The Best Free DAWs for Beginners in 2024-2025 🎧🎛️
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Getting started in music production without shelling out loads of cash is a dream for many beginners. Finding the best free Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) is the key to unlocking creativity and bringing sounds to life. Below, we’re dropping the top free DAWs for 2024-2025, with pros and cons, how they compare to paid versions, computer compatibility, and links for easy access. By the end, you’ll know exactly which DAW fits your needs.
💥 What Is a DAW and Why You Need One? 🎼
A DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) is software used to create, edit, and produce music on your computer. From laying down drum tracks to mastering your full production, it’s the hub of your musical creativity. Getting the right DAW is like choosing your studio—vibe, workflow, and features matter.
1. Cakewalk by BandLab 🎚️
100% Free | Windows Only
Cakewalk is a professional-grade DAW made available for free after being acquired by BandLab. It offers a complete suite of tools for music production, including multitrack recording, audio editing, MIDI, and VST plugin support. For Windows users, Cakewalk is hands down one of the most powerful free DAWs.
Pros:
• Completely free and packed with pro features
• Supports unlimited tracks
• MIDI and VST compatibility for adding instruments and effects
• High-quality effects and processors
• Regular updates via BandLab
Cons:
• Only available for Windows
• Steep learning curve for beginners
Paid Version Comparison:
While Cakewalk is free, BandLab offers cloud-based collaboration and additional tools through their platform. The paid BandLab services focus more on sharing and collaboration rather than enhancing the DAW.
Download Cakewalk here: https://www.bandlab.com/products/cakewalk
2. Tracktion T7 🎧
100% Free | Windows, Mac, Linux
Tracktion T7 (now replaced by Waveform Free in newer versions) remains a favorite for beginners looking for a no-frills DAW with an easy interface. While it may not have the industry standard shine like some paid DAWs, it’s free forever and offers solid editing capabilities.
Pros:
• Available across all platforms (Windows, Mac, Linux)
• Single-window workflow – no complicated navigation
• Full audio editing, recording, and MIDI functionality
• VST support for plugins
Cons:
• Lacks the polish and advanced features of pro DAWs
• Limited in bundled instruments and effects
• UI may feel outdated to some
Paid Version Comparison:
The paid Waveform Pro adds more sophisticated features like additional instruments, advanced effects, and professional-level mixing tools. If you’re vibing with T7 but need more power, the Pro version might be worth it.
Download Tracktion T7 here: https://www.tracktion.com/products/t7-daw
3. LMMS (Linux MultiMedia Studio) 🎹
100% Free | Windows, Mac, Linux
LMMS is an open-source DAW, perfect for aspiring producers on a budget. Despite being free, LMMS offers a complete music production package that’s geared toward electronic music producers. From beat-making to full-scale production, LMMS gives you the essentials to produce high-quality tracks.
Pros:
• Cross-platform support (Windows, Mac, Linux)
• Lightweight and ideal for low-end computers
• Open-source and customizable
• Good for electronic music, with easy-to-use beat makers and synthesizers
Cons:
• UI looks dated compared to modern DAWs
• Lacks real-time recording of audio
• Limited instrument selection
Paid Version Comparison:
Since LMMS is open-source, it remains 100% free. But if you’re looking for a more polished experience or additional features, paid alternatives like FL Studio might provide what you need.
Download LMMS here: https://lmms.io/
4. Audacity 🎙️
100% Free | Windows, Mac, Linux
Audacity has been around for years, and while it’s primarily known for audio recording and editing, it serves as a basic DAW for creating simple tracks. Audacity’s power lies in its simplicity—easy to pick up for beginners and solid for quick, on-the-go edits. However, it lacks the depth that some other DAWs on this list offer.
Pros:
• Simple and lightweight for beginners
• Cross-platform support (Windows, Mac, Linux)
• Easy to record, cut, and edit audio
• Tons of plugins and effects available
Cons:
• Not designed for multi-track production or MIDI work
• Can’t handle virtual instruments like full DAWs
• UI is basic and lacks advanced features
Paid Version Comparison:
There’s no paid version of Audacity. However, if you're looking for a more comprehensive DAW after getting used to audio editing, you may consider DAWs like Reaper or Pro Tools for more professional workflows.
Download Audacity here: https://www.audacityteam.org/
5. GarageBand 🎤
Free | Mac Only
For Mac users, GarageBand is a staple in beginner DAWs. Apple provides GarageBand free with every Mac, and it’s become the go-to for simple but effective music production. With a clean interface, easy-to-use loops, and robust MIDI support, it’s a great starting point for newcomers to the production game.
Pros:
• Seamless integration with macOS
• Intuitive design, ideal for beginners
• Extensive library of loops and instruments
• Can be upgraded to Logic Pro
Cons:
• Mac only
• Limited features compared to pro DAWs
• Not suitable for high-level production
Paid Version Comparison:
GarageBand can be seen as a lite version of Logic Pro, Apple's professional DAW. Logic Pro is available for a one-time fee of $199.99 and includes a vast array of features, instruments, and plugins.
Learn more about GarageBand here: https://www.apple.com/mac/garageband/
6. Studio One Prime 🔥
Free | Windows, Mac
Studio One Prime by PreSonus is a stripped-down version of Studio One, but it still packs a punch with essential features for beginners. It includes unlimited tracks, an intuitive drag-and-drop interface, and a solid range of built-in effects and instruments. While the Prime version is free, it’s only a taste of what the full Studio One software offers.
Pros:
• Intuitive and clean UI
• Good for beginners and advanced users alike
• Comes with quality stock plugins and instruments
• Unlimited tracks
Cons:
• No third-party plugin support (VST, AU) in the free version
• Advanced features like automation and full mixing tools are locked behind a paywall
Paid Version Comparison:
The paid versions, Studio One Artist and Studio One Professional, unlock additional features like advanced mixing tools, third-party plugin support, and more robust automation controls. Studio One Artist costs $99, while Studio One Professional is $399.
Download Studio One Prime here: https://shop.presonus.com/Studio-One-5-Prime
7. Ohm Studio 🎧
Free | Windows, Mac
Ohm Studio stands out for its real-time collaboration features, allowing multiple users to work on the same project simultaneously. It’s an excellent choice for musicians who want to collaborate remotely or producers who enjoy community input.
Pros:
• Collaborative workflow – work with others in real-time
• Easy-to-learn interface
• Good for both beginner and intermediate users
• Cross-platform support (Windows, Mac)
Cons:
• Limited free version
• Interface feels slightly outdated
• Requires internet connection for collaboration features
Paid Version Comparison:
The paid version of Ohm Studio adds extra effects, additional track options, and more detailed editing capabilities. However, most beginners will find the free version more than enough.
Download Ohm Studio here: https://www.ohmstudio.com/
8. Podium Free 🎛️
Free | Windows Only
For Windows users, Podium Free offers a solid DAW experience with a clean interface and powerful editing tools. While it doesn’t include some of the bells and whistles of pro-level DAWs, Podium Free offers solid features for beginners looking to record and edit audio and MIDI.
Pros:
• Lightweight and optimized for low-end PCs
• MIDI and audio recording support
• Clean interface
Cons:
• Lacks advanced features like plugin delay compensation
• Windows only
• Limited track count
Paid Version Comparison:
The paid version of Podium adds multi-core support, advanced plugin features, and higher-quality audio rendering. If you start with Podium Free and like it, upgrading to the paid version may be a smart move for more power.
Download Podium Free here: https://zynewave.com/podium-free/
🎛️ Final Thoughts: Finding Your DAW for 2024-2025 🖥️
When choosing the best DAW for beginners, it’s all about finding the right fit for your workflow and creative process. Cakewalk and Tracktion T7 are fantastic choices for those looking for robust free tools, while LMMS and GarageBand cater to electronic producers and Mac users, respectively.