Ableton Live Alternatives and Similar Software

LMMS

LMMS is a free cross-platform alternative to commercial programs like FL Studio , which allow you to produce music with your computer. This includes the creation of melodies and beats, the synthesis and mixing of sounds, and arranging of samples. You can have fun with your MIDI-keyboard and much more; all in a user-friendly and modern interface.

• LMMS is a standard DAW like FL or GarageBand. Doesn't have the live performance workflow of Live Guest • Oct 2019 • 3 agrees and 1 disagrees Disagree   Agree
• No copy and paste, janky VST support, awkward workflow in general; it's more of a shell of FL Studio, and even then I wouldn't recommend it to anybody. Guest • May 2019 • 6 agrees and 5 disagrees Disagree   Agree
• It is good but does not even come close to the Abelton workflow. Guest • Aug 2017 • 23 agrees and 6 disagrees Disagree   Agree
• If you are just getting into the scene and are on a budget, its pretty darn decent especially for being free and open source. Guest • Jan 2019 • 4 agrees and 1 disagrees Disagree   Agree
• While LMMS might be free, it does not come close to the abilities of Ableton. wusteldru • Feb 2019 • 2 agrees and 0 disagrees Disagree   Agree
• LMMS is just great! With a good tablet with Debian installed it can even run on Android! Guest • Mar 2018 • 0 agrees and 4 disagrees Disagree   Agree
• LMMS is free and has a lot of functions similar to ableton live functions, but they are a bit hard to use. Guest • Oct 2017 • 6 agrees and 3 disagrees Disagree   Agree

Free Open Source Mac Windows Linux BSD PortableApps.com

FL Studio

FL Studio (originally known as FruityLoops) is a full-featured Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) offering a complete range of professional tools for everything from audio editing and beat creation to advanced arrangement, composition, mixing and mastering. Sporting a fast, high-tech UI that runs at native speed, the DAW defaults to a relatively simple drum pattern sequencing interface while more advanced features are just a click or keypress away.

• I have been using Ableton and Fl for a long time on PC and Mac's. With Android tablets being limited in power and functionality I would best advice Fl Moble. Its the most powerful and well functioning DAW on mobile devices so far. Guest • Apr 2017 • 6 agrees and 1 disagrees Disagree   Agree
• It is also non-linear, has a very similar loop sequencing tool. chipthrasher • Feb 2017 • 3 agrees and 0 disagrees Disagree   Agree
• Ease of use - wide range of VST and native instruments and effects. Been around a long time but constantly updating. Has a 'live' mode and traditional DAW operation. Guest • Mar 2017 • 6 agrees and 1 disagrees Disagree   Agree

Commercial $ $ $ Mac Windows Android iPhone Android Tablet

Bitwig Studio

A dynamic software for creating and performing your musical ideas in the studio and on stage, Bitwig Studio inspires you to take greater control of your music, giving you access to every aspect of your production. Streamline your creative process and quickly evolve your ideas into complete songs, tracks, and compositions. Record and arrange, improvise and perform, or do it all at once. Welcome to the next generation of music creation and performance software.

• It is the only DAW I know that has a similar workflow Guest • Nov 2019 • 3 agrees and 1 disagrees Disagree   Agree
• The closest match to Ableton's clip-based workflow, Bitwig Studio is equally viable as a DJ and live performance tool as well as a typical DAW for composing original music. Unlike most DAWs, Bitwig directly supports Linux. It's also built from a modular core and now has a modular synth and effect tool for creating any imaginable sound from scratch. Ugotsta • Mar 2020 • 1 agrees and 0 disagrees Disagree   Agree
• Very similar functionality + similar workflow. Easy recovery from rare crashes, and plugin sandboxing means fewer crashes in comparison to Ableton Live Guest • Dec 2016 • 8 agrees and 3 disagrees Disagree   Agree

Commercial $ $ $ Mac Windows Linux

Ardour

Ardour is a hard disk recorder and digital audio workstation application. It runs on GNU/Linux, Mac OS X, and Windows. Ardour's intention is to provide digital audio workstation software suitable for professional use. NOTE: Ardour source code is freely available but pre-built binaries are commercial free-libre software: users who download from ardour.

• The description did not mention you can make music on the program yourself. Guest • Nov 2017 • 3 agrees and 25 disagrees Disagree   Agree

Freemium $ $ $ Open Source Mac Windows Linux BSD

Reaper

REAPER is a complete digital audio production application for Windows, Mac and Linux, offering a full multi-track audio and MIDI recording, editing, processing, mixing and mastering tool set. REAPER supports a vast range of hardware, digital formats and plugins, and can be comprehensively extended, scripted and modified. FEATURES: - Efficient, fast to load and portable. Can be installed and run from a portable or network drive.

Commercial $ $ $ Mac Windows Linux

Caustic

Caustic is a music creation tool inspired by rack-mount synthesizers / samplers rigs. Everything is real-time and optimized for mobile devices.

Freemium Mac Windows Android iPhone Android Tablet ... iPad

GarageBand

Welcome to the school of rock. A Mac-sized practice space. Your own recording studio. If you want to learn to play an instrument, write music, or record a song, GarageBand can help — whether you’re a rookie or a rock star. GarageBand is a whole music creation studio right inside your Mac — with a complete sound library that includes software instruments, presets for guitar and voice, and virtual session drummers.

Free Mac iPhone iPad

Logic Pro

Logic Pro lets you translate musical inspiration into professional productions. A range of powerful, easy-to-use features puts sophisticated tools at your fingertips, and complete surround support lets you make incredible, immersive music.

Commercial $ $ $ Mac

Cubase

Cubase is a computer program for music production/recording. The program offers recording, producing and mixing of sounds in order to make music production for distribution on CDs or the internet. Cubase is a series of MIDI, music sequencer and digital audio editing computer applications (commonly known as a DAW - Digital Audio Workstation).

Commercial Mac Windows