Best Music Production Software of 2024 For Crazy Creativity

Music production is a unique field that involves creating, recording, editing, and mixing music like an expert.

You’ll need to get super creative and enhance your technical skills to help your tracks truly shine (and not sound basic).

Plus, be able to manipulate audio tracks, and use virtual instruments and various sound effects flawlessly. 

So, in order to produce music and make it sound professional, you’ll need the absolute best music production software in the game.

And lucky for you, that’s exactly what we’re covering today.

Here’s what you can expect from the top music production software:

• User-friendly interface ✓
• Advanced MIDI capabilities ✓
• Comprehensive audio recording tools ✓
• Extensive library of virtual instruments ✓
• Awesome sound effects ✓
• Integration with third-party plugins ✓
• Powerful automation and modulation ✓
• Flexible workflow options ✓
• Real-time audio processing ✓
• High-quality mastering tools ✓
• Compatibility with various operating systems ✓
• Support for live performance ✓
• Premium & free version options ✓
• Much more ✓

After reading this article, you’ll know everything about the top DAWs/best music production software available right now.

This way, you’ll be creating music that stands out over all the competition and enhancing your workflow like a pro.

Plus, you’ll have the tools needed to experiment with new sounds, refine your tracks, and deliver super clean beats.

So, let’s dive right in…

#1. Ableton Live

Ableton Live is a powerhouse in the world of music production software, especially when it comes to its live performance capabilities.

This famous DAW (digital audio workstation) has revolutionized music production with its intuitive interface and seamless integration of audio and MIDI tracks. 

Ableton Live’s standout feature is its Session View, which allows for non-linear music creation 一 making it perfect for electronic music and live performances. 

With an extensive library of virtual instruments and sound effects, you can create, edit, and arrange music with ease. 

Ableton Live also supports third-party plugins, so you’ll always be able to use your favorite ones.

Another great aspect of Ableton Live is its flexibility, catering to both beginners and professional producers with various editions for any budget like:

• Intro
• Standard
• Suite

You’ll get access to built-in tutorials and extensive online resources, so needless to say it’s also super user-friendly.

If you’re a DJ or live performer, then you’ll absolutely love Ableton’s real-time warping and time-stretching features.

They’ll help you with smooth transitions and on-the-fly adjustments.

Ableton Live also excels in sound design with its powerful stock plugins like Wavetable, Operator, and Simpler (which can help you create unique sounds and textures).

Plus, with its extensive automation and modulation capabilities, you can add dynamic changes and intricate details to your tracks.

For all these reasons and more, Ableton Live is the best music production software for any professional producer or sound engineer aiming for crazy creativity.

#2. Logic Pro

Apple’s Logic Pro is another top contender when it comes to the best music production software, known for its legendary suite of instruments and effects.

Logic Pro is a favorite among Mac users, of course, and offers an easy-to-use interface and powerful editing tools.

With Logic Pro, you’ll get access to an extensive library of virtual instruments (like Alchemy, EXS24, and Sculpture), which are perfect for creating epic complex sounds.

One of Logic Pro’s standout features is its Drummer tool, which provides realistic drum tracks that can be customized to fit your unique music style.

It’s super useful when you want to add professional-quality drum parts without having to program them manually. 

Logic Pro also includes a powerful suite of mastering tools so you can polish your tracks to perfection.

Logic’s Flex Time and Flex Pitch features make it easy to correct timing and pitch issues 一 ensuring your recordings sound flawless every time.

Plus, its integration with other Apple devices is another significant advantage…

You can use Logic Remote on your iPad to control the software remotely, making your workflow even more efficient. 

NOTE: Its compatibility with GarageBand projects also means you can start a project on your iPhone or iPad and finish it in Logic Pro. 

For Mac users looking for a versatile and powerful music production tool, Apple Logic Pro is one of the best music production software options you can find.

#3. FL Studio

FL Studio (aka FruityLoops) is music-making software that has a super dedicated fanbase all over the world.

It’s renowned for its user-friendly interface and powerful sequencing capabilities. 

One of the most loved FL Studio features is the Piano Roll, which allows for precise control over MIDI tracks and the creation of complex melodies and patterns. 

FL Studio users will appreciate the software’s step sequencer, which is perfect for producing beats and electronic music.

This best music production software comes with an extensive library of virtual instruments and sound effects, including: 

• Sytrus
• Harmor
• Edison

These FL Studio tools enable you to create, manipulate, and edit music with ease. 

FL Studio also supports VST (virtual studio technology) plugins, which means you can expand your setup with third-party instruments and effects.

FL Studio’s Lifetime Free Trials/Updates policy ensures that you always have access to the latest features without additional costs. 

This DAW is compatible with both Windows and Mac operating system 一 making it accessible to all users.

FL Studio editions, from Fruity to Producer and Signature Bundle, cater to different needs and budgets so there’s an option for everyone. 

With features like drag-and-drop functionality and an intuitive interface, FL Studio is one of the best music production software options for producing beats like a boss.

#4. Avid Pro Tools

Avid Pro Tools is considered the industry standard/best software for professional music production and engineering.

This digital audio workstation is widely used in famous recording studios and by top sound engineers for its advanced: 

• Studio recording
• Editing features
• Mixing capabilities

Pro Tools excels in handling large sessions with numerous audio tracks 一 making it ideal for complex projects and professional settings. 

Its powerful audio engine ensures high-quality sound and efficient performance, even with demanding tasks that we often deal with.

One of the standout features of Pro Tools is its extensive suite of editing tools, like Elastic Audio, which allows for advanced time-stretching and pitch-shifting.

This makes it easy to correct timing and pitch issues. 

Pro Tools also offers an impressive collection of virtual instruments and sound effects, so you’ll have everything needed to create and polish your music.

Plus, its integration with Avid’s hardware and other professional tools further enhances its capabilities, making it the best music production software for serious music producers.

• Pro Tip

Pro Tools’ cloud collaboration features are another significant advantage, allowing you to work with other producers and sound designers remotely. 

This is undeniably useful in today’s digital age, where remote collaboration is becoming increasingly common (and oftentimes necessary).

With this music-making software, you can easily share sessions, make real-time changes, and communicate with your collaborators for a smoother workflow. 

For music producers looking for the industry standard, Avid Pro Tools is the best music production software around.

#5. Cubase

Cubase, developed by Steinberg, is a versatile digital audio workstation that caters to a wide range of music production needs.

Known for its powerful MIDI capabilities and impressive suite of music production tools, Cubase is one of the best music production software options for all genres/styles.

Its intuitive interface and epic features are perfect for beginners and advanced enough for professionals, so there’s something for everyone.

All the features, like Chord Track (which allows you to experiment with harmonies and chord progressions easily) are super official.

Cubase also includes a variety of virtual instruments and sound effects 一 providing everything you need to create and arrange music from start to finish.

Plus its VariAudio feature offers powerful pitch correction and editing capabilities, so your recordings always sound polished and professional.

Cubase’s integration with Steinberg’s VST technology is another significant advantage, allowing you to expand your setup with third-party plugins and virtual instruments. 

Its advanced automation and modulation capabilities are also on point, so adding any dynamic changes or intricate details to your tracks is super easy.

With its wide feature set and user-friendly interface, Cubase is one of the best music production software options available to help you on your musical journey.

#6. Studio One

PreSonus Studio One is a modern digital audio workstation known for its intuitive workflow and powerful features. 

This music production software offers a drag-and-drop interface, making it easy to create, edit, and arrange music. 

Studio One’s seamless integration of audio and MIDI tracks, along with its extensive library of virtual instruments and sound effects.

This makes it a versatile tool for music producers of all levels, for all tasks.

One of Studio One’s standout features is its Scratch Pads, which allow you to experiment with different arrangements and ideas without affecting your main project. 

Studio One was also crowned the best music production software because of its amazing:

• Mastering tools
• Automation and modulation capabilities
• Advanced features

Studio One’s integration with PreSonus hardware is another significant advantage, and its built-in tutorials (and extensive online resources) are super useful.

So, even if you’re new to producing, you’ll get helpful tips every step of the way.

With its powerful features and intuitive interface, Studio One is one of the best music production software options for creative and innovative music producers.

#7. Reason Studios

Reason is a unique digital audio workstation known for its rack-based interface and extensive library of virtual instruments. 

This music production software offers a creative and flexible environment for sound design and music production. 

Reason’s modular approach let you build custom racks of virtual instruments and effects, providing endless possibilities for creating unique sounds and textures.

One of Reason’s standout features is its library of sound packs, which includes a wide variety of: 

• Instruments
• Loops
• Samples

So, if you’re looking to expand your sonic palette and mess around with some new sounds, it’s the best music production software for you.

Reason’s intuitive interface and drag-and-drop functionality are also beneficial.

My favorite feature, however, is its advanced modulation and routing capabilities that allow for intricate sound design and complex arrangements.

Reason’s integration with other digital audio workstations is another significant advantage (meaning, you can use it as a plugin within your existing setup).

This feature provides added flexibility and expands your creative possibilities. 

With its unique interface and powerful features, Reason Studios is one of the best music production software options for creative and experimental music producers.

Side note, the newest version (13) is being released on June 8th, 2024.

#8. Bitwig Studio

Bitwig Studio is a modern and innovative digital audio workstation known for its powerful modulation capabilities and flexible workflow. 

This music production software offers a unique method to music creation, allowing you to create complex and dynamic arrangements with ease. 

Bitwig Studio’s modular environment lets you experiment with different configurations, so you’ll have complete control over your creative flow.

Its extensive modulation system allows you to modulate absolutely any parameter with any modulator that you’d like (which is awesome).

This feature is very useful for electronic music producers looking to add movement and variation to their tracks. 

Bitwig’s Grid, a fully modular sound design environment as we talked about, offers endless possibilities for creating custom instruments and effects. 

You can build intricate patches and explore new sonic territories all day with its built-in modules, so don’t be afraid to get creative and expand your skills.

• Pro Tip

Its intuitive interface and real-time control features make it an amazing option for music producers who perform live music. 

Its clip-based workflow (similar to Ableton Live) allows for endless improvisation, tweaking, and arrangement in live performance settings.

Bitwig Studio supports VST plugins 一 enhancing its functionality and allowing for a highly customizable setup when you’re making music. 

For music producers seeking innovative and great music production software, Bitwig Studio is an excellent choice.

#9. Reaper

Reaper, developed by Cockos, is a highly customizable and efficient digital audio workstation known for its flexibility and affordability. 

It’s been called the best software by some of the world’s top producers.

Unlike many other digital audio workstations, Reaper is lightweight and can be installed on nearly any computer.

This makes it an accessible option for both professional studios and home studios. 

It offers a unique combination of power and versatility, and one of Reaper’s many features that stand out is its extensive customization options. 

You can modify the interface so it matches your unique workflow, with: 

• Custom themes
• Layouts
• Personalized keyboard shortcuts

Reaper also supports scripting and macros, enabling you to automate repetitive tasks and create custom tools, which can significantly speed up your production process.

Reaper is also the best music production software because it excels in audio recording and editing. 

It supports a virtually unlimited number of tracks and effects, and its non-destructive editing means you can make changes without permanently altering your original recordings. 

Which, in my opinion, is super useful, especially if you’re first starting out.

• Pro Tip

Its Take system allows for seamless comping of multiple takes, so it’s super easy to throw together the perfect performance from several different recordings. 

Reaper’s ReaPlugs suite, which includes tools like: 

• ReaEQ
• ReaComp
• ReaTune

So, you’ll get high-quality processing straight out the gate, as well as extensive routing capabilities/abilities.

You can route audio and MIDI in almost any way imaginable 一 allowing for complex setups when you’re making (like high-end studios).

For those of you looking for a powerful, flexible, and cost-effective DAW, Reaper is the best music production software for you.

#10. GarageBand

GarageBand is Apple’s free music production software that offers a simplified yet powerful DAW experience, especially for Mac users. 

This best music software is a great starting point for beginners due to its easy-to-use interface and essential music production tools. 

One of its most celebrated features is the Drummer tool, which provides realistic drum tracks that can be customized to fit various styles and genres (hip-hop, trap, EDM, etc.).

GarageBand includes a wide range of virtual instruments such as: 

• Keyboards
• Synths
• Guitars

As well as a vast library of music loops and samples that are pretty impressive.

Its Smart Controls and Touch Instruments on iOS devices make music creation even more intuitive.

GarageBand also allows you to record up to 255 audio and MIDI tracks 一 providing plenty of space for complex arrangements when you’re making music.

Another significant advantage is, of course, GarageBand’s integration with other Apple devices and software, and its block-based arrange screen. 

It’s actually one of the most downloaded music mobile apps out there.

You can start a project on your iPhone or iPad and continue working on it on your Mac operating system (thanks to iCloud synchronization), so how could it not be called the best music production software?

You could be in your bedroom or in the recording studio and you’ll be able to get your ideas layed down before you lose inspiration or run into beat-block.

The Flex Time feature allows you to correct timing issues, while Flex Pitch helps you fix pitch problems in your recordings. 

For Mac users looking for free music production software that is user-friendly yet powerful, GarageBand is an excellent choice.

Side note, if you’d like to learn all about the best music production apps or other completely free music software options, we’ve got you covered.

#11. Digital Performer

Digital Performer by MOTU is a versatile digital audio workstation known for its insane scoring and film scoring capabilities. 

This best music production software offers an impressive suite of tools for: 

• Audio recording
• MIDI editing
• General music production
• Sound design
• Composition

Its intuitive interface and powerful features are matched with its standout scoring capabilities, which even include advanced notation functions.

This makes it super easy to create and edit musical scores. 

Digital Performer was also crowned one of the best music production software options because of its virtual instruments and effects 一 providing everything you need to create and polish your music.

Digital Performer’s flexible workflow and transformative editing tools allow for precise control over audio and MIDI tracks. 

Its advanced automation and modulation capabilities will also help you add dynamic changes and intricate details to your tracks (which is always beneficial).

With its feature set and intuitive interface, Digital Performer is one of the best music production software options for composers and professional producers.

#12. Tracktion Waveform Free

Tracktion Waveform Free is a cutting-edge free digital audio workstation that offers a full-featured DAW experience without the price tag. 

This best music production software is known for its drag-and-drop functionality, which simplifies the process of arranging and editing music.

Waveform Free version also includes a wide range of virtual instruments and effects, such as the BioTek and Collective synths. 

Its advanced automation and modulation capabilities are certainly on point as well.

Waveform Free’s MIDI pattern generator, which I think is pretty cool, is the perfect way to create complex sequences and melodies that people will instantly be drawn to.

The DAW also supports VST plugins, and its clip-based workflow is ideal for both linear and non-linear music creation, making it versatile for various production styles. 

Time-stretching, pitch-shifting, and real-time effects processing is also available, which just adds to its appeal, and is pretty impressive for a free DAW.

For music producers looking for a powerful and free DAW, Tracktion Waveform Free is an excellent option that doesn’t compromise on features or capabilities.

It’s quickly becoming the best music production software of the free options.

#13. Audacity

Audacity is open-source audio editing software that is widely used for simple recording and editing tasks. 

While it may not offer the advanced features of other digital audio workstations, Audacity is a valuable tool for quick edits and basic audio production. 

Its user-friendly interface and straightforward workflow make it accessible.

One of Audacity’s standout features is its extensive range of audio editing tools 一 helping you easily cut, copy, paste, and delete audio tracks.

As well as apply various effects and filters.

Audacity’s real-time preview feature allows you to hear changes as you make them,  ensuring your edits are precise and accurate every single time.

Its support for various audio formats and compatibility with VST plugins further enhances its capabilities, but it’s particularly useful for tasks like: 

• Podcast editing
• Voiceovers
• Simple music production

Its lightweight design ensures fast performance, even on less powerful systems. 

For music producers looking for a free and reliable audio editing tool, Audacity is an excellent choice.

• Keep In Mind

When it comes to Audacity, you’re not getting all the bells and whistles.

So, don’t go in expecting to tweak every little thing or create an entire beat from start to finish, but for simpler tasks and audio manipulation, it’s a solid free version option.

#14. Mixcraft by Acoustica

Mixcraft by Acoustica is an excellent digital audio workstation known for its user-friendly audio interface and powerful features. 

This best music production software offers the perfect tools for audio recording, MIDI editing, and music production.

And yes, it’s perfect for both beginners and experienced producers alike.

One of Mixcraft’s standout features is its intuitive interface and drag-and-drop functionality makes it easy to arrange and edit music.

Regardless if you’re working with audio tracks or MIDI, it can get the job done.

Mixcraft also includes a wide range of virtual instruments and effects, and its library of music loops and samples is on point.

Mixcraft supports VST plugins, has advanced automation and modulation capabilities, so you can add dynamic changes and intricate details to your tracks and audio files.

This alone makes it one of the best music production software options in the game.

Pro Tip

Mixcraft’s video editing capabilities make it a versatile tool for producers who also need to create music videos. 

So, for music producers looking for a powerful and user-friendly DAW, Mixcraft by Acoustica is an excellent choice.

The Best Music Production Software: Final Thoughts

The best music production software can completely transform your creative process and elevate your tracks to new heights. 

Plus, it can help you mix, master, and produce like a true professional. 

The DAWs we broke down today all provide you with powerful tools and unique features that cater to various styles and genres.

So, it all comes down to which one matches best with your unique style and workflow preferences.

To really enhance your tracks and take your production skills to the next level, you’ve got to check out these legendary Free Project Files. 

These three invaluable project files show you exactly how to create professional beats from start to finish. 

Each one is available in Ableton, FL Studio, and Logic Pro, which are three of the best music production software options we talked about today.

Imagine how much you can learn from seeing each and every tweak and effect.

And yes, they’re all 100% royalty- and copyright-free, so you can use them however you’d like; just drag & drop them in and go to town.

So, make sure to explore all the options, experiment with the features, and pick the best music production software that fits your needs.

This way, you can create beats that will blow the competition out of the water.

Until next time…