Download Music Production - Best Software & Apps

  • Adobe Audition

    2017.10

    License
    buy Download
    Platform
    Windows
    Mac

    Professional audio editor and post production suite

    7
    3310 votes
    • PROS: Supports multi-track editing, Clean tabbed interface, Allows editing of frequencies, Supports editing native 5.1 surround sound, Very fast opening time, Integrated with Creative Cloud
    • CONS: MIDI support complex, No ‘simple’ mode for easy editing, Long installation process, No CD burning tools, Requires Creative Cloud subscription
  • GarageBand

    10.3.2

    License
    free Download
    Platform
    Mac
    iPhone

    Record and mix your own music for free

    6
    182 votes
    • PROS: Free to download and use, Create music right on your laptop
    • CONS: Limited features compared to Logic Pro, Not available for other OS
  • Ableton

    Live (32 bit) 9.5.32

    License
    buy Download
    Platform
    Windows

    Sequencer for live or studio sessions

    7
    1450 votes
    Download
    • PROS: Encompasses all processes, Tutorials and guides, Intuitive interface
    • CONS: Requires technical knowledge
  • Acid Pro

    e 7.0

    License
    buy Download
    Platform
    Windows

    Produce Music in Style with Acid Pro

    7
    1778 votes
    Download
    • PROS: Mix audio at high resolution quality., Tons of professional tools., Support many formats.
    • CONS: Beginners may not get the full value of the paid version.
  • Serato DJ

    1.0.0

    License
    free Download
    Platform
    Windows

    Professional software for professional DJs

    8
    1073 votes
    Download
    • PROS: Professional mixing, Well-designed interface, Quality effects, Up to 4 decks, 8 cue points, Useful help menu
    • CONS: Not beginner-friendly, Only compatible with DDJ-SX, Not very useful without a controller
  • Music Maker Jam

    Metro App 1.0

    License
    free Download
    Platform
    Windows
    Android
    iPhone

    Making music could hardly be easier!

    7
    462 votes
    • PROS: Really easy to use, Simple to understand, Compose tracks 'live'
    • CONS: Sounds are limiting eventually
  • Logic Pro X

    10.4.3

    License
    buy Download
    Platform
    Mac

    Professional music creation studio for Macs

    6
    594 votes
    Download
    • PROS: Fully comprehensive production suite, Produces professional quality music, Lots of audio templates, Lots of instruments to choose from, Revamped interface looks great, iPad companion app
    • CONS: Complex for beginners, Plugins require purchase, Resource hungry
  • Reason

    6.0.1

    License
    buy Download
    Platform
    Windows
    Mac

    Your virtual studio rack

    7
    934 votes
    • PROS: Complete music production tool, Integrates with other hardware and software
    • CONS: Not for beginners
  • MAGIX Music Maker Production Suite

    MX

    License
    buy Download
    Platform
    Windows

    A recording studio in your own home

    7
    390 votes
    Download
    • PROS: Includes a variety of samples and loops, Automatic beat calculation, Advanced editing tools, Includes tons of sound effects
    • CONS: Requires time and practice to master
  • LMMS

    1.1.3

    License
    free Download
    Platform
    Windows

    Compose and produce music with your computer

    7
    570 votes
    Download
    • PROS: MIDI-compatible, Support for plug-ins, Loads of ready-made material, Thoroughly documented
    • CONS: Overwhelming interface
  • Finale

    c 2011

    License
    buy Download
    Platform
    Windows
    Mac

    Professional music composition software

    7
    1188 votes
    • PROS: Produces highly professional results, Hundreds of features, Latest version is much more user friendly, Extensive Help documentation
    • CONS: Steep learning curve
  • Guitar Rig

    5.2.0

    License
    buy Download
    Platform
    Windows
    Mac

    Turn your computer into an all-in-one guitar amp

    6
    600 votes
    • PROS: Huge selection of effects, Support for lead and bass guitar plus a mic, Well designed interface
    • CONS: Guitar reproduction quality not perfect, Requires foot pedal for best results
  • Sing! Karaoke

    6.1.9

    License
    free Download
    Platform
    Android
    iPhone

    A free jokes & distractions app for Android

    8
    34 votes
    • Traktor PRO

      2.8.1

      License
      buy Download
      Platform
      Windows
      Mac

      Beat mixing for pro DJs

      7
      2859 votes
      • PROS: Four decks, Set hotkeys, Advanced filters and effects, Comes with full documentation
      • CONS: Configuration options can get very complex
    • Audiotool

      varies-with-device

      License
      free Download
      Platform
      Windows
      Android

      A free app for Windows, by Autool

      6
      7 votes
      • MuseScore

        2.0.3

        License
        free Download
        Platform
        Windows
        Android
        Mac

        Compose music with the help of your computer

        7
        581 votes
        • PROS: Easy to use: just drag and drop notes, Built-in player, Support for MIDI instruments
        • CONS: No advanced options
      • Kristal Audio Engine

        1.0.1

        License
        free Download
        Platform
        Windows

        Free Personal Audio Recording and Software

        7
        142 votes
        Download
        • PROS: It takes up less memory when compared to comparable systems., It can be licensed for commercial or professional use.
        • CONS: Not all audio file types and formats are supported., The website was last updated in 2009 and some current operating systems might not recognise this package.
      • Sibelius

        6.0

        License
        buy Download
        Platform
        Windows

        Advanced and Efficient Music Creation Software for Professionals

        7
        969 votes
        Download
        • PROS: This is likely the best music editing software in the world today., Music notation and real-time note entry are simple.
        • CONS: The software cannot export MusicXML or graphic files (sometimes used when writing scores)., Sibelius is quite expensive and might not be applicable for those on a tight budget.
      • Amazing Slow Downer

        3.3.6

        License
        buy Download
        Platform
        Windows
        Android
        Mac
        iPhone

        Slow down or speed up music without changing the pitch

        6
        113 votes
        • PROS: Speeds-up and slows down music without changing the pitch, Gives you minute manual control over the pitch
        • CONS: Limited to a small number of formats
      • CakeWalk SONAR

        Producer Edition 8.0.2

        License
        buy Download
        Platform
        Windows

        Market-Leading Music Production Software

        7
        336 votes
        Download
        • PROS: 64-bit mix engine, Excellent compatability, Versatile across different musical styles
        • CONS: Very complex - useful for serious musicians only
      Softonic’s Best Rated Software for this topic
      #NameVersionVotesRatingPlatform
      1e 7.017787.1Windows
      22017.1033107.1Windows,Mac
      32.8.128596.9Windows,Mac
      4Live (32 bit) 9.5.3214506.6Windows
      5c 201111886.6Windows,Mac

      Articles about music production

      Related topics about music production

      Sponsored×