13 Best FREE DAW Software for Windows (2025)

best daw software for windows

DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) is an application or electronic device used for recording, editing, and producing audio. These tools provide real time preview with different sound effects. Free music making software allows working with MIDI files with a wide range of music effects and high-resolution themes.

After spending over 80 hours researching, I have reviewed 30+ of the best free and paid DAW software options for Windows. This comprehensive guide includes insights on key features, pros and cons. Whether you’re looking for a free or paid solution, my well-researched analysis will help you choose the best fit for your needs. Be sure to read the full article for the ultimate and trusted recommendations.
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Editor's Choice
Adobe Audition

Adobe Audition is one of the best DAW software that includes waveform and multi-track display to create, mix, edit, and restore audio content. This workstation is designed to accelerate video production workflows and audio.

Visit Adobe Audition

Best Free Daw Software: Download for Windows & Mac

Name Tracks Record Tracks Playback Supported Platforms Free Trial Link
Adobe Audition
👍 Adobe Audition
One or more tracks for recording. Unlimited Windows and Mac. 7-Days Free Trial Learn More
FL Studio
FL Studio
Unlimited Unlimited mac and Windows Download for Free Learn More
Pro Tools Intro
Pro Tools Intro
Unlimited Unlimited macOS, Windows, Android, and iOS 30-Days Free Trial Learn More
Soundtrap
Soundtrap
Unlimited Unlimited macOS, Windows, Android 30-Days Free Trial Learn More
Audacity
Audacity
Unlimited Unlimited Windows, Android, macOS Download for Free Learn More

1) Adobe Audition

Adobe Audition is one of the best DAW software that I reviewed with waveform and multi-track display to create, mix, edit, and restore audio content. This workstation is designed to speed up video production and audio workflows. Supported platforms are Windows and Mac.

#1 Top Pick
Adobe Audition
5.0

Tracks Record: One or more tracks for recording.

Tracks Playback: Unlimited

Audio Cleanup: Yes

Free Trial: 7-Days Free Trial

Visit Adobe Audition

Features:

  • Audio Repair: The audio break can be repaired precisely, creating smooth transitions and better listening experiences.
  • Music Editing: I find it helpful to record, edit, and integrate music clips for an efficient production process.
  • Podcast Mixing: This platform is great for mixing podcast audio, offering everything needed to create content easily.
  • Sound Panel: The integrated sound panel offers essential features to add depth and oomph to your audio.
  • Professional Sound: The integration of music clips makes your audio recordings sound much more polished and professional.
  • Multiple Formats: This software is compatible with multiple audio formats, making it versatile for various projects.

Pros

  • I have found the editing tools to be incredibly efficient for audio processing, saving me time and effort.
  • The smooth integration with Adobe Creative Cloud made my production process flow seamlessly.
  • The multitrack editing is both intuitive and adaptable, which works perfectly for more intricate tasks.
  • The library of sound effects is top-notch and adds considerable depth to projects.

Cons

  • I was disappointed that it lacks several key music production features found in specialized digital audio workstations.

👉 How to Get Adobe Audition for Free?

  • Go to Adobe Audition
  • Click on “Free Trial” to start your 7-day free trial.

Visit Adobe Audition

7-Days Free Trial


2) FL Studio

FL Studio is a music production environment that helps you compose and edit music. It also allows you to arrange, record, and mix music. It enables you to quickly create sound patterns and sequencing, which I particularly appreciate. You can use this application to add harmonies and melodies to your production.

FL Studio

Features:

  • Plugin Variety: With over 80 plugins included, FL Studio provides all you need to create professional music tracks.
  • UI Customization: You can resize the interface to suit your needs, enhancing the overall user experience and workflow.
  • MIDI Support: MIDI support allows me to easily control external instruments, making my productions more dynamic.
  • Live Recording: Record live moments and make real-time edits, giving you full control over your creative process.
  • 4K Rendering: This is one of the best free DAWs for Windows, enabling you to easily render high-quality 4K videos.

Pros

  • User-friendly interface, making it ideal for beginners who want to get started with music production.
  • Very affordable for the professional-grade tools it provides, making high-quality production accessible to independent artists.
  • I love the mixer feature; it offers detailed control over mixing and mastering my beats.

Cons

  • FL Studio consumes a lot of CPU and memory, which may affect performance on less powerful computers.
  • Sometimes, it crashes with too many plugins on my setup, which can be frustrating during large projects.

👉 How to Get FL Studio for Free?

  • Go to FL Studio
  • Hit the “Start Free Trial” button to download the software at no cost.

Visit FL Studio >>

Download for Free


3) Pro Tools Intro

Avid Pro Tools Intro is DAW software that offers a wide variety of sound editing toolset. It enables you to edit audio and MIDI tracks. This free DAW app supports drag and drop features, which helped me streamline my projects.

Pro Tools Intro

Features:

  • Plugin Variety: The program comes with over 23 plugins, giving me the tools I need for diverse music creation.
  • Beginner-Friendly: It’s one of the best free DAWs for beginners, featuring simple solo and mute effects for easy control.
  • MIDI Editing: This application allows me to edit MIDI files, helping to adjust compositions and instrumentations easily.
  • Cloud Collaboration: Cloud collaboration makes it easier to share and edit projects, facilitating teamwork across distances.
  • Nondestructive Editing: Nondestructive editing enables you to make changes to audio without overwriting the original, preserving your work.

Pros

  • Pro Tools has established itself as an industry standard for audio editing, used in top-tier studios globally.
  • I am particularly impressed with how it handles large, complex session files and multiple tracks with ease.
  • Integration with hardware devices is seamless, which helps optimize my workflow efficiency.

Cons

  • I was frustrated by the complex setup process, especially for first-time users.

👉 How to Get Avid Pro Tools for Free?

  • Go to Avid Pro Tools
  • Click on the “Start Free Trial” button to claim your 30-day free trial, and begin by entering your email to get started.

Link: https://www.avid.com/pro-tools


4) Soundtrap

Soundtrap is one of the best DAW software that helps you quickly make songs. This application offers a large selection of loops, beats, and instruments. Soundtrap allows you to record and edit songs on any device, and it is the most versatile tool I have used.

Soundtrap

Features:

  • Collaboration Tools: This tool enables me to collaborate with others, making team projects more accessible and effective.
  • Voice Modulation: You can modify your voice with ease and create professional sounds for any project.
  • Beat Library: It offers over 4000 high-quality beats, helping me find the best rhythm for my music.
  • Instrument Connectivity: You can easily connect microphones, guitars, and other instruments, enhancing your recording flexibility.

Pros

  • Provides built-in high-quality loops and instruments to kickstart music creation.
  • Allows seamless exporting of projects to various popular formats.
  • Personally, I believe that the ability to collaborate with friends in different locations is a game-changer for our band.

Cons

  • Internet dependency can be a limitation for users with limited connectivity.
  • I have experienced some bugs during updates, which temporarily hindered my project access.

👉 How to Get Soundtrap for Free?

  • Go to FL Studio
  • Select “Sign Up for Free” to create your account without any charge.

Link: https://www.soundtrap.com/musicmakers


5) Audacity

Audacity is one of the best open source DAWs (Digital Audio Workstation software). It uses a multi-track editor that helps you easily edit sounds. This app enables you to import or export files such as MP3, WAV, OGG, and FLAC, which I recommend.

Audacity

Features:

  • Sound Quality: Supported sound qualities include 16-bit, 24-bit, and 32-bit, ensuring high-quality audio output.
  • Editing Tools: Editing is straightforward, using the cut, copy, paste, and delete options, streamlining the workflow.
  • Real-Time Preview: It provides a real-time preview, showing applied sound effects before finalizing the edit.
  • Keyboard Control: The software can be fully manipulated using the keyboard, which allows me to work faster.
  • Frequency Visualization: You can visualize the selected frequency, helping you adjust audio levels more accurately.

Pros

  • It is free and open-source, offering a wide range of audio editing tools at no cost.
  • The multi-track editing feature makes it versatile and ideal for different audio tasks.
  • I appreciate its simplicity, which makes quick edits and recordings easy.

Cons

  • I noticed that it doesn’t have the most intuitive controls for advanced editing, which makes complex tasks more challenging.

👉 How to Get Audacity for Free?

  • Go to Audacity
  • Click on “Try for Free” to initiate your free download and experience the product at no cost.

Link:https://www.audacityteam.org/


6) Waveform

Waveform is one of the best free DAW tools that allows unlimited audio and MIDI tracks to make high-quality songs. I evaluated it to generate patterns and fine control.

Waveform

Features:

  • Audio Effects: It is one of the best free music-making software, letting me apply effects to individual audio clips easily.
  • VST Support: This DAW supports VST plugins, enabling me to integrate additional audio effects and instruments.
  • Recording Options: You can record both band and podcast music with this free DAW for Windows, simplifying audio production.
  • Virtual Drum: Playing a virtual drum is an easy way to create drum beats and rhythms directly in the software.

Pros

  • Frequent updates ensure bugs are addressed and new features are steadily introduced.
  • Cross-platform functionality ensures music projects are easily transferable across devices.
  • I liked how easily Waveform integrates with my existing hardware setup.

Cons

  • The initial setup can be cumbersome, especially when configuring external audio devices.
  • I notice some VST compatibility issues with each major update, requiring patience.

👉 How to Get Waveform for Free?

  • Go to Waveform
  • Press “Download” to register and create your free account.

Link:https://www.tracktion.com/products/waveform-free


7) SoundBridge

SoundBridge is a free digital audio workstation that allows you to edit songs with other musicians. This app offers complete third-party driver support, allowing me to streamline my workflow.

SoundBridge

Features:

  • Audio Editing: The software allows me to edit audio with ease, simplifying complex tasks and saving valuable time.
  • Collaboration: It enables collaboration, allowing me to work effectively with others on music projects and share files easily.
  • Touch Interface: This DAW is one of the best options with a touch interface, providing a smoother and more interactive experience.
  • High-Resolution Themes: The software features high-resolution themes and provides an extensive library of freeware effects to enhance audio production.
  • MIDI Mapping: One of the best features is its MIDI mapping, which allows me to easily control and customize my instruments.

Pros

  • Simplifies audio editing processes, reducing complications compared to more complex DAWs.
  • A quick learning curve allows users to start creating right away with minimal experience.
  • Offers essential tools for a solid start in music editing and production.
  • Personally, the comfort of use stands out, letting me focus on creativity rather than technicalities.

Cons

  • I sometimes encounter performance issues on my standard hardware setup.
  • Limited support for non-core plugins may require third-party workarounds.

👉 How to Get SoundBridge for Free?

  • Go to SoundBridge
  • Click on “Try SoundBridge” to register and start your free account.

Link:https://soundbridge.io/


8) Reaper

Reaper is one of the best free DAW software for Windows. I evaluated it, and it can run on a network drive. It offers many plugins for adding effects and virtual instruments, which is excellent for developing diverse tracks. This free DAW supports 64-bit audio processing.

Reaper

Features:

  • Audio Recording: You can record audio in any format, ensuring flexibility for various project types and needs.
  • File Importing: The drag-and-drop feature allows you to easily import, arrange, and render audio files for efficient workflow.
  • Audio Editing: I find it easy to move, split, resize, and loop any audio, giving me full control over my project.
  • Channel Support: This DAW supports more than 64 routable channels, making it one of the best free options available.
  • Customization Options: It helps you customize colors, toolbars, layouts, and icons to create a setup tailored to your needs.
  • Tempo & Effects: Managing tempo is hassle-free, and you can apply effects in real time to enhance your sound.

Pros

  • Reaper offers extensive customization options, allowing users to tailor the interface and features to fit their workflow.
  • Lightweight and efficient, it loads quickly and runs smoothly even on less powerful machines.
  • I love Reaper’s affordability, providing professional-grade features without a hefty price tag.

Cons

  • I encounter occasional interface glitches on specific system configurations.

👉 How to Get Reaper for Free?

  • Go to Reaper
  • Click on “Download REAPER” to get the software for free.

Link: https://www.reaper.fm/


9) Zenbeats

Zenbeats is one of the best DAW tools. It offers virtual instruments like electric guitar, synth, organ, and bass. This app is easy to use for electronic music production, and it is the most versatile tool I have used.

Zenbeats

Features:

  • Touch Interface: This DAW offers a touch-based interface, allowing me to loop sound easily and improving my workflow and creativity.
  • Built-in Effects: It provides over 90 MFX effects, offering a wide range of sound options to enhance your music production.
  • Instrument Variety: Covering acoustic, electronic, and ethnic instruments, this software provides diverse sound options for any music genre.
  • Cloud Integration: It integrates with Google Drive and OneDrive, allowing for smooth file management and collaboration across platforms.

Pros

  • Zenbeats is highly accessible across platforms, working seamlessly on Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android.
  • Its straightforward interface allows beginners easy access to basic music production.
  • Offers a variety of built-in instruments and loops, enabling creativity right from the start.
  • I appreciate how Zenbeats simplifies making music on my tablet with intuitive touch controls.

Cons

  • The free version has restrictions, urging upgrades for full functionality.
  • I experience occasional app skit issues on older devices with limited resources.

👉 How to Get Zenbeats for Free?

  • Go to Zenbeats
  • Click on “Download” to get the software for free.

Link:https://www.roland.com/us/products/zenbeats/


10) Garageband

Garageband is one of the best free DAW tools for Mac. During my research, I found that it provides a sound library with guitars, drums, and other instruments. Garageband allows you to share your tracks via social networks or email.

Garageband

Features:

  • Music Creation: It offers an easy and fast way to create and share music, making it accessible for all creators.
  • No Instruments Needed: You can make professional-sounding music without any physical instruments, providing flexibility in your production process.
  • Virtual Drummer: This free music production software enables me to create a virtual drummer session, enhancing my projects.
  • Learning Lessons: With built-in learning lessons, this DAW provides helpful tutorials to guide you through the production process.
  • Track Mixing: Garageband allows you to create and mix more than 255 audio tracks, offering endless possibilities for your projects.

Pros

  • It offers a vast library of loops and instruments, providing endless creative possibilities
  • The intuitive design makes it easy for me to dive into complex music production
  • I am impressed with the quality of the built-in virtual instruments and effects
  • It supports Live Loops, allowing me to create music dynamically

Cons

  • I noticed occasional performance lags when working with large track counts
  • I found it lacking VST support, which limits plugin compatibility

👉 How to Get Apple Garageband for Free?

  • Go to Apple Garageband
  • Click on “Download GarageBand for Mac” to get the software for free and start your creative journey.

Link:https://www.apple.com/in/mac/garageband/


11) Podium Free

Podium Free is a tool that helps you to mix and edit MIDI audio files. It is one of the best free DAWs that allow you to work on multiple projects with ease. This app enables you to add sound effects to audio files or change sample rate, channel, pitch bend, which I particularly liked.

Podium Free

Features:

  • Plugin Creation: It allows you to build your own plugin, providing a solution to customize your production setup.
  • Custom UI: Offering a customizable user interface, this DAW allows me to adjust my workspace for better efficiency.
  • VST Support: You will get a VST (Virtual Studio Technology), which is perfect for integrating additional effects and instruments.
  • Multi-Channel Audio: It provides multi-channel audio, offering full control over different tracks for complex and layered projects.
  • Commercial Use: This DAW is one of the best for commercial purposes, supporting professional needs with high-quality features.
  • Portable Use: You can use this software without installation, offering a quick and convenient way to produce music anywhere.

Pros

  • Podium Free offers a clean and intuitive interface, making it easy to navigate for beginners
  • Lightweight software that runs efficiently, even on lower-end computers
  • Provides multi-track recording and editing capabilities, facilitating complex compositions
  • I enjoy how it supports various VST plugins, enhancing creative possibilities

Cons

  • I find the initial setup process a bit time-consuming due to its customization options
  • Limited built-in sounds and instruments, requiring additional downloads for diversity

👉 How to Get Podium Free for Free?

  • Go to Podium Free
  • Click on “Download” to get the software for free.

Link:https://zynewave.com/podium-free/


12) Cakewalk by Bandlab

Cakewalk by Bandlab is among the best free DAW software for Windows, allowing me to use unlimited MIDI and audio tracks. In my opinion, it is the best way to add drum sounds to my music quickly. This free digital audio workstation lets me mix sounds clearly.

Cakewalk by Bandlab

Features:

  • Song Publishing: You can publish your songs directly to Facebook, SoundCloud, YouTube, and other platforms for easy access.
  • Mix Polishing: It allows you to polish your finished mixes, fine-tuning every aspect of your track for perfection.
  • Creative Tools: This free DAW software allows you to easily compose songs and performances with creative tools at your disposal.
  • Studio Effects: It provides studio-quality effects, enhancing the overall sound of your music to professional standards.

Pros

  • Offers comprehensive tools for audio production, making it suitable for various music genres
  • Enhances music projects with its professional-grade effects and instruments
  • Available for free, providing exceptional value for musicians and producers
  • Personally, the integration with BandLab’s platform facilitates collaboration and sharing

Cons

  • Frequent updates are required to maintain compatibility with new plugins and tools
  • I underwent difficulties with the MIDI editor not meeting all my precision needs

👉 How to Get Cakewalk by Bandlab for Free?

Link:https://www.bandlab.com/products/cakewalk


13) Logic Pro X

Logic Pro X is a tool that can turn my Mac into a professional recording studio. I checked the software’s DJ style effects and transitions for tracks. It lets me mix my music collection easily.

Logic Pro X

Features:

  • Live Loop Control: You can control live loops directly from your iPhone or iPad, providing flexibility and mobility in music creation.
  • Quick Beat Building: It allows you to quickly build drumbeats, melodic parts, bass lines, and more, enhancing creative workflows.
  • Onscreen Instruments: You can play a variety of onscreen instruments, including guitars, drum pads, and keyboards, for dynamic performances.
  • Track Creation: Logic Pro allows you to create audio tracks with more than 1000 software tracks, offering endless possibilities.
  • MIDI Editing: This browser DAW software helps you record, edit, and manipulate MIDI performances, providing full control over compositions.

Pros

  • Logic Pro X is ideal for music producers, offering an extensive library of loops and samples
  • Flexible MIDI editing tools enhance precision in music arrangement
  • Supports a wide range of plugins, expanding creative possibilities
  • I liked its Studio-quality sound, which makes it my top choice for audio recording

Cons

  • High CPU demands can slow performance without adequate hardware
  • I found the initial setup complicated, especially plugin configurations

👉 How to Get Logic Pro X for Free?

  • Go to Logic Pro X
  • Click on “Free Trial,” then select “Download Now” to get the software at no cost.

Link: https://www.apple.com/in/logic-pro/

What is DAW Software?

DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) is an application or electronic device used for recording, editing, and producing audio. These tools provide real time preview with different sound effects. Free music making software allows working with MIDI files with a wide range of music effects and high-resolution themes.

How Did We Choose Best FREE DAW Software for Windows?

choose best daw software for windows

At Guru99, we are committed to providing accurate, relevant, and objective information through thorough research and content creation. After spending over 80 hours reviewing more than 30 DAW software options, both free and paid, we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide with insights on key features, pros, and cons. Finding the best free DAW software for Windows can be overwhelming, but understanding the most important factors makes the decision easier. Check out the important factors below to consider, ensuring you get the right tools for your audio production needs and choosing the best software for your requirements.

  • Features: Look for software that offers essential tools for recording, editing, and mixing audio tracks.
  • User Interface: A clean and intuitive interface is important for a smooth workflow, especially for beginners.
  • Compatibility: Ensure the software is compatible with your Windows version and supports the necessary plugins.
  • Performance: It is important that the software runs efficiently on your system without causing lag or crashes.
  • Expandability: Choose a DAW that allows you to easily add more features through plugins or add-ons.
  • Your budget: If you have to simply cut or edit music and do not require any advanced features, then consider using an online digital audio workstation or free software. For professional needs, you must purchase powerful software that makes your work easy.
  • Operating system and hardware of your computer: It is useless if your DAW software is not compatible with your current OS and hardware of your computer. Therefore, it is good that you check the compatibility before choosing the right DAW program.
  • Your goal: This is important to choose DAW software. You need to check the features based on your objective of using it.

What are the applications of DAW Software?

Here are the important applications of DAW software:

  • Record and manage the music: DOW applications are the right choice for the people who want to record album with a live instrument and a virtual orchestra.
  • Reverb: Reverb is important for any music producer. It can liven up the dead recording and help you to play vocal sounds in a natural way.
  • Use Autotune: Autotune is generally used in every major pop song. It is used for fixing up the pitch of vocal and altering the sound of the person.
  • Digital or MIDI keyboard: DAW software comes with a digital or MIDI keyboard that is used to construct the layers of the song with great attention.
  • Remix songs: DAW software is good for mixing multiple songs together. It helps you to make your own DJ like music with no hassle.
  • Perform live set: DAW programs helps you to perform a live set. You can easily use these applications to set up backing tracks to play vocals and piano you like.
  • Practice instrument: DAW applications enable you to learn a new instrument. You can use this software to record yourself playing a keyboard and gives motivation by visible progression.
  • Become a mixing engineer: Mixing is the process of combining multiple songs together. The main goal of DAW software is to arrange the instrument volume withing song and avoid clashes between tracks.

What are the advantages of DAW Software?

Here are the pros/cons of DAW software:

  • High-quality real-time audio transpose facility.
  • The DAW software has a large database of real-world instruments.
  • The essential sound panel is integrated with the program to get the best oomph effect to the audio.
  • The music clips can be integrated within the audio recording to make it sound professional.
  • DAW software can import and export multiple audio formats.
  • You can play varieties of on-screen instruments like guitars, drum pads, and keyboards.

How to use DAW Software?

Here is a step by step process on how to use DAW software:

  • Step 1) Download any DAW software you like from the above-given list
  • Step 2) Install the DAW software on your system
  • Step 3) Once installed, open the DAW software on your computer
  • Step 4) Go to File>New or press Ctrl+N to create a new project
  • Step 5) Now go to File>Import>Audio to add any audio file to your project
  • Step 6) Apply any effect on the audio using given tools within the DAW software
  • Step 7) Now, go to File>Save or press Ctrl+S to save your project to open and work in future

Verdict

In this review, you got acquainted with some of the best free DAW software for Windows. Each tool brings its strengths to the table, and after careful evaluation, I have created this verdict to help you choose the ideal DAW for your needs.

  • Adobe Audition stands out as a top choice for professionals, offering an intuitive interface with powerful editing tools that are suitable for both beginners and experts.
  • FL Studio is a great fit for music producers, providing a robust platform with great features for music creation and powerful MIDI support.
  • Avid Pro Tools remains the industry standard, offering excellent audio editing features with a user-friendly interface, ideal for both professionals and hobbyists.
Editor's Choice
Adobe Audition

Adobe Audition is one of the best DAW software that includes waveform and multi-track display to create, mix, edit, and restore audio content. This workstation is designed to accelerate video production workflows and audio.

Visit Adobe Audition