If you're just starting out making your own music, here's the best free music production software for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Whether you're just starting to make music as a hobby or planning to become the next world-famous producer, it's best to begin with free music production software. If it goes well, you can always switch to a premium option that gives you more freedom and a greater variety of tools later on.
In this article, we've picked out the best free music-making software for beginners. We've included apps for Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems, so there's something here for everyone.
1. GarageBand
When it comes to beginner-friendly music-making software on a Mac, GarageBand is the number one free option. It's easy enough to download from the App Store, and it teaches beginner musicians how to do some powerful things, like making beats with loops.
GarageBand also happens to be one of the easiest platforms to use for making great music. It allows you to create a song with up to 255 tracks and even offers a virtual session drummer.
To speed up the learning process, we recommend installing it on all of your Apple devices: Mac, iPhone, and iPad. iCloud gives you the flexibility to work on your music no matter where you are or which device you're using.
If, at some point, you feel that you've outgrown this free app, you can transfer all of your GarageBand files to Apple's premium music production offering: Logic Pro.
Download: GarageBand for macOS (Free)
2. DarkWave Studio
This free music-creation software comes with a few cool features:
- Virtual Studio
- Pattern Editor
- Sequence Editor
- Multitrack Hard Disk Recorder
You can select and edit digital music patterns using the Pattern Editor. The Sequence Editor allows you to line up patterns to play in any arrangement and to mix the tracks together. The Hard Disk Recorder includes recording options for live audio. DarkWave Studio also includes 19 different plugins, which you can use to add virtual effects to your tracks.
With so many options and settings, DarkWave Studio may feel a little difficult to use at first. The good news is that you can find plenty of tutorials and support online, making this one of the best pieces of free music-making software for beginners.
Download: DarkWave Studio for Windows (Free)
3. Audacity
Unlike the free music software that we've already covered, Audacity is a digital audio editor, not a digital audio workstation. There are many creative uses for Audacity, though its main purpose is manipulating audio data. But if you're looking for a combination between free music production and editing software, Audacity is the way to go.
Audacity lets you edit samples, process audio files, and export music in a range of formats, including MP3, WAV, or AIFF. It's great if you're looking for free music-making software to put together beats and samples for songs.
The interface is simple to use, but the variety of effects and settings can be tough to wrap your head around. It might take you a few days to get comfortable with everything.
Audacity is available for download on Windows, macOS, and Linux. Audacity is a great way to start making music for free, making it one of the most popular music production software options.
Download: Audacity for Windows | macOS | Linux
4. LMMS
LMMS (which used to stand for Linux MultiMedia Studio) is a cross-platform music production app, now available on macOS, Windows, and Linux. It's suitable for all kinds of music production and is a great free software option for beginners.
LMMS uses multiple windows to help you create music. You can edit melodies in the Piano Roll and create a rhythm section with the Beat+Bassline Editor. Get an overview of your song's structure in the Song Editor, and then mix everything together with the FX Mixer. You can even automate effects and volume using the Automation Editor. LMMS also offers a wide variety of instrument synthesizers, so it's a great piece of software to make music for free using MIDI controllers.
Most free music production apps are usually limited in their ability to integrate with other music-making software. LMMS shines in its compatibility with third-party apps, and the free music-making software that you already use will likely be included. The program supports VST and LADSPA plugins, giving you a myriad of effect options to apply to your music.
When your project is ready, you can export it as MP3, AIFF, or WAV, or transfer your media files to a different app.
Download: LMMS for Windows | macOS | Linux
5. Waveform
Tracktion T7 was once a premium music production app. Rather than drop T7 when the next version came out, Tracktion decided to give it away under a different name, Waveform, making this free music program one of the most feature-packed options on this list. Unfortunately, it can be a little buggy.
There are no track limits, plug-in limitations, or 30-day trials with Waveform. The clean, single-window interface is easy to get used to and there is so much to explore. You can use Waveform to edit audio, compose with a MIDI controller, add effects, and automate different instrument parameters.
Waveform works on Windows, macOS, and Linux. If you get along well with the free version, you can always upgrade to the Pro version. This version offers even more features, including Groove Doctor, Subtractive Synthesizer, and Celemony Melodyne Essential.
Download: Waveform Free for Windows | macOS | Linux
6. Cakewalk by BandLab
Just like Waveform, Cakewalk SONAR used to be premium music production software that you can now get for free thanks to BandLab buying Cakewalk in 2018.
Rebranded as Cakewalk by BandLab, this free music-making software for Windows is backed by over 30 years of development. It's another powerful option that you can use to compose, record, edit, mix, master, and share your music.
You can add an unlimited number of audio or MIDI tracks using its award-winning user interface. Then take advantage of Cakewalk's VST3 software instruments and studio-quality effects, like convolution reverb and dynamic compression.
Cakewalk by BandLab is only available to Windows users, but it's one of the best free music-making apps for PCs. BandLab recommends you use a computer with a multi-core Intel processor and at least 4GB of RAM.
To get it, you first need to sign up for and install BandLab. You can choose which instrument and effects packs to download with Cakewalk SONAR using the BandLab app.
Download: Cakewalk by BandLab for Windows
Find the Free Music Production Software for You
This list of free music-making software is only the tip of the iceberg. If you're serious about learning how to make digital music for free, there are so many other music production apps still out there to explore.
Researching and reading about other people's experiences with each option can help, but the best way to find your favorite is by trying some of them out. So many of the options on this list offer everything that you need. Who knows? With any of these choices on your side, you may never have to trade in your free music-making software for a paid alternative.
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