channels at Once
- Supports Vst, Ladspa, Lv2, Nyquist, and Audio Units
- Timeline Quick-Play
- Unlimited Undos & Redos
- Edit & Mix Tracks
- Envelope Tool to Fade Audio
- Automatic Crash Recovery
- Real-Time Effects Preview
- Plug-In Manager
- Audio Editing Tools
- Supports 16-Bit, 24-Bit, 32-Bit
- Generate Tones & Silence
- Change Pitch & Tempo
- Noise Reduction Tools
- Record Voice Overs for Podcasts
- Built-In Effects: Limiter, Reverse, Distortion, Echo, Phaser, Reverb
- Spectrogram View Mode
- Sample Data Export
- Contrast Analysis
- Audio Editor
- Studio-Quality Effects
Audacity | PC, Mac, Linux
How to Use Audacity ( Tutorials )
5. Ableton Live Lite
Ableton Live Lite is a free music software program that lets you record, produce, and perform with MIDI-based music and audio.
It features tools like an intuitive sequencer, powerful instruments, professional effects, and intelligent automation.
It has all the main features of Ableton’s flagship Live 9 software, but it comes in a lighter version for people who want to get acquainted with the product before purchasing it.
- Instrument & Drum Racks
- Unlimited undo and non-destructive audio editing
- 192 kHz/32-bit multitrack recording
- A powerful MIDI sequencing solution for software and hardware
- Real-time time-stretching and advanced warping
- Support for VST2, VST3, and Audio Unit
- Time signatures change
- Audio input channels: 8 mono channels
- The audio output channel count is 8
- Automated lanes on multiple channels
- Track Freeze
- MIDI Effect Racks
- Capture MIDI
- MIDI Clock/sync
- Supports: WAV, MP3, AIFF, OGG Vorbis, FLAC
6. Akai MPC Beats
MPC Beats is an innovative and powerful music production tool that blends the legendary MPC experience with state-of-the-art software.
It features 16 pads to trigger samples and loops, plus a vast array of virtual instruments and plugins, including over 80 audio effects.
MPC Beats includes a sample editor for cutting and slicing samples and a built-in browser for quickly locating sounds.
Plus, users can take advantage of the premade templates custom-made for the Trap, Pop, and Dance genres.
To ensure you get the most out of this advanced platform, MPC Beats includes an online academy to teach the essential workflow of using their cutting-edge software – making it an invaluable asset for any music producer making music.
- 2GB Worth of Free Content
- Built-in Virtual Instrument Plugins
- 80+ Effect Plugins
- 16 Pads to Trigger Drum Samples & Loops
- Piano Roll Editor to Record Midi Notes
- Sample Editor to Edit and Slice Samples
- Built-In Browser to Search Sounds
- MPC Workflow
- Pattern Editor
- Sample Editor
- VST & AU Support
- Record Vocals & Instruments in Stereo
- Add Additional MPC beats Expansions
- Offers MPC Beats Academy to Learn the MPC workflow
- Premade templates for Trap, Pop, & Dance
7. Waveform Free ( Free Version )
Waveform Free is an impressive free digital audio workstation from Tracktion Corporation, available for Mac, Windows, and Linux users.
With features comparable to Pro level recording, editing, mixing, and more, Waveform Free provides access to a wide range of features previously unavailable in free software for music creators.
Its impressive features include 15 effects, VST and AU support, an unlimited track count, MIDI pattern generators, and constant save technology – all without watermarks.
In addition to its expansive track mixing capabilities is a slew of powerful editing tools, such as the Retrospective Record feature, which allows users to capture track notes after they have been recorded while simultaneously preserving a history timeline.
With an intuitive user interface, the ability to manage sample libraries, powerful virtual synthesizers, and dialogue markers, Waveform Free may be a great option for musicians seeking a top-tier but cost-effective solution.
The free version has feature limitations. There is a paid full-version upgrade with more options.
Waveform Free Features:
- 15 Effect Plugins
- Supports VST, VST3, Audio Units
- Recording Workflows
- Unlimited Track Count
- Midi Pattern Generators
- Constant Save Technology
- Micro Drum Sampler
- Automation
- No Watermarks
- MIDI Typing Keyboard
- VST Plugin & AU Plugin Support
- Powerful Rack Environment
- Includes Virtual Synths
- Manage Sample Libraries
- Multitrack Recording
- Powerful Dialogue Editing Capabilities
- Retrospective Record
- Pattern Generator
Waveform Free | PC, Mac, Ubuntu
Software Overview – Video Tutorial
8. SoundBridge
SoundBridge contains all the essential tracking, sequencing, editing, and mixing features for music production and sound design.
Advanced sound engineering options such as low-latency audio, MIDI editor, plugin presets, an insert FX rack, an automation editor, and even sidechain support are all conveniently packaged in this free software.
You will find powerful features like 32 & 64-bit formats, nested group tracks, and universal compatibility with an array of third-party VSTs.
This free music-making software offers a detachable GUI, virtual keyboard, punch & punch-out recording, and high-resolution skins customizable to your preferences.
All these fantastic tools found within SoundBridge can help you create music for free.
- Sequencing, Editing, & Mixing Tools
- 3rd-Party VST Support
- Low-Latency
- MIDI Editor
- High-Fidelity Audio Driver Support
- 32 & 64-Bit Formats
- Sequencer
- Nested Group Tracks
- Advanced Mixer
- Plugin Presets
- Audio Editor
- RitMix: Drum Machine
- File Browser
- Insert FX Rack
- Automation Editor
- MIDI Mapping
- High-Resolution Skins
- MIDI CC Mapping
- Punch In & Punch Out Recording
- Detachable GUI Elements
- Virtual MIDI Keyboard
- Sidechain Support
- Midi & Audio Routing
- Swing Tools
- Linked Faders
- Channel Strip Presets
- Automation Curves
SoundBridge | Mac & Windows
9. Cakewalk by Bandlab
Cakewalk by Bandlab is an exciting digital music production and sound recording platform.
It offers a comprehensive suite of features such as unlimited audio and MIDI tracks, VST3 support, a fully customizable interface, studio-quality effects, and much more.
With its award-winning UI, touch-enabled support, and innovative features such as emulating analog consoles, peak limiting, and tube saturation, Cakewalk by BandLab is a great companion for experienced professionals and aspiring beatmakers.
Cakewalk by BandLab is the go-to solution for all your music production needs, from recording vocals and instruments to manipulating time and pitch with ARA (Audio Random Access) support. Available only for Windows operating systems.
- Unlimited Audio & MIDI Tracks
- VST3 Support
- Fully Customizable Interface
- Studio Quality Effects
- Compose, Record, Edit, Mix, Share
- Award-Winning UI
- Touch-Enabled Support
- Emulate Analog Consoles
- Peak Limiting
- Tube Saturation
- Convolution Reverb
- Dynamic Compression
- 64-Bit Mix Engine
- Audio Resampling
- Step Sequencer & Drum Sequencer
- Manipulate Time & Pitch
- ARA Support
- Record Vocals & Instruments
Cakewalk by Bandlab | PC
10. BandLab Online
BandLab is a cloud-based music program that allows musicians and fans to interact online.
Music projects can be recorded, edited, and mixed online using the online mix editor.
BandLab provides a wide variety of digital instruments for recording and editing MIDI notes.
You can record vocals and real instruments online to create high-quality tracks.
- You will need to sign up for a free account.
- Record instruments vocals, and play digital instruments
- Online Lyrics Writing
- Vocal samples can be edited
- Built-in Effects
- Export individual audio tracks
- Audio files can be exported as WAV or MP3
- Online collaborations with musicians
- Record over Instrumentals
- It provides an instant preview that you can share
- Audio time-stretching in real-time
11. Soundtrap
Soundtrap is a powerful and easy-to-use online music production studio that allows musicians from all over the world to collaborate on music projects.
The Soundtrap software enables musicians to produce their own music.
It integrates the process of recording, composing, and mixing all in one place.
This music app gives producers the freedom to define how they want to create their songs and how they want them to sound.
With Soundtrap, you can quickly turn music ideas into reality.
It has preset instruments and tracks for any genre you are working in, and it also provides tools for synthesizing, looping, recording vocals or instruments, or layering them for greater depth.
- Auto-Tune – This allows you to pitch and modify your voice recordings.
- Collaborate With Music Creators
- Automation – Use the sweeping effect, adjust the volume, and pan as you wish.
- Create Patterns – Design your beats intuitively and presets
- Use Presets & Loops – Offers over 4,000 audio presets and loops.
- Capture Audio & MIDI – Connect a microphone, guitar, or other musical instruments.
12. Magix Music Maker Free
Magix Music Maker Free Edition is a digital audio workstation that lets you create music with synthesizers and drum machines, record your own vocals and instruments, edit audio, and arrange loops.
The Magix Music Maker Free Edition is an easy-to-use music-making tool with powerful built-in sounds and virtual instruments that can be combined with your own samples to produce high-quality tracks.
Its streamlined user interface is quite simple to use for beginners, but it also has enough depth to offer experienced producers a lot of versatility.
- Built-in Drum Machine
- Song Maker AI
- In-App tutorials
13. Serato Studio
Serato Studio is free beat-making software for beginners, DJs, and advanced music producers. The free version has feature limitations.
- Drum Pattern Maker
- BPM-sync
- Free Sample Packs
- Demo Projects
- Limited to 1 Audio Track
- Export Format: MP3 ( Free Limitation )
- Pitch n Time
14. Soundation Studio
Soundation Studio is a cloud-based tool for producing and collaborating on music online.
It provides users with the ability to record, mix, and master audio, as well as to collaborate remotely on projects.
- Instruments: VA synth, GM-2, Supersaw, SPC, FM Synth, Wub Machine
- Various Audio effects: Tremolo, Distortion, Reverb, Phaser, Delay
- Collaborate With Music Producers
- Export Audio as MP3
- Recommended: Google Chrome
15. Mixxx – DJ Software
Mixxx has everything you need to start making DJ mixes in a tight, integrated package. Whether you’re DJing your next house party, spinning at a club, or broadcasting as a radio DJ, Mixxx has what you need to do it right.
- iTunes Integration
- DJ Controller Support
- Powerful Mixing Engine
- BPM Detection and Sync
- Record Live Audio
Mixxx | PC & Mac
16. DarkWave Studio – Free Music Creation Software
DarkWave Studio is a real-time sound editor with a tabbed interface that lets you compose your own music with the assistance of your computer.
- VST Plug-in Support – Limitlessly Expandable With Instrument and Effects Plugins.
- Multicore / Multi CPU Support.
- Full 64-bit Double Precision Floating Point Audio Processing.
- Low Latency ASIO And DirectSound Audio Output Support.
- Platform Support: Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP
17. MuLab Free
MuLab features an enhanced look and feel, with a rich collection of new and improved features throughout the app that, all together, seriously increase MuLab’s creativity, comfort, and productivity.
- Create, record, edit, and play multitrack audio & music.
- Flexible tracks and sub-tracks support audio and automation parts.
- Easy modular architecture.
- Top-quality, uncompromised sound engine.
- Super-fat oscillators with 300 selected waveforms + support for user waveforms.
- Multicore CPU support.
- Automatic mono/stereo handling.
- Advanced integration between composer and sound engine.
- Automation parts let you easily automate any parameter in the modular tree structure, even the deepest nested ones.
- Platform: Mac, Windows
- Free Limited Version
18. Cubase LE Free Music Making Software
Cubase LE is a DAW software that Steinberg originally developed for Mac and Windows. It is free to download and can be used on both personal and commercial projects.
Cubase LE offers facilities that enable the user to record, edit, synchronize, mix, process, and master audio files. There are also application extensions available for live performance.
- Drum Pattern Editor
- Time Stretch
- Audio Mixing Console
- Audio Warp Quantize
- Chord Pads
- Sampler Editor
- Scale Assistant Feature
- Multi-Track Audio Track Recording
- Score Editor
- Audio Pre-Record
- Punch In/Punch Out
- Developer: Steinberg
19. Qtractor Digital Audio Workstation
Qtractor is an Audio and MIDI multitrack music software program.
- Multitrack audio sequencing and recording
- Traditional multitrack tape recorder control paradigm
- Audio file formats support OGG (via libvorbis), MP3 (via libmad, playback only), WAV, FLAC, AIFF, and many, many more (via libsnd file).
- Standard MIDI files support (format 0 and 1).
- Non-destructive, non-linear editing
- An unlimited number of tracks per session/project.
- A total number of overlapping clips per track.
Qtractor Website | Linux
20. Hydrogen – Drum Machine
Hydrogen is an advanced drum machine for GNU/Linux.
Its main goal is to bring professional yet simple and intuitive pattern-based drum programming.
Hydrogen | Linux
Related: Free Online Drum Machines
Suggested Music Equipment
Here are the most popular and top-rated music production products online.
Whether you’re just starting out in producing music or have been doing it for years, plenty of free music-making software apps are available to help you improve your projects.
From beginner-friendly programs like Audacity or LMMS to more advanced options such as Ardour or Cakewalk SONAR Artist, there is something here for everyone, regardless of budget or experience level.
These programs are great free alternatives to paid programs in the music industry, such as Pro Tools, Logic Pro, FL Studio, Reaper, and more.
Previous free programs included Studio One Prime and Pro Tools First, but unfortunately, they have been discontinued.
I hope you guys found this list of free music software apps helpful.
If you are looking for more software, check out free audio editing software programs.
@O3 Reason isn’t free. All the programs listed above are free music software apps only.
For me, It’s Reaper- There are many awesome things about it, but my favorite is the customization – I’ve got multiple themes for all the major Daws, and a whole lot of other ones. If I want to look at Protools, Cubase, Fl studio, or whatever, I can. It really changes the vibe and gives me inspiration. It’s the only Daw that I know of, where you can do this, to that level. I figure if I have to look at the same screen for hours and hours, might as well make it b*tchin to look at…right?
Zenbeats has a free version that gives you some excellent instruments that could work for hip hop or modern sound. I use their ZC1 synth and it sounds great! Plus zenbeats is on windows, mac, ios and android. Check it out!
Looks interesting. Thanks for the suggestion. I will add it to the list.