Garageband vs Logic Pro X is definitely the biggest debate of the current Apple ecosystem. While everyone knows about Garageband since it is the most popular audio recording and editing app for iOS and MAC devices. Logic Pro X has got an overwhelming response from the users because of its updated UI and tools. Both of the tools provide software instruments, audio effects, and recording facilities to the users and if you are confused between the two, then you are not alone. To make things simple, we have reviewed both of these tools in this post so you can select one yourself based on your needs.
Quick Overview of Garageband and Logic Pro X Features
Garageband 2024 Features
- Record and play live instruments.
- A very basic and simple to use layout.
- Different genre-based guitar and piano lessons.
- Comes preloaded on Macs, iPhones, and iPads
- Available for free.
Logic Pro X 2024 Features
- A fully-featured mixing workstation.
- More than 20,000 loops and samples are available.
- 14 types of sound sources for playing MIDI.
- Perfect music suite for advanced users.
- Available for $199.99 with a 90-days free trial.
Logic Pro X 2024 vs Garageband 2024: A Comparison
The Main Interface
The first thing a user would notice is the interface of the app and you will find the interface of both of these apps very similar. Though, there are a couple of more options available in the Logic Pro X than Garageband because it is focused more on advanced users. Since both of these apps are created by Apple itself, they share the same code base. You can always transfer your projects from one app to another without any assistance. Even though Logic Pro X has got more options and settings, its apple counterpart has got a clean and easy-to-use interface that makes it easier to use and even a beginner can start using it without any assistance.
Editing Features
All of the recording and editing features in Garageband are easily visible right on the home window. While in Logic Pro X, you have to enable them from the settings menu. Open the Preferences menu in Logic Pro X and enable the option that says “Show Advanced Tools” This will allow you to go deeper into the music editing world with a whole lot of new advanced editing features. Notable features in Garageband are Flex Time for stretching the recording and another is pitch correcting function that explains itself. In Logic Pro X, you get Track Stacks which you can use to group similar tracks together and Track Alternatives that help you in switching between different edited tracks.
Smart Controls
In both these tools, you get various track mixing options. You can also adjust the note velocity on both applications using the Musical Typing feature. You can also access the mini mixer in both of the applications as it is available right below each track. While Garageband offers simple and easy-to-use options for editing and mixing, Logic Pro X offers MIDI FX, Audio FX, and Gain Reduction options. It is worth mentioning that Logic Pro X’s mixer is a combination of mini and full mixers where you can do panning and volume manipulation easily.
Library Support
When it comes to the library, being a paid software Logic Pro X has definitely more to offer. You can easily add tracks by clicking on the + button in both of the applications. The number of instruments available in Logic Pro X is more as compared to Garageband. The only good thing here about Apple’s software is that you can start using different instruments like pianos, guitars, bass, percussions, and layer pads right after the installation. The sound effects and detailing features Garageband offers being a free software is definitely a good thing for music lovers. If you are into professional music composing and editing, go with Logic Pro X without thinking twice.
MIDI Plug-In & Markers
The arpeggiator MIDI tool allows you to open and use simple to complex music sounds which are really helpful in many situations. Though this feature is available only in Logic Pro X and not in Garageband. This is just a reason why you must spend a couple of hundred dollars on Logic Pro X rather than settling for a free app. Another good thing about Logic Pro X is the markers feature. Both of these applications have this feature but only Logic allows you to navigate and customize your markers with color, name, and key commands for faster access. Both of these tools have a drum kit designer tool that allows you to use hundreds of built-in kit samples or you can create your own too.
Pricing
Garageband is a clear winner when it comes to pricing because this app is free. It comes preloaded on all iPhone, iPad, and Mac OS devices so you can use it anytime you want. On the other hand Logic Pro X costs around $199.99 but it comes with a 90-days free trial which you can opt for before making an actual purchase. While everything in Garageband is free, some libraries and sound instruments require real money, and that costs around $2.99. Even the cost of Logic Pro X won’t feel much to someone who knows what he is getting in return. If price is not a concern for you, then you must go with Logic Pro X, else start your journey with Garageband, and later you can upgrade if you feel so.
Final VerdictÂ
Coming to the conclusion, Logic Pro X is the winner when it comes to features but Garageband is the winner when you consider usability and pricing. If you are looking for a basic music composing and editing tool, then you can go with Garageband, and for professional editing and creation, Logic Pro X is the number 1 choice. You can also download the Logic Remote app to turn your iPad into a controller for virtual sound instruments in Logic Pro X. Garageband has this feature built-in that gives you access to more than 50 musical instruments so you don’t have to rely on third-party apps and tools.
When you download Logic Pro X DAW, you automatically get about 57GB of sample content for free. This isn’t the case with Garageband where you don’t get such free samples, instead you get support for 3rd party plug-ins and a collection of pedal effects. If you are a beginner with no experience in music editing, don’t spend your money and go with Garageband to learn the basics. If you are someone who already has knowledge about music editing, go with Logic Pro X to improve your skills and creativity.
Our Review
Both Garageband and Logic Pro X are powerful audio workstations and making one winner between them is really not possible. On one hand, Logic Pro X provides mind-boggling features for intermediate and advanced users, while keeping the interface simple for beginners. Garageband is made specially for people with no to basic knowledge of music creation and editing. We hope you are able to understand the differences between the two and now you are able to figure out the best audio workstation for your iOS and MAC devices. Still have any questions left for any of these? Don’t forget to contact us for help.
I am team garageband for life, I started my journey with logic but over time i realised I much prefer the asscessibility of GB & it’s free for life. The best thing about buying my computer was getting garageband.