Free Music Production and Recording Software - Best Free DAWs (2021)

In this video, I show you the best free DAWs in 2021. Free audio editing software allow you to record, edit and mix music at no cost. Whether you are looking for a free beatmaking app, a way to record a microphone in high quality or simply want to try a new free music production software, these might be a great fit for you.

0:00 - Introduction
0:35 - Audacity
1:00 - Studio One Prime (no longer available)
1:57 - Waveform 11 Free
4:05 - Cakewalk by BandLab
4:28 - GarageBand
5:10 - BandLab
5:55 - SoundBridge
7:07 - Ohm Studio
7:37 - LMMS
8:24 - FL Studio 20 Trial
9:10 - Final Thoughts

Other daws I tested but did not include:

Reaper: Brilliant functionality but it is not free. It is a trial. It costs $225 for a commercial license if you want to make an income from your music or $60 for a regular license.

Why was FL trial on the list? Because thousands of people asked me to talk about it.

Ableton Live Lite - Not free

Pro Tools first - Highly limited tracks and saves

MPC Beats - Limited track count

[uhhkonichiwa...]

I love the fact that you're teaching so many important stuff, giving so many knowledge for free without being scared that the upcoming musicians are going to super talented and powerful (you've helped them a lot) who can outperform majority of the big names in the industry

[EdibleRockingChair]

You went straight to the point and divided up the video, you absolute legend

[inthemix]

Reaper is not a free DAW. It has brilliant functionality but it is not free. It is a trial. It’s a brilliant software but not on the list due to this.

I included the FL studio trial at the very end because thousands of people have asked me to talk about it.

0:00​ - Introduction
0:35​ - Audacity
1:00​ - Studio One Prime
1:57​ - Waveform 11 Free
4:05​ - Cakewalk by BandLab
4:28​ - GarageBand
5:10​ - BandLab
5:55​ - SoundBridge
7:07​ - Ohm Studio
7:37​ - LMMS
8:24​ - FL Studio 20 Trial
9:10​ - Final Thoughts

Other daws I tested but did not include:
Ableton Live Lite - Not free
Pro Tools first - Highly limited tracks and saves
MPC Beats - Limited track count
Reaper - Not free

[madeyes]

I actually started on LMMS, I really liked it at the time. its what got me into making EDM. Once i had enough money i bought FL Studio, which to me was the closest paid DAW to LMMS layout-wise which made the transition easier for me. Great video as always.

[CyberEditing]

Armin Van Buuren interviewed Giuseppe Ottaviani at a live performance back in couldn't believe that Giuseppe was using FL Studio to produce his live masterpieces. That sold me on FL Studio.

[RafVorsselmans]

I fell in love with Reaper. There are no limits to this great piece of software. Unlimited trial period . You decide when you pay for a license. And there is a real vivid community. Awesome!

[cosmosraven]

Began with Cakewalk when it was a DOS application. Stayed faithful to it through the Sonar years. Now, incredibly, it's totally free. But, FL Studio just beats it hands down. I bought it last year and haven't looked back since. Of course, In The Mix has a huge part to play in this. Thank you Michael.

[austineaves]

I've been watching your videos for a few months now, and I have just recently bought FL studio and I love it. But i'd like to take the time to thank you for all your hard work. You make the complicated simplistic, and the impossible attainable. Your knowledge for music is not only highly impressive but also very inspiring.
You know 2020/2021 has been confusing as hell, we're probably all going to die, - but at least I can enjoy 20 god damn minutes of clarity when watching your videos.

Sincerely, an Australian

[guillaumeboyer]

Almost anytime i have a specific question on music production i google i find a great video on your channel addressing the subject. Great content !

[tonysansom]

I originally had a go at electronic music in the early 90s with an Amiga 500. Thought I'd give it another try a couple of years ago and settled for Tracktion's T7. The advancement in DAW capability was mindblowing and even now, as a hobbyist music maker, I can't see a reason to change it.

[HP-hurw]

My very first Daw was LMMS, learned the music production basics, learned sounds and moved to FL, Ableton, Studio one

[allanels]

I really like the way he explains everything about daws

[ProgDrummer]

Cakewalk is amazing. I moved to it after starting with FL studios and then studio one. I would gladly pay for Cakewalk!

[debdootmanna]

If I give my opinion: My first DAW was Tracktion Waveform 11. It's a great software and I definitely recommend it to beginners. Now after 1 year I've switched to FL Studio 20 and Ableton Live 11 as my main DAWs (yeah I use both and both of them are great 😅)

[SoulGnosis]

Hey Michael
Thanks for the upload
Brilliant as usual. 👍

[manasiangal]

Your tutorials and vidoes are music to my ears!

[maxgames_nl]

First vid I ever watched from you. Instantly subbed. You explain everything good, at the right speed and just clear overall

[prayzexcvii]

In the mix never ceases to amaze me, I'm learning a lot from this channel and can't appreciate it enough

[ntrh]

Cheers mate, rly good vid, well explained, thought through well and great softwares I've started to use thanks to you, cheers again

[iNeedaBreakFromTheMainstream]

Great video as always 👍🏽☝🏽💯very informative