All of you are aware of GarageBand which is a great and very popular audio production software that is available for iOS and macOS devices. But, it isn’t very effective for professional use and is great for portable DAW to learn, play, and record. There are many professionals out there who are looking forward to using GarageBand for PC but as we know only Apple users can use it. There are best GarageBand alternatives for those who will find something that suits your requirements.
So without further delay, let’s check out the amazing GarageBand alternatives for Windows PCs.
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BEST GARAGEBAND ALTERNATIVES FOR WINDOWS PC
#1. LMMS – Best Open-Source
One of the best free, as well as open-source cross-platform digital audio workstations, is the LMMS. It is one of the most amazing GarageBand alternatives. This comes with an easy-to-use as well as a modern interface and you can create music freely.
Moreover, with this program, you will get sample loops, effects, instrument plugins, present, and VST. LMMS will do the work for you nicely if you want to do music production for background score, basic covers, instrumentals, etc.
Visit Site: https://lmms.io/
Price: Free
PROS
- It is an open-source program.
- This has an easy-to-use UI.
- It is free to use.
- This has SoundFont support.
CONS
- It comes with limited plug-in compatibility.
- Not for a big pool of instruments to bake in.
#2. Studio One
If you are looking for another great alternative to GarageBand for Windows, then you must look out for Studio One. In case, you want something limited yet want good VSTs, then you can check out the artist version. And you can obviously go for the pro version if you want the 3rd part VSTs.
It is more flexible and will be convenient for you to work with. It supports remote software for Android, iPad, or Windows that will allow you to control the audio workstation using your mobile phone.
Visit Site: https://shop.presonus.com/Studio-One
Price: Free (Prime), $99.95 (Artist), $399.95 (Pro)
PROS
- The free Prime version is available for newbies.
- It comes with a modern UI.
- This has an advanced sampler.
- It comes with harmonic editing.
CONS
- Virtual instruments and built-in effects aren’t very impressive.
#3. Cubase Elements 10.5 – Best Professional Music Software
Cubase Elements is a fantastic GarageBand for PC alternative. This comes with several advanced tools and an easy-to-use interface that allows you to create beautiful music. And if you simply want to create music, then the Cubase Elements edition is great.
If you want to record even vocals with effects, give more VST support, and all other professional features, then Cubase Pro is perfect. It isn’t free like LMMS but it is worth trying.
Visit Site: https://new.steinberg.net/cubase/
Price: Free(Trail), $552(Pro)
PROS
- This comes with 24 physical I/O.
- It is easy to use and comes with advanced options.
- This has a virtual instrument such as the HALion Sonic SE workstation included.
CONS
- This has 16 VST slots and you won’t be able to extend it.
- It comes with only basic score editing features for music composition and notation.
#4. FL Studio – Best for Creating Your Own Tracks
The FL Studio is a great software and a beast that creates lovely music. With this, you will get plugins, a huge library of loops, and instruments as well. However, everything depends on what edition you will purchase. It means what samples, loop content, plugins, and instruments you are going to get. If you really want to go for a GarageBand alternative, then FL Studio producer edition is a recommendation
Visit Site: https://www.image-line.com/flstudio/
Price:
- Free(Limited Trial)
- $99(Basic Fruity Edition)
- $199(Producer Edition)
- $299(Signature Bundle Offering Extra Plugins)
- $899(Full Package and all Available Plug-ins)
PROS
- It comes with a mobile version.
- This has great automation control.
- It comes with a large pool of inbuilt plugins.
- This has advanced beat-making.
CONS
- This has 3rd party VST integrations which aren’t great.
- The MIDI controller support is not impressive.
- Quite expensive.
#5. Ableton Live – Best for Live Music
Ableton Live is yet again a great alternative for GarageBand and quite popular among professionals as well. In fact, if you have a MIDI controller, then it is a must-have recommendation. Almost all the DAWs mentioned here come with the MIDI controller integration feature. And this seems to be a very popular choice. Moreover, if you have the Ableton Push device, then it is actually a bonus point, and you won’t feel the requirement for GarageBand.
Visit Site: https://www.ableton.com/en/
Price: Free( 30-Day Trail), Intro, Standard, and Suite packages Available
PROS
- This has a good loop library.
- It comes with an easy-to-use interface.
- This has good 3rd party plugin integration support.
CONS
- It is a bit on the expensive side.
#6. Pro Tools
If you are looking for GarageBand alternatives for Windows PCs, then Pro Tools can be a good option. In fact, this is one of the best digital music workplaces that are presently available for professionals. Are you new to this music and audio creation scene? If yes, then you must look forward to the Pro Tools First version which is available for free.
There you will get all the basic tools that are required to create good audio. However, the LOP library will be smaller than the paid one but it is actually doable.
Visit Site: https://www.avid.com/pro-tools
Price: Free(Trail), Intro, Essential($29.99), Ultimate($79.99)
#7. Mixcraft Home – Best For Mixing
If you are looking for a great tool t create music at different levels, then the Mixcraft is a perfect choice. This is a great tool for beginners and it is a good alternative for GarageBand for Windows. The best part about this tool is that it is not at all heavy on the system resources and thus, you can totally use it in your old laptop just for the experiment.
This is a lot cheaper when compared to the other alternative that comes with all such amazing advanced tools. Yes! It comes with everything you need from music production software.
Visit Site: https://acoustica.com/mixcraft/download
Price: Free(2 Weeks Free Trail), Pro Studio($149)
PROS
- This is available at a low price.
- It has an easy-to-use interface.
- It is best for beginners.
- This is loaded with so many inbuilt loops and plugins.
CONS
- It lacks the integration of 3rd party plugins.
#8. Tracktion T6 DAW
If you are looking for an alternative for GarageBand PC that is free, then the T6 DAW by Tracktion. It is entirely free and comes with no in-app purchases. This will perform all the basic and standard production things that you like to have in your audio tools.
The tool comes with a rich plugin collection, amazing virtual instruments, and all such advanced features.
Visit Site: https://www.tracktion.com/products/t6-daw
Price: Free
PROS
- It is free to use.
- This has an easy-to-use interface.
- It supports the Linux platform.
CONS
- It has no 3rd party plugin integration.
#9. Cakewalk Sonar
Yet another great alternative for GarageBand is the SONAR by Cakewalk. It is in fact, quite popular and similar to digital music workstations like GarageBand. However, it offers amazing features at a cheaper price point. So you can easily create a good piece of music without spending a fortune.
The best part about this is that you can have a 30-day trial period and you don’t need to put your credit card details as well. So, it is a great deal.
Visit Site: https://www.cakewalk.com/Products/SONAR/Try-SONAR
Price:
- Free( 30-Days Trail)
- Artist($99.0)
- Professional($199)
- Platinum($499)
PROS
- It has a wide range of 3rd party integration support.
- This has scripting opting.
- Automation is available.
CONS
- There aren’t so many inbuilt effects and plugins.
#10. Reaper – Best for Customization
If you want a budget alternative for GarageBand, then the Reaper is the perfect choice to go for. This comes with some amazing features that are great to have in an audio production tool. Using this will make you feel no less than a professional.
Visit Site: https://www.reaper.fm/download.php
Price: Free (60-day full Trail), Discounted License($60), Commercial License($225)
PROS
- It supports VST3.
- This is very much affordable.
- It is suitable for beginners.
CONS
- This comes with less inbuilt plugins and effects.
Frequently Asked Questions on GarageBand
Q1. Do any professionals use GarageBand?
Well! GarageBand is used by several professionals such as singers and music producers. In fact, T-Pain, Oasis, Rihanna, etc; use this tool. You can easily install it on your Apple devices and thus, offers versatility.
Q2. Which is the best alternative for Garageband?
All the above mentioned are some great alternatives for GarageBand that you can surely try out. The list has the best possible alternatives for GarageBand PC. LMMS is a great choice as it is available for free of cost and has all the advanced features.
Q3. Is there a Windows version of GarageBand?
No! There isn’t any official Windows version of GarageBand available currently. But if you still want to use GarageBand for PC, there are certain amazing alternatives listed above. You can definitely check them out. They are easy to download and install and once done, you can create nice tunes and music of your own.
Q4. Is GarageBand only for Apple?
Yes! GarageBand is actually a digital audio workstation for iPad OS, macOS, and iOS devices. It allows you to create amazing music or podcasts. This tool is developed by Apple for macOS.
Q5. Are the alternatives safe to use?
Obviously, all the alternatives for GarageBand are safe to use. The list has all the legal and highly popular tools that are similar to GarageBand. So, you can surely check any of your choices and you won’t regret it.
Conclusion:
GarageBand is a great tool for creating lovely music and podcasts. However, it is only available for Apple users. So, here we have mentioned all the GarageBand alternatives for Windows PC that are great to use and are a perfect alternative for GarageBand. You can surely check out the above-mentioned alternatives. All have advanced features and great things that will do amazing for your work.