Figuring out what the best free DAWs are can be tough. There are not many free music production software suites around, and usually the ones offered are just Lite versions of more expensive DAWs. By the end of this article, you will know what the best free DAWs are in 2021 alongside the free Lite versions of paid DAWs.

Here are the best free DAWs 2021:

Jan 22, 2021 For editing and recording, Audacity is one of the best DAW for beginners. It is not only popular but also the most widely used free DAW software across the globe. The simple recording and editing process does not require any sort of training which makes it ideal for the beginners. The features of Audacity are. Beef up your free DAW with our picks for the best free drum VSTs and the best free VST instruments! Conclusion Cakewalk by Bandlab is a full-on, pro-level DAW with a ton of capability but with a slightly cluttered design that can put some users off. The free DAW that really isn’t free, Reaper has continued to make a name for itself among hobbyist engineers and professionals alike. Featuring a familiar interface and a full list of features, Reaper is an inexpensive way to get quality tools for any of your projects. Jan 22, 2021 Garageband (Mac only) Garageband is an amazing DAW that comes free with any iOS device, if you own a Mac or an iPhone you will have access to it. It is, essentially, a stripped-down version of Logic Pro X but completely free. Tracktion ’s brand new Waveform Free is touted by the brand as “unlike any other so-called freeware DAW”. The software is compatible across Mac, Windows, Linux and even Raspberry Pi. With Waveform Free, you’ll be able to load in popular third-party plug-ins, (providing they’re available in 64-bit format).

1. Pro Tools First

Experience Pro Tools’ award-winning software without buying it

If you are a beginner or already experienced with DAWs and just want to enjoy what Pro Tools has to offer without spending the money on it, check out Pro Tools First. With its world class features, it has everything you need to get started and more.

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Has a wide range of plugins for being free.
Includes Xpand!2 which is a highly popular virtual instrument especially among beatmakers.

The more advanced editing tools are mainly tailored towards MIDI rather than audio recordings.
It does have a bit of a learning curve so you may want to look into tutorials if you’re a beginner.

Pro Tools First is Avid’s Lite version that lets you experience how great Pro Tools is without shelling out a monthly subscription or gigantic one time fee. This is beneficial because it allows you to test the program out before you decide whether or not you want to buy the full version.

If you decide not to buy the full version, however, the Lite version has enough features that allow you to make great music regardless. Pro Tools First is a great piece of free music production software that has a lot of features that you may be expecting to only find in the paid versions.

In Pro Tools First, you can choose from assorted session templates (rock, pop, hip hop, etc) upon starting a new project, which helps you get started faster by providing you with preloaded instrument tracks, or you can simply start from scratch. You can also save track presets to build new sessions quickly and more efficiently.

If you are more of a producer who likes loops, and not necessarily a musician, there is a soundbase that has a large amount of high quality loops, samples, and other content for you to use in your productions.

Pro Tools First can capture MIDI notes retrospectively, and the MIDI editing tools offered are plenty capable. Easy lane track recording allows for easier comping, effortless editing of MIDI notes, tempo changing, pitch and timing fixes, and even altering volume of individual notes.

Pro Tools First comes with 24 effects and utility plugins as well as virtual instruments like UVI Workstation 3 (a powerful sample player and instrument), as well as Xpand!2, which can play a wide range of sounds from beats and loops to even orchestral instruments and power chords – and of course everyone’s favorite: more cowbell.

The DAW also allows for Avid Cloud Collaboration which enables you to work on projects alone or with anyone from any location. You can save, sync, and share up to 3 projects for free. Pro Tools First is great for any genre (but not suitable for live performances) and is compatible with Mac and Windows.

2. Cakewalk by BandLab

Analog design with a modern feel

Cakewalk is an absolutely amazing piece of software with its top-rated interface, analog type plugins, and vast range of virtual instruments. It is a highly flexible DAW that almost sounds too good to have a price tag of absolutely nothing. Definitely try this one out if you have a Windows computer; you won’t regret it at all.

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Syncs to the Cloud where everything is stored.
Easily allows access for other collaborators to work with you.

If you have ever heard of Cakewalk by SONAR, BandLab – social media-driven online DAW company – has now replaced SONAR but has kept the incredible DAW known as Cakewalk. Cakewalk is a great free music making software that models analog mixers but remains extremely modern and intuitive at the same time.

In the Skylight Interface, you can very easily record music and then edit it, draw in animation and MIDI, and select different regions, all with the Smart Tool. The Smart Tool also enables you to directly overlay two different types of audio in the same track; you can record up to 5 different takes and line them up simultaneously. Other editing features include time warping and crossfading.

Cakewalk has over 200 professionally created instruments and full editing capabilities of those instruments and their plugins. As for audio effects plugins, there are plenty of EQs, reverbs, delays, and universal effects with presets that can be put on any track, including autotune.

Cakewalk offers the creation of unlimited projects, unlimited mastering, unlimited high quality downloads of project files and exported audio files. There is also a loop library of over 6,000 royalty free loops for you to use. Cakewalk syncs to the Cloud which allows collaborations without issues. All revisions are stored in the Cloud and you can even connect with other creators who use the BandLab platform.

The DAW is compatible with Windows only, and by far is the best free music making software for Windows 7 all the way up to Windows 10. I would not suggest it for live performance, but it is a good DAW for any genre of music making.

3. Studio One Prime

A lite, capable yet powerful DAW

Studio One Prime should give you a good head start on making music if you happen to be interested in using free DAWs. The Lite version of this DAW has enough flexibility and options for you to create music without feeling limited by the software. It’s an ideal choice for beginners and experts alike.

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A single window view instead of multiple pages in the DAW provides an easier layout, especially for beginners.
An unlimited amount of tracks can be created.

Only one virtual instrument is available.
Only works on 64-bit computers.

Studio One Prime is the free version of PreSonus’s incredible DAW, Studio One. Although Studio One Prime is the limited version, it still offers so many features that enable you to create great songs and beats.

The DAW features a single window in the multitouch interface to prevent your workstation from getting messy and cluttered. Drag and drop functions provide ease of use and you can create an unlimited amount of audio tracks, MIDI tracks, virtual instruments and effects channels.

Both single and multitrack comping is available for post-recording editing, and an arranger track is provided to keep your songs arranged in the right order.

A content browser allows for easy access to your files, loops, samples, and plugins. A loop and sample package sized at almost 1GB comes with this version of the DAW. Additionally, Studio One Prime features multitrack MIDI editing with an instrument and drum editor, and drum and melody patterns are available for you to drag and drop into the pattern sequencer for quick creation.

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