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 available 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’s GarageBand:
- Audiotool: 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 available a click away. Audiotool’s 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.
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 others
Cons
- 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
- 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 available
Cons
- Relatively basic feature set compared to full DAWs
- Audio editing capabilities are limited
- Maximum eight tracks in the free version
- No VST/AU plugin support
- Stagelight: Similar to the Music Maker Jam, Stagelight is also an Android-based app for music creation 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 available 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
- Built-in library of sounds organized by genre
- Ability to record vocals/audio
- Export songs to WAV, MP3, etc.
Cons
- 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’s well-known feature of having a diverse loop library, Mixcraft 8 Home offers a broad set of different loops. This feature process beneficial in speeding up the process. What’s more, its live recording feature makes it a real competitor to Apple’s 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 counts
Cons
- Interface can seem outdated and cluttered
- No notation editing capabilities
- 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
- Powerful, professional-grade DAW
- Highly customizable workspace and tools
- Superior MIDI editing capabilities
- Large library of instruments, effects, and loops
- Advanced automation, scoring, and post-production tools
Cons
- 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
- 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 save, 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
- Clean, modern interface
- Unlimited audio/MIDI tracks
- Supports VST plugins
- Built-in synthesizers and samplers
Cons
- No video playback capabilities
- Limited stock plugin/instrument selection
- Lacks some advanced editing functions
- No mobile version is available
- 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’s amazing library of VST effects is a fabulous work of art.
Pros
- Affordable, lightweight, but powerful DAW
- Highly customizable, flexible workflow
- Supports unlimited tracks/plugins
- Solid audio/MIDI editing abilities
- Good for many tasks – music, podcasts, etc.
Cons
- Interface looks dated and not very intuitive
- 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’s 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
- Supports VST effects/instrument plugins
- Built-in synthesizers, samples, and drum kits
- Good for making beats and electronic music
Cons
- Lack of professional features like score editing
- Audio editing tools are quite basic
- No video playback capabilities
- Interface looks dated compared to modern DAWs
With 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.