One of the best in-house digital recording studio, GarageBand, is popular among music lovers. However, a huge drawback of the app is that it is only ailable for iOS & macOS devices. Hence, a large number of Windows users tend to look for apt software as a substitute for this DAW.
To solve this problem for all our Windows-using-music-creators, we will be discussing such digital audio workstations that are compatible with Windows. Here is a compilation of some great alternatives to Apple鈥檚 GarageBand:
Audiotool:聽As one of the best alternatives to GarageBand, Audiotool is a very compelling virtual studio. Audiotool enables you to store all your demos, presets, and tracks in the cloud, hence making them accessible from any browser. Also, the edited recording can later be shared on YouTube, SoundCloud, or Facebook using this DAW. With a feature that allows collaboration, Audiotool can be used with additional hardware and software. This feature is helpful when you need to merge, split or route of different synthesizer outputs. This DAW is a great tool that lets you enjoy an increasing cloud-based library with unlimited demos ailable a click away. Audiotool鈥檚 major features include in-built instruments like Heisenberg, Pulverisateur, machinist, beatbox 8, etc. Also, with various mixing options, routines, and effects, it is very easy to create music of different genres.聽
Pros
Free web-based DAW that runs in your browser Simple, clean interface good for beginners Supports recording, editing, mixing, and mastering Built-in instruments, samples, and effects Ability to collaborate online with othersCons
Limited track count and plugin options compared to desktop DAWs No MIDI editing capabilities Audio quality caps at 16-bit/44.1kHz in the free plan Requires internet connection to use Music Maker Jam: Another virtual recording studio that works as an entertainment ensemble, however, has limited music production capacity is Music Maker Jam. This software is for those who like to experiment with music, rather than just serious music production. Available on Windows App Store, Music Maker Jam can be easily downloaded and even has a fan-following from Android users.
Pros聽
User-friendly loop-based music creation Includes a library of built-in sounds and patterns Simple pattern editing and song arrangement Cross-platform for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android Free version ailable聽Cons
Relatively basic feature set compared to full DAWs Audio editing capabilities are limited聽聽 Maximum eight tracks in the free version No VST/AU plugin support Stagelight: Similar to the Music Maker Jam, Stagelight is also an聽Android-based app for music creation聽along with Windows as well as a macOS platform. With an approach different from the usual DAWs, this software majorly focuses on the live recording mode. This way it is easier to check various loops and audio files combined, useful in a lot of live performances. The free version has some unlimited tracks, the drum machine and instruments are only ailable as basic versions. Overall, Stagelight, with some limitations, brings an interesting twist to the music industry and is considered more than enough with its free version.
Pros
Free music creation software for beginners Simple interface to create songs from loops聽 Built-in library of sounds organized by genre Ability to record vocals/audio Export songs to W, MP3, etc.Cons聽
Very basic set of tools, no advanced production features No MIDI editing or scoring capabilities Limited effects and mixing options Audio watermarking on the free version Mixcraft 8 Home: For budding musicians, this loop-based software is a way to start their careers. Just like GarageBand鈥檚 well-known feature of hing a diverse loop library, Mixcraft 8 Home offers a broad set of different loops. This feature process beneficial in speeding up the process. What鈥檚 more, its live recording feature makes it a real competitor to Apple鈥檚 GarageBand. This feature also makes Mixcraft 8 Home the perfect option for musicians to start.
Pros
Affordable, entry-level DAW for Windows Supports MIDI, looping, and audio recording Includes a wide range of virtual instruments and effects Useful video tutorials for beginners Unlimited track countsCons
Interface can seem outdated and cluttered No notation editing capabilities聽聽 Limited third-party plugin support Fewer advanced features than top DAWs Cubase: A computer program, Cubase helps you in recording, producing, and mixing sounds to create music for CDs, or direct sharing via the internet. With a variety of tools for different musical genres, this DAW provides high-end audio quality that feels almost like a studio. A pro-version of Cubase brings together MIDI tools with advanced sound quality. Cubase Pro is everything you need, be it for band recordings in a studio, a live orchestra, or a live rock show. Also, with features like VST expression, Cubase offers an interactive way of working with many controller values and instrument couplings.
Pros聽
Powerful, professional-grade DAW Highly customizable workspace and tools Superior MIDI editing capabilities聽 Large library of instruments, effects, and loops Advanced automation, scoring, and post-production toolsCons
Expensive, especially with paid upgrades Steeper learning curve for beginners Requires a capable system to run smoothly Not as intuitive as some other top DAWs聽 Soundation Studio: A zero-cost app, Soundation Studio gives access to compose music online. With tools that enable recording, editing, loop library, etc., this app lets you se, download, and upload the recordings on the internet. Soundation Studio is a marvelous virtual studio with about 700 free sounds and loops, recording effects, and more. A mixture of effects like SPC drum machine, drum kits, midi packs, top-notch loops, etc., help you explore music. For anyone seeking a fresh style of music recording, this is precisely what you want.
Pros
Free, cross-platform DAW for PC/Mac/Linux聽 Clean, modern interface聽 Unlimited audio/MIDI tracks Supports VST plugins Built-in synthesizers and samplersCons
No video playback capabilities Limited stock plugin/instrument selection Lacks some advanced editing functions No mobile version is ailable Reaper: This DAW is an intricate software that goes well with live recordings. Reaper is ideally suggested for expert-level musicians who need a setup that can cater to all of their requirements. With the most reasonable prices, the cost-effectiveness of Reaper makes it superior over its competitors. With the appropriate skills, Reaper鈥檚 amazing library of VST effects is a fabulous work of art.聽
Pros
Affordable, lightweight, but powerful DAW Highly customizable, flexible workflow聽聽 Supports unlimited tracks/plugins聽 Solid audio/MIDI editing abilities Good for many tasks – music, podcasts, etc.Cons
Interface looks dated and not very intuitive聽聽 Lacks high-end mastering tools No comping feature for vocals Smaller developer team than top DAWs LMMS: Created by a volunteer development team, the LMMS鈥檚 main motive is to provide an open-source cross-platform music production platform. With varied software instruments, pre-loaded samples and effects, LMMS allows you to start recording music, right away. Although it does not allow live recording, LMMS has a preloaded array of samples. Also, since it supports external samples, you can import them while using your phone for the recordings. LMMS is mainly known for building tracks, piece by piece.
Pros
Completely free, open-source DAW Available for Windows, macOS, Linux聽聽 Supports VST effects/instrument plugins Built-in synthesizers, samples, and drum kits Good for making beats and electronic musicCons
Lack of professional features like score editing Audio editing tools are quite basic聽聽 No video playback capabilities Interface looks dated compared to modern DAWsWith these amazing digital audio workstations to support Windows devices, you are only a decision away from creating the most exceptional music. If you find any garageband alternatives for windows, do share it in comments.