- GarageBand is one of the most respected free DAWs out there.
- What can you do if you’re running Windows and want GarageBand?
- Here are 5 of the best GarageBand alternatives (that are free AND better than Audacity).
- Looking for mobile options? Check out our post on the Best Music Making Apps For Android
GarageBand is among the most recognized names for free DAWs or ‘Digital Audio Workstations’. One of the main reasons for this is obvious – it’s totally free!
But really, the overall success of GarageBand is down to its inclusion of editing tools, native plugins, instruments, and samples, as well as a whole host of other ‘semi-professional’ processing tools like compressors and EQs.
So, Can You Get GarageBand On Windows?
As GarageBand is developed by Apple, you will not find a version for PC/Windows. There are some websites around that “promise” to make this dream a reality, but we would advise staying well away from them for security reasons.
Luckily there are some great Garageband alternatives for windows.
What Are The Best Free GarageBand Alternatives For PC?
- Sleek mixing experience
- A complete music production package
- Large selection of built-in sounds
- Free instruments and VST plugins, plus the SoundPool loop library
- Auto Master function helps beginners finish a track
- Full MIDI editing with a piano roll
- An industry standard DAW
- Affordable
- Fantastic drag and drop tool
- Available as a free and paid version
- Interface is customizable
- Includes 4OSC and Micro Drum Sampler
There are many free similar programs available for music production, recording, and editing audio using a Windows system.
One of the best routes to take is the path of the ‘lite’ DAW, which is a reduced version of a popular DAW like Ableton Live or FL Studio. But there are also full-featured (and FREE) solutions by other publishers that are well worth checking out.
The 5 best (and free) GarageBand alternatives for Windows today are:
- Cakewalk
- Magix MusicMaker
- Akai MPC Beats
- Reaper
- Tracktion Waveform Free
Also, consider checking out our guide on the best free MIDI keyboard software.
| Feature | Cakewalk | Magix MusicMaker | Akai MPC Beats | Reaper | Tracktion Waveform Free |
| Cross-platform | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| MIDI & Audio Tracks | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Free samples/loops | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Allows third-party plugins? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Advanced routing | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Layout Customizability | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes |
The Best Free DAWs in 2021 (For PC/Windows)
1. Cakewalk by BandLab
Features
- Unlimited audio and MIDI tracks
- A range of built-in effects and virtual instruments
- Support for third-party plugins
- Professional-quality mixing and mastering tools
- Easy-to-use interface with drag-and-drop functionality
Review
For those of you screaming “I wanna make music but i can’t get GarageBand!“… enter Cakewalk, one of the best free DAWs for Windows.
Cakewalk is based on technology partially developed by Roland under their ‘Sonar’ DAW label, which retailed for $600. BandLab have since acquired and further developed this platform to bring you ‘Cakewalk by BandLab’.
Cakewalk has some of the most comprehensive music production features out of any free DAW and includes a full suite of plugins with compressors, reverbs, EQs and other mastering tools like limiters and multiband compressors.
Cakewalk runs virtually every third-party instrument and effect plugin (excluding RTAS and AAX formats) and is built using the well-known ‘Skylight’ interface, delivering an award-winning end-user experience with its effective and clear GUI.
BandLab lets users run any of their favorite VST plugins, and allows unlimited audio tracks, FX sends, and MIDI tracks.
It’s also the closest DAW to Garageband in terms of functionality and looks.
Usually, these are key features that are locked behind the ‘paywall’ of most Lite versions of industry software; however, Cakewalk comes with all these included without a free trial or the need to upgrade or subscribe.
With a 64-bit mix engine, Windows 10 support, and ARA (Audio Random Access) functionality, the user can expect to find a similar level of hardware support & integration to Apple’s patented Core Audio driver.
Even though some hardware drivers may still be required, there is a seamless functionality that a lot of DAWs (both paid and free) don’t take into account. Certain instances of Protools actually require you to restart the session when you plug in a MIDI keyboard, which can be a nightmare in the middle of a session, totally killing creative moments.
If you want to read more about Cakewalk, check out our Bandlab review here.
2. Magix ‘MusicMaker’
Features
- Wide range of virtual instruments and loops included
- Easy-to-use interface with drag-and-drop functionality
- Support for third-party plugins
- Fully featured mixing and mastering tools
- Includes a range of built-in effects, such as EQ, compression, and reverb
- Supports MIDI input and output
- Includes advanced features, such as automation, time stretching, and pitch shifting
- Comes with a range of video tutorials and online resources to help users get started
Review
An innovation on the ‘free daw’ spectrum comes from a software company called ‘Magix’. They have been around and releasing their ‘MusicMaker’ DAW bundle since as early as 1994.
Magix MusicMaker is a free and superb package available in both 32 and 64-bit, containing all the necessary tools that anyone from a beginner producer to a professional-level producer will appreciate having at their disposal.
Music Maker comes with an impressive load of features and is bursting at the seams with functionality and features, including a stack of free studio-quality instruments and VST plugins like:
- Rock Drums
- Bass Machine
- Concert Guitar
- Drum Engine (MPC style pads)
- Orchestral Ensemble and Cinematic Synths
- String Ensemble
- Choir
- Power Guitar
- Analogue Synths
- SpacePad
- Urban Drums, among others.
Combined with this huge selection of free plugins and software, Magix has also thrown in what they refer to as a ‘SoundPool’ – their own unique selection of loops, sounds, and samples, represented within the DAW and fully functional within the ecosystem of MusicMaker.
MusicMaker functions as you’d expect any pro-level software to, and includes full integration of audio interfaces, midi keyboards, external instruments, microphones and other sound sources, with a full midi editing suite and piano-roll capabilities.
To cap off your music creation, you need to polish it and make it shine in your own special way, and MusicMaker allows you to do this by supplying some pretty fly effects and processing plugins as a part of this free bundle.
These plugins include a decent selection of free audio effects such as wahs, delays and flangers, as well as the pretty meaty Vandal SE amplifier, which is well known for its high-quality tone and distortion emulations.
MusicMaker caters to producers of all skill levels, and this is highly evident through their choice of included mastering software, which even includes an ‘Auto Master’ function (similar to LANDR) for beginners.
This free software comes with a whole lot more than what’s listed here in terms of creative capability and being able to get anyone started making music in a matter of minutes – the workflow in MusicMaker is unique, fast, and easy to understand. Their integrated store or ‘Sound Pool’ makes it easy for anyone to start making music in a matter of minutes or to help stop writer’s block by providing some extra inspiration.
MusicMaker secures a place as one of the best free alternatives to GarageBand available on Windows.
3. Akai MPC Beats
Features
- Free version of Akai’s popular MPC software
- Includes a range of virtual instruments and loops
- Supports third-party VST plugins
- Easy-to-use interface with drag-and-drop functionality
- Includes a range of built-in effects, such as EQ, compression, and reverb
- Supports MIDI input and output
- Automation, time stretching, and pitch shifting
- Extensive tutorial library
Review
MPC Beats utilizes a massive range of features and functionalities found in the world’s leading competitors’ full-priced DAWs, including multi-track recording, AU, and VST support (enabling the use of purchased third-party plugins, effects, and instruments).
If you already have a DAW or a fully licensed version of Logic, Live,
The brilliant thing about MPC Beats is that it provides all the standard functionality of programs such as Maschine (with a focus on making beats and grooves) at absolutely no cost.
MPC Beats also comes with an impressive 2GB of samples and sounds and also stocks over 80 of its own ‘native’ plugins, including compressors, echo/delay/reverb, EQ, software synthesizers, and more.
MPC Beats runs full class compliance, meaning that any class-compliant device, beatpad, keyboard, or other digital instruments should run flawlessly and integrate seamlessly within MPC Beats.
For those lacking in finances or equipment access, MPC Beats actually has a HUGE library of kits on offer for decent and affordable prices, with kits for genres like deep house, EDM, hip-hop, trap, and just about any genre you can think of.
PLUS, they have kits that have been designed by industry heavyweights like Aarab Muzik and Decap, who have cut their teeth and made a name for themselves as artists who are again synonymous with Akai and the art of finger drumming.
4. Reaper
Features
- Customizable interface, keyboard shortcuts, and workflow
- Supports a wide range of audio and MIDI formats
- Advanced routing and mixing capabilities, including support for multi-channel audio
- Low resource usage, making it suitable for older or less powerful computers
- Comprehensive built-in effects and virtual instruments, with support for third-party plugins
- Automation, MIDI mapping, and time stretching
- Wide range of online resources and strong user community
Review
Reaper was founded in 2004 by Justin Frankel (if you’re old enough to remember WinAmp, he created it) and Christophe Thibault.
Reaper has a bit of a cult following in underground electronic music and, for some reason, is popular among the breakcore crowd.
That aside, it is a fantastic DAW, and it’s a worthy contender for being a great, “free” GarageBand alternative. I’ve put “free” in quotation marks because it’s a bit of a grey area. Here’s how it works…
You get a 60-day free trial. Once it expires, you lose some functionality, but you still have most of the features available to you. You’ll get an annoying popup when you start the program, but it’s still pretty usable, minus a few features you might need.
All in all, it’s a fully featured DAW that prides itself on being super low CPU-intensive.
If you do decide to upgrade, it’s also one of the cheapest fully-fledged DAWs available (around $60).
5. Tracktion Waveform Free
Features
- Cross-platform compatibility with support for Windows, macOS, and Linux
- User-friendly interface with drag-and-drop functionality
- Unlimited audio and MIDI tracks
- A range of built-in effects and virtual instruments, with support for third-party plugins
- Includes support for multi-channel audio
- Automation, MIDI mapping, and time stretching
- Comprehensive project management tools, including version control and backup
Review
Tracktion Waveform Free entered the market with huge promises for zero cost. Their claim was that they would “offer more capabilities than most enthusiast producers will ever need”. While this is largely just standard marketing, they actually have done well to hold up their end of the bargain.
Tracktion Waveform Free is actually a stepping stone to get you to eventually buy the “Pro” version, however their free version basically gives you the keys to much of the castle already. With unlimited track counts, the ability to add popular VSTs, automation features, a drum sampler, and a synth bundled in, Tracktion Waveform Free has everything you need to get started with music production.
The interface is highly intuitive, with a solid workflow that lets you flip between various main menus accessible from the bottom left corner of the screen. On the opposite end of the screen, you have access to master transport, record modes, and output meters, among other parameters that come in handy.
Bonus Tip: ‘Lite’ Software
Nearly every major player in the DAW world has a free ‘lite’ version of their software, which imposes restrictions on the number of tracks you can have, the overall length of a track, or even the output format of your audio.
Checking out ‘lite’ versions is a great way to test out many industry-level programs and applications to see which one you like the best or which one suits your workflow and methodology.
Companies such as Cubase, Avid, Ableton, Image-Line, Propellerhead, BandLab, Bitwig, and almost every developer under the sun offer some trial-based download.
Not everyone feels at home with the first DAW they try. Try a few out first to see which one suits you best.
Honorable Mentions
Audacity and WavePad get an honorable mention as they have both been around since the dawn of time, and most producers might have found themselves toying around with them at one point or another, usually early on or as a starting point. Having said this, there are a lot of DAWs that far surpass the capabilities of these programs, and Audacity/Wavepad are honestly closer to wave editors than studio-quality workstations.
They both lack proper MIDI editing capabilities, and neither allows VST synths. But as far as free audio editors go, if you’re looking to do something super basic without a steep learning curve, these programs might be a good place to start.
Final Thoughts
Because Apple makes GarageBand, it is highly unlikely they will offer a Windows version anytime soon. GarageBand and Logic are both well-respected apps that are exclusive to Mac. Apple knows this draws people towards their computers over PCs.
Although it is sad that a Windows version of GarageBand will probably never exist, there are still plenty of free alternatives listed above that offer similar or greater functionality that you can check out right now.
While you’re here, don’t forget to check out our pick of the best GarageBand alternatives for Android!
Thank you for sharing this very informative post! I found a lot of recorders that I can use for my PC. Normally, I am using a free tool called Acethinker Free Audio Recorder Online. Like all the tools you mentioned, it can record the PC audio and mic without any hassle. You may also add it on your next review if you want.
I made it to the end
You, sir, are the real MVP.
Super info, just got the Magix-Music maker on my pc, hopefully it works as spected, wish me luck! 🙂
I’d recommend Studio One 3, 4 or 5 Prime which all are free and fully functioning DAW’s
I started on the S1 3 Prime and had my first mix ready in a matter of hours, and coming from Cubase is was truly a thrill to get into the Studio One logic. So intuitive…
– Thanks very much – I baulked at Garage Band complexity of setup and smell of apples, and was delighted by your nice brief but excellent fly-over CalkWalk.
– I skipped the others because CakeWalk seems abundantly adequate for my needs, certainly starting out.
“Smell of apples” hahah. Yeah, they definitely aren’t for everyone! Have fun with Cakewalk!
I made it to the end too😀
We thank you for your service ❤️
Reaper DAW only $60 for students/non profits iirc. It’s apparently also possible to “game” them and re-register the full-featured trial demo every end-of-trial and just have it for free perpetually, though I paid for it and don’t play that game.
That said, some of Reaper’s built in plugins leave something to be desired. It has no usable virtual instruments. I opt for premium aftermarket solutions for virtual instruments and ‘production’ VSTs.
No, $60 isn’t Free, yet compared to lots of full-fledgers, it’s ONLY $60.
While not free like you mentioned, definitely a solid recommendation! At only $60, it’s a great investment!
Well and I made it to the and too 🙂
👏👏👏
In my efforts to emulate GB, I discovered Acoustica Mixcraft. Ironically, I hadn’t even used GB before trying MC. Once I did I realized I like MC better. It is highly intuitive. No real hunting for essential components. It’s all right there on the GUI. The learning curve is extremely low and they have one of the best help forums, not to mention direct support from the developers. Free to try and very affordable.
Cakewalk is awesome but Mixcraft is better for the beginner. Not only is it user-friendly but it’s FUN!
It’s very underrated.
…
Actually Avid Pro Tools is used by more professionals than anything else. Apple has always exaggerated their products (trust ne, I’ve worked with them enough to know)
I too made it to the end, I tried Traktion’s Waveform and couldn’t get on with it, the same with Cubasis 2
I took advantage of the free 90 trial for Logic and use it with a Mac Mini 2020. It’s fine but I’d like to use something on my PC in my, much warmer at this time of year) Living room, I’m going to try the Ohm Studio.
Thanks for the article.
Joe.
I am a musician (for almost 60 years), audio and video engeneer. I have played with, recorded with and discussed recording equipment and software forever. GB has never come up as “one of the most respected free DAWs out there.” (actually usually it comes up as a joke). If it works for you great but I would not use it. Actually since I use Windows I can not easily any way. I do have an iPad with it and have messed arouynd with it there. OK on an iPad but no great shakes (I do not record on the iPad).
And to be clear you can run GB on Windows but it requires you to run it in a vertual version of the Mac iOS.
You clearly are young and inexperienced with recording equipment. GarageBand is a very powerful daw, and can do way more things than reel to reel, or hard disk recorders. If you think GarageBand is a joke or a toy, what do you think of reel to reel or hard disk recorders? The only thing you can do with them is record and also punch in recording. They have zero other features.
Rick,
What DO you use on the Windows platform? What is relatively inexpensive and intuitive, but is somewhat respected in the Industry?