Top 5 Paid DAWs (2023)

Here is our list of the top 10 DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations) for digital composition, music production, and audio engineering.

Buyer's GuideOS CompatibilityDAW FeaturesSkill LevelBudgetTop 10 List1. Pro Tools2. Logic Pro3. Ableton Live4. Studio One5. Bitwig6. Cubase7. FL Studio8. Reaper9.ACID Pro10. Cakewalk

DAW Buyers Guide
Since this software is where you'll be spending most of your time composing, recording, editing, mixing and mastering your music, it's important to choose the DAW the best fits your needs and budget.

OS Compatibility & StorageBefore comparing all of the different DAWs, first filter out any options that are not compatible with your computer's operating system. For example, Logic Pro and LUNA only work on Macs, whereas Mixcraft and Cakewalk only work on Windows.
You can use this spreadsheet to quickly determine which DAWs are compatible with which operating systems. Another thing to consider is storage. If you're on a desktop, this may not be much of an issue. However, laptop computers typically have less hard drive space and can fill up that storage quickly.

DAW FeaturesNext, ask yourself what you hope to accomplish with your DAW and what style of music you plan to create. These answers will help you find software that is more suited for your needs. For example, if you're an instrumentalist, songwriter or recording engineer who wants to extensive audio editing and composition capabilities, then Cubase, Logic Pro, or Pro Tools might be better options for you. On the other hand, if you're a beat-maker, electronic artist, or sound designer who mainly wants to produce with virtual instruments and play live shows, then Ableton Live, FL Studio, or Bitwig might be better options since they offer more robust sound design and live looping features. Maybe your a beginner who's just getting their feet wet with recording music, in which case a free DAW like GarageBand (if your on a Mac) or BandLab could be good starting points.
Keep in mind that down the line, you may want to experiment with other DAWs. Many professional music producers use multiple DAWs throughout different points in their production process. Never limit yourself nor jump on the all-too-common bandwagon that "My DAW is the best." Each DAW has something it excels at, or it wouldn't be around.

Skill LevelOnce you narrow down which DAW features best suit your needs, the next thing to consider is your skill level. If you're new to music and audio production, it's important to know that some DAWs are easier to pick up without any prior training or experience.
For example, DAWs like Pro Tools and Cubase have advanced tools front-and-center, which tends to be overwhelming for those with limited experience using music software; whereas DAWs like Studio One and Logic Pro have very simple and intuitive user interfaces that tend to be better for beginner-intermediate levels.
Although no two DAWs share the same learning curve, the concepts and tools you'll be using are essentially the same. There are numerous YouTube videos and online courses that can help you get started - at any skill level.

DAW BudgetAt this point, you've likely narrowed down you options to a few DAWs and just need to consider what level of investment makes the most sense for your budget. Luckily, many DAWs have either free version or trial periods, so you can test out several options and stick with the one that best fits your workflow. We recommend putting aside 3-5% of your home studio budget for your DAW. You can use this spreadsheet to determine the amount you're investing based on your overall budget.

Top 10 DAWs
Here is our list of the top 10 DAWs for music production and home recording studios organized by price (from high-low).

1. AVID Pro Tools

OverviewPro Tools is one of the best DAWs for large studios that use a lot of external equipment (outboard gear, live instruments, etc). For many years, Pro Tools was the industry standard for professional recording studios but was too expensive for beginners. However, Pro Tools has recently switched to a subscription-based support model; and with it's introduction of a lower-priced version, a new generation of up-and-coming engineers can afford to get on board this timeless DAW. Pro Tools has powerful audio editing tools which makes it a great DAW for recording and editing live audio for music, film and radio. The user interface looks a bit out-dated which could be a visual drawback for those who are just getting started, but once you learn the fundamentals and get a good workflow down then you'll see that there is very little this DAW can't do.

Pros+ High quality, professional plugins come bundled with software+ In-depth editing capabilities for audio engineering, film scoring and sound design+ Versatile customization options for session templates and keyboard shortcuts

Cons- Only offers subscription based products (yearly or monthly)- Stock sound library is smaller than other DAWs, requiring more instruments- Only supports AAX plugins, greatly reducing compatibility with VST-only instruments

Should I Choose This DAW?If your DAW budget is between $100 - $800 per year, I recommend at least testing out this DAW for the 30-day trial and seeing if it's a good fit for you - especially if you're an audio engineer or studio owner who wants to record full, live bands.
30-Day Free TrialCheck Pricing for Pro Tools

2. Apple Logic Pro X

OverviewLogic Pro's intuitive user interface and advanced functionality makes it an excellent option for both beginners and advanced users. It's an easy upgrade from GarageBand that provides more advanced audio editing tools for those looking to build a profession in music production. The upfront cost of $199 may like a lot to pay all at once, but when you consider the amount of instruments, loops, and plugins that are included, as well as the fact that there are no recurring fees or upgrade costs, you can see how much value you're getting.

"When it comes to producing tracks, I use Logic Pro. It's the best thing out there, period." - Steve Aoki

Pros+ User-friendly interface that is highly compatible with Apple devices and software+ Huge sound library with high-quality effects plugins included+ No recurring costs or monthly fees, includes all updates and future features

Cons- Takes up massive storage to install full library and uses a lot of RAM- Live-looping features could be better- Only available on Mac computers

Should I Choose This DAW?If your DAW budget is at least $200, and you have a Mac computer, I recommend at least testing out this DAW for the 90-day trial and seeing if it's a good fit for you - especially if you're a producer or engineer who needs full-featured DAW with high-quality stock plugins and cutting-edge software.
90-Day Free TrialCheck Pricing for Logic Pro X

3. Ableton Live 11

OverviewAbleton Live has become, for many musicians, the go-to environment for music creation with an eye toward real-time performance on stage. Live's approach to composition and arrangement is certainly unusual if you're coming from a traditionally designed DAW, but those differences allow it to excel other areas. For instance, Ableton Live's easy integration with MIDI controllers and powerful sound design automation tools will help you customize your virtual instruments in wildly imaginative ways and keep you completely immersed from one idea to the next. Ableton also offers an extensive knowledge base section on their website to teach you all the fundamentals quickly and effectively.

Pros+ Powerful and intuitive automation tools for sound design+ Inspirational clip-based live performance and composition workflow+ Exceptional compatibility with MIDI keyboards and controllers

Cons- Can have high CPU and latency issues when recording MIDI and audio- Stock vocal pitch correction tools are better in other DAWs- Not an all-purpose DAW despite it's high price tag

Should I Choose This DAW?If your DAW budget is between $100 - $800, I recommend at least testing out this DAW for the 90-day trial and seeing if it's a good fit for you - especially if you're a producer or sound designer who wants to perform live, electronic music.
90-Day Free TrialCheck Pricing for Ableton Live 11

4. PreSonus Studio One 6

OverviewStudio One is all about a fast and easy workflow, perhaps more than any DAW on this list. That being said, it still has many of the advanced features of a mature workstation. It's as if someone took Pro Tools, removed many of the unnecessary mouse button presses, and rearranged the menus and dialogs - making it a great introductory DAW. Although Studio One doesn't quite scale to larger recording studios as well as Pro Tools or Logic Pro X, it is still an intuitive DAW with all the capabilities you'll need for home studio projects. PreSonus also offers a subscription plan called PreSonus Sphere which may be a better option for those who want try it out with no commitment. At the time of writing this article, there is currently no free trial; however, their website says a 30-day free demo of Studio One 6 Professional will be available soon.

Pros+ Fast workflow for recording, music composition, and mixing+ Excellent chord and pattern-based composition tools+ Modernized features for live performance

Cons- Very cluttered interface and mix console- Mixer Scene filter selection could be slicker- Stock instruments and plugins are basic compared to other DAWs

Should I Choose This DAW?If your DAW budget is between $100 - $400, I recommend at least testing out this DAW for the 90-day trial and seeing if it's a good fit for you - especially if you're a singer, songwriter or composer who is just getting started.
30-Day Free TrialCheck Pricing for Studio One 6

5. Bitwig

OverviewBitwig's user interface is clean, modern and musically-mindful. The GUI is vector-based, and scalable, displaying as much or as little as you need. Navigating through samples, presets, virtual instruments and audio effects in the pop-up browser allows auditioning, tweaking, and playing of different sounds without stopping playback, which can be a great for sifting through many ideas quickly. In addition to its beautiful aesthetic, Bitwig truly shines from its utilization of modular synthesizers. There is modulation on every device, from modulating a filter cutoff, to more modulating the modulator itself - this power can't be understated for sound designers. This DAW fully supports MPE (MIDI Polyphonic Expression) keyboards and controllers which allows for individual note automation! Another MIDI bonus is the ability to edit multiple MIDI clips in one edit window separated by colors, which is great when editing orchestral arrangements. Even though Bitwig is relatively new compared to other tried-and-true DAWs, it's still a stunning piece of software that is forward-thinking and designed for endless inspiration.

Pros+ Great modulation system with immense automation capabilities+ Modern functionality and design with touch screen support+ Cross platform and highly compatible with VSTs and MIDI Controllers

Cons- Pricey, and upgraded features in new version releases cost extra- Not as large of a sound library as other DAWs- Small development team with less support options

Should I Choose This DAW?If your DAW budget is between $100 - $400, I recommend at least testing out this DAW for the 30-day trial and seeing if it's a good fit for you - especially if you're an electronic music producer or sound designer who is interested in live looping and heavy synth modulation.
30-Day Free TrialCheck Pricing for Bitwig

6. Steinberg Cubase

OverviewSteinberg Cubase Pro has old roots in the music production community, and it still remains a compelling prospect, particularly for MIDI recording and composing with virtual instruments for film and TV. Hans Zimmer, Benjamin Wallfisch, David Fleming and Steve Mazzaro are all well known composers that all use Cubase as their main DAWs and have great things to say about it. Even though the competition has become incredibly strong, including powerful programs at much lower prices like Reaper and Logic Pro, Cubase has a great development team that listens to its community and updates the DAW regularly. This is one of the reasons Cubase has been around for so long, and will continue to be a competitive DAW for musicians at all levels.

Pros+ Robust instrument and plug-in bundle+ Great workstation for film and tv composers+ Long lifespan with a dedicated team and constant updates

Cons- Installation process could be simpler- Expensive compared to most DAWs- Not designed for live performance

Should I Choose This DAW?If your DAW budget is between $100 - $600, I recommend at least testing out this DAW for the 30-day trial and seeing if it's a good fit for you - especially if you're a songwriter or film composer who wants a comprehensive MIDI editing and scoring interface.
30-Day Free TrialCheck Pricing for Cubase

7. FL Studio

OverviewFL Studio by ImageLine (also known as Fruity Loops) is another DAW that has been around for many years. Although it's still clearly geared for electronic music production as opposed to recording live musicians playing acoustic instruments, you can record or create just about any kind of audio project with it. Just know that it caters to step sequencing and pattern-based notation rather than a linear multitrack recording workflow. FL's Fruity edition at $99 is a great starter choice for making beats and composing with virtual instruments, but it does not include audio clips or audio recording. If you plan on recording live instruments or vocals, you'd need to upgrade to the Producer edition.

Pros+ Intuitive loop and pattern-based MIDI composition tools+ Automation clips are easy to manipulate for sound design+ Massive online community with loads of support

Cons- Not great for multitrack recording- Lacks complexity in it's notation editing- Stock instruments are generic so you'll need to invest in samples and VSTs

Should I Choose This DAW?If your DAW budget is between $100 - $400, I recommend at least testing out this DAW for the 30-day trial and seeing if it's a good fit for you - especially if you're an electronic or hiphop artist who needs to quickly build out tracks with virtual instruments.
30-Day Free TrialCheck Pricing for FL Studio

8. Reaper

OverviewReaper is know for having a passionate team and intelligent community of developers that actively listen to each-other's feedback. This has resulted in building a DAW that is fast, affordable, and open-source. Although Reaper does not have many stock instruments, there are loads of excellent freeware instruments available for no cost that can be plugged into Reaper - allowing you to save storage and build up your instrument library as you see fit. This is because Reaper isn't built for composing, but instead is more focused on the mixing and mastering side of things. Therefore, it does include some built-in audio effects you'd expect, such as EQ, Compression, and Reverb. Another reason people love Reaper is because it is easily customizable - if you have some coding background. Developers get richer-than-ever options with their own IDE (integrated development environment) allowing them to do their own scripting right in the DAW, with tons of API additions. If you don’t code, you may still find value in its low cost and lightweight design.

Pros+ Multi-channel audio recording, mixing, and mastering at an affordable price+ Heavily customizable front-end and back-end+ Fast processing with light memory footprint

Cons- No built-in instruments or loops, will likely want 3rd party plugins- The user interface is unintuitive and less visually appealing than other DAWs- Fairly steep learning curve requiring extensions (sws, reapack) to unlock full potential

Should I Choose This DAW?If your DAW budget is less than $100, I recommend at least testing out this DAW for the 60-day trial and seeing if it's a good fit for you - especially if you need a fast, lightweight DAW mainly for multi-track recording or audio engineering.
60-Day Free TrialCheck Pricing for Reaper

9. ACID Pro

OverviewMagix ACID Pro is said to be the original loop-based DAW. Although it seems to have lost some attention to Ableton and Studio One, it's still one of the easiest to use. It's a clean DAW with a beginner-friendly environment that can still provide professional level performance. This application only runs on Windows OS but it's designed to run smoothly on low-performance computers, even those with minimum specs. Acid Pro 11, its newest update, comes with a whole bunch of plugins from Brainworx, including mixing and mastering effects, a vintage-style synth and an automatic tuner. What really sets ACID apart from others is its smooth sound design workflow for editing and resampling audio. This feature alone has made ACID a popular option for EDM and IDM producers who need to chop, blend and bounce samples quickly and efficiently. Although it's not the most popular choice, ACID Pro is still a capable DAW that is reasonably priced, and is trusted by many professional artists. For those who don't want to pay the full amount up front, Magix does offer monthly and yearly subscription models.

It’s had decades of use in my productions now and I’ve always kept ACID as one of my special studio tools. ACID Pro is one of my secret studio weapons. – Dimitri Vegas

Pros+ Powerful audio sequencing and manipulation tools+ Great for creating traditional, loop-based tracks+ Responsive support and active development teams

Cons- Workflow primarily caters to editing waveforms, rather than MIDI- Doesn't compare well against DAWs for live performance- Some VST plugins don't play very well with ACID Pro

Should I Choose This DAW?If your DAW budget is less between $200-300, I recommend at least testing out this DAW for the 30-day trial and seeing if it's a good fit for you - especially if you produce electronic, hip hop music or arrange loop-based video game soundtracks.
30-Day Free TrialCheck Pricing for ACID Pro 11

10. Cakewalk

OverviewCakewalk, previously from Sonar, was recently acquired by BandLab and still remains one of the best, free DAWs on the market today rivaling even some of the most popular paid DAWs. Even though it's free, Cakewalk has powerful features that make it a very capable DAW for most professional purposes with special collaboration features between BandLab users. Cakewalk's user interface has always been known for its flexible customization from choosing the layout and color theme to personalizing keyboard shortcuts and display settings. These features, among others, are designed to increase workflow efficiency and have made CakeWalk a must-try for songwriters, producers, and engineers on a small budget. Cakewalk by BandLab runs exclusively on Windows OS.

Pros+ Includes touch screen support and a customizable interface+ Fully featured with countless BandLab add-ons for sound packs and effects+ Allows collaborate with up to 50 other users and unlimited tracks

Cons- Native sounds and plugins don't compete with those in other DAWs- Not designed to be used as a life performance DAW- Windows only

Should I Choose This DAW?If you don't have a DAW budget, I recommend giving Cakewalk a try - especially if you are a beginning artist or producer who wants to get familiar with music production software.
Download Cakewalk for Free

The Ultimate Home Studio Setup Guide
Feeling overwhelmed by all the options?No problem - we'll take the decision-making off your hands.

Use Our Setup GuideIf you're still on the fence about which option is right for you, follow The Ultimate Home Studio Setup Guide and let us take the decision-making off your hands. In this guide, we'll walk you through each of the 7 Home Studio Essentials and ask you specific questions to quickly determine the right hardware, software, and gear for you and your budget.
This way, you can get your home studio up and running as quickly and easily as possible!

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