Ableton Live AlternativesOnly apps categorised as Digital Audio Workstations

If that doesn't work for you, our users have ranked more than 50 alternatives to Ableton Live, but unfortunately only zero of them are Digital Audio Workstations.

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Ableton Live alternatives are mainly Music Production Apps but may also be Digital Audio Workstations or Audio Editors.  Other popular filters includes Android + Free. Filter by these or use the filter bar below if you want a narrower list of alternatives or looking for a specific functionality of Ableton Live.
Ableton Live iconAbleton Live
  200
  • ...

Live is software for creating musical ideas, turning them into finished songs, and even taking them onto the stage.

More about Ableton Live
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Ableton Live alternatives page was last updated Feb 1, 2022
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  1. Bitwig Studio icon
    Bitwig Studio icon

    Bitwig Studio

     87 likes
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    Bitwig Studio is a multi-platform music-creation system for production, performance and DJing, with a focus on flexible editing tools and a super-fast workflow.

    49 Bitwig Studio alternatives
    Bitwig Studio screenshot 1

    License model

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    Bitwig Studio screenshot 1
    Bitwig Studio screenshot 2
    +3
    Bitwig Studio screenshot 3

    Properties

    1.  Works Offline

    Features

    1.  Live Performance
    2.  Modular System
    3.  Multiplatform
    4.  Digital Audio Workstation
    5.  Grid layout
    6.  Support for VST Plugins
    7.  Piano Roll
    8.  Music Sequencer
    9.  Support for MIDI
    10.  Mix Music
    11.  Music Looper
    12.  Support for scripting
    13.  Music Recording
    Bitwig Studio iconAbleton Live Icon

    Bitwig Studio VS Ableton Live

    Is Bitwig Studio a good alternative to Ableton Live?
     
    Comments about Bitwig Studio as an Alternative to Ableton Live
     
       
    David

    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.

    Positive comment •Mar 30, 2020
    3
    Guest

    Very similar functionality + similar workflow. Easy recovery from rare crashes, and plugin sandboxing means fewer crashes in comparison to Ableton Live

    Positive comment •Dec 20, 2016
    7
    Guest

    It is the only DAW I know that has a similar workflow

    Positive comment •Nov 27, 2019
    4
    Show more comments
    3 of 4 comments
    Ableton Live Icon
    Bitwig Studio icon

    • Almost everyone thinks Bitwig Studio is a great Ableton Live alternative.

    • Bitwig Studio is the most popular Windows, Mac & Linux alternative to Ableton Live.

    • Bitwig Studio is the most popular commercial alternative to Ableton Live.

    • Bitwig Studio is Paid and ProprietaryAbleton Live is also Paid and Proprietary
  2. FL Studio icon
    FL Studio icon

    FL Studio

     475 likes
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    A complete digital audio workstation featuring professional music creation tools for mixing, mastering, editing, and sequencing. It includes a responsive piano roll sequencer, lifetime license updates, visualizer plugins for video creation, and multi-touch support for advanced graphical interface navigation.

    96 FL Studio alternatives
    FL Studio screenshot 1

    License model

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • HUAWEI AppGallery
    • iPad
    FL Studio screenshot 1
    FL Studio screenshot 2
    +3
    FL Studio screenshot 3

    Properties

    1.  Lightweight
    2.  Works Offline

    Features

    1.  Support for VST Plugins
    2.  Audio Recording
    3.  Digital Audio Workstation
    4.  Voice Recording
    5.  Piano Roll
    6.  Synth rack
    7.  MIDI Keyboard Input
    8.  Visualize Music
    9.  Drum matrix editing
    10.  Live Performance
    11.  Noise Reduction
    12.  Great Opus codec support
    13.  Scalable UI
    14.  MultiTouch
    15.  FFMPEG support
    16.  Context-aware help
    17.  Beat slicer
    FL Studio iconAbleton Live Icon

    FL Studio VS Ableton Live

    Is FL Studio a good alternative to Ableton Live?
     
    Comments about FL Studio as an Alternative to Ableton Live
     
    Chip Thrasher

    It is also non-linear, has a very similar loop sequencing tool.

    Positive comment •Feb 20, 2017
    3
    Guest

    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.

    Positive comment •Mar 23, 2017
    5
    Guest

    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.

    Positive comment •Apr 22, 2017
    5
    Ableton Live Icon
    FL Studio icon

    • Most users think FL Studio is a great Ableton Live alternative.

    • FL Studio is the most popular Android, iPhone, iPad & Android Tablet alternative to Ableton Live.

    • FL Studio is Paid and ProprietaryAbleton Live is also Paid and Proprietary
    • FL Studio is LightweightAbleton Live is not according to our users
  4. LMMS icon
    LMMS icon

    LMMS

     590 likes
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    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...

    93 LMMS alternatives
    LMMS screenshot 1

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • BSD
    • PortableApps.com
    • Haiku
    LMMS screenshot 1
    LMMS screenshot 2
    +2
    LMMS screenshot 3

    Properties

    1.  Works Offline
    2.  Ad-free

    Features

    1.  Support for VST Plugins
    2.  Digital Audio Workstation
    3.  Piano Roll
    4.  Export to MP3
    5.  Export to MIDI
    6.  MIDI Keyboard Input
    7.  Audio Recording
    8.  Portable
    9.  Music Sequencer
    10.  Support for MIDI
    11.  Lossless quality
    12.  Royalty-free music
    13.  Performance Monitoring
    14.  Free API
    15.  Beat bassline
    16.  Dark Mode
    17.  Mix Music
    LMMS iconAbleton Live Icon

    LMMS VS Ableton Live

    Is LMMS a good alternative to Ableton Live?
     
    Comments about LMMS as an Alternative to Ableton Live
     
       
    Comment summary: While LMMS is praised for being free and open-source, it lacks the capabilities and live performance features of Ableton Live. Many users find LMMS's functionality limited with issues in VST support and workflow, although it's appreciated as a decent entry-level DAW for those on a budget. Comparisons often highlight that Ableton's performance and workflow advantages make it superior, particularly for live setups.
    Oscar Sanderson

    LMMS is free (free as in freedom and free beer) and open source and overall really cool

    Top positive comment •Jul 20, 2021
    0
    Guest

    It is good but does not even come close to the Abelton workflow.

    Top negative comment •Aug 10, 2017
    17
    sedeti

    It's nothing compared to ableton

    Negative comment •Mar 16, 2021
    2
    Show more comments
    3 of 13 comments
    Ableton Live Icon
    LMMS icon

    • Most users think LMMS is a great Ableton Live alternative.

    • LMMS is the most popular Open Source & free alternative to Ableton Live.

    • LMMS is Free and Open SourceAbleton Live is Paid and Proprietary
  5. Ad
    Screenshot
    Avid Pro Tools icon

    Avid Pro Tools

    Pro Tools makes music creation fast and fluid, providing a complete set of tools to create, record, edit, and mix audio. Get inspired and start making music with a massive collection of plugins, instruments, and sounds.

    https://www.avid.com
    Learn More
  6. Ardour icon
    Ardour icon

    Ardour

     219 likes
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    Ardour is a hard disk recorder and digital audio workstation application. Record, edit, and mix on Linux, Mac OS X, and Windows.

    91 Ardour alternatives
    Ardour 6

    License model

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • BSD
    Ardour with a custom theme
    main window + mixer
    +8
    MIDI tracks

    Properties

    1.  Extensible by Plugins/Extensions
    2.  Works Offline
    3.  Ad-free

    Features

    1.  Multitrack editing
    2.  Audio Recording
    3.  Mix Music
    4.  Digital Audio Workstation
    5.  Non Destructive Editing
    6.  Support for VST Plugins
    7.  Music Sequencer
    8.  Lossless Audio
    9.  Virtual Instrument
    10.  Live Performance
    11.  Support for MIDI
    12.  Music Looper
    13.  Dark Mode
    14.  Portable
    Ardour iconAbleton Live Icon

    Ardour VS Ableton Live

    Is Ardour a good alternative to Ableton Live?
     
    Comments about Ardour as an Alternative to Ableton Live
     
    burnx50

    Ableton-style clip launcher is added to Ardour 7.

    Positive comment •Dec 9, 2021
    2
    Guest

    Ardour is good if you primary deal with audio. It is not very good for midi. You can work around making midi work for you. It has a lot of functionality, but what makes Ableton great is the clip launche. Ardour can't replace Ableton at this point.

    Negative comment •Feb 10, 2021
    1
    Guest

    The description did not mention you can make music on the program yourself.

    Negative comment •Nov 15, 2017
    -25
    Ableton Live Icon
    Ardour icon

    • Most users think Ardour is a great Ableton Live alternative.

    • Ardour is Paid and Open SourceAbleton Live is Paid and Proprietary
  7. Reaper icon
    Reaper icon

    Reaper

     233 likes
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    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.

    87 Reaper alternatives
    Default theme

    License model

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    Full screen in Linux with inline MIDI editor using REA Evolution theme
    Analog Default theme
    +3
    Dark_Side_Imperial theme

    Properties

    1.  Customizable
    2.  Ad-free
    3.  Lightweight
    4.  No registration required

    Features

    1.  Audio Recording
    2.  Digital Audio Workstation
    3.  Support for VST Plugins
    4.  Support for scripting
    5.  MultiTrack
    6.  Support for MIDI
    7.  Extensive customisability
    8.  Portable
    9.  Spectral editing
    10.  Multi Channel
    11.  Convert audio to MIDI
    12.  Built-in routing
    13.  Piano Roll
    14.  Pitch shift engine
    15.  Dark Mode
    16.  Lossless Audio
    17.  Music Recording
    18.  Music Sequencer
    Reaper iconAbleton Live Icon

    Reaper VS Ableton Live

    Is Reaper a good alternative to Ableton Live?
     
    Comments about Reaper as an Alternative to Ableton Live
     
    Guest

    Reaper is really good if you like the traditional timeline. I personally love Ableton Live because of the clip launcher. In ableton you easily create a clip, and it loops for ever. It is really good for songwriting. I own Reaper, but have not been able to replace Reaper with Ableton. The UI in reaper is a little outdated as well. But I will admit, if you learn Reaper, it is a top notch program.

    Negative comment •Feb 10, 2021
    0
    Ableton Live Icon
    Reaper icon

    • Most users think Reaper is a great Ableton Live alternative.

    • Reaper is Paid and ProprietaryAbleton Live is also Paid and Proprietary
    • Reaper is Customizable and LightweightAbleton Live is not according to our users
  8. GarageBand icon
    GarageBand icon

    GarageBand

     264 likes
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    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.

    102 GarageBand alternatives
    iPad Version: Tracks

    License model

    • Free • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • iPhone
    • iPad
    iPad Version: Piano Roll Editor
    Mac Version: Guitar Amplifier
    +4
    Size comparison between iPhone, iPad, and Macbook

    Properties

    1.  Works Offline

    Features

    1.  Virtual Instrument
    2.  Music Sequencer
    3.  Preset beats
    4.  Audio Samples
    5.  Piano Roll
    6.  Support for Keyboard Shortcuts
    GarageBand iconAbleton Live Icon

    GarageBand VS Ableton Live

    Is GarageBand a good alternative to Ableton Live?
     
  10. Logic Pro icon
    Logic Pro icon

    Logic Pro

     118 likes
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    Comprehensive studio app offering advanced DAW and MIDI tools, a creative interface, powerful software instruments, plugins like Beat Breaker, full mixer capabilities, and seamless integration with Mac and iPad for professional-sounding mixes.

    83 Logic Pro alternatives
    Logic Pro screenshot 1

    License model

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • iPad
    Logic Pro screenshot 1
    Logic Pro screenshot 2
    +7
    Logic Pro screenshot 3

    Logic Pro Features

    1.  Audio Recording
    2.  Synthesizer
    3.  Piano Roll
    4.  Mix Music
    5.  Music Sequencer
    6.  Music Recording
    7.  Support for MIDI
    8.  Support for VST Plugins
    9.  Record Tracks
    10.  Loop Library
    Logic Pro iconAbleton Live Icon

    Logic Pro VS Ableton Live

    Is Logic Pro a good alternative to Ableton Live?
     
  11. Bespoke Synth icon
    Bespoke Synth icon

    Bespoke Synth

     22 likes
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    Bespoke is a software modular synthesizer. It contains a bunch of modules, which you can connect together to create sounds.

    77 Bespoke Synth alternatives
    Bespoke Synth screenshot 1

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Flathub
    • Flatpak
    Bespoke Synth screenshot 1

    Properties

    1.  Lightweight
    2.  Ad-free
    3.  Works Offline

    Features

    1.  Modular connections
    2.  Synthesizer
    3.  Virtual Instrument
    4.  Node Based
    5.  Music Looper
    6.  Music Sequencer
    7.  Support for MIDI
    8.  Dark Mode
    9.  Music Recording
    10.  Mix Music
    Bespoke Synth iconAbleton Live Icon

    Bespoke Synth VS Ableton Live

    Is Bespoke Synth a good alternative to Ableton Live?
     
  12. Cakewalk icon
    Cakewalk icon

    Cakewalk

     63 likes
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    Cakewalk, formerly SONAR, is a comprehensive audio software for music composition, audio recording, editing, mixing and mastering. It features a full suite of high quality audio and MIDI effects and instruments and composition tools ranging from drum sequencer and piano roll...

    115 Cakewalk alternatives
    Cakewalk screenshot 1

    License model

    • Free Personal • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Windows
    Cakewalk screenshot 1
    Cakewalk screenshot 2
    +2
    Cakewalk screenshot 3

    Properties

    1.  Ad-free
    2.  Extensible by Plugins/Extensions
    3.  Works Offline

    Features

    1.  Support for VST Plugins
    2.  Support for MIDI
    3.  Multitrack editing
    4.  Step Sequencer
    5.  Music Sequencer
    6.  Virtual Instrument
    7.  Music Looper
    8.  Lossless Audio
    9.  Dark Mode
    10.  Mix Music
    11.  Melodyne Intergration
    12.  MultiTrack
    13.  Piano Roll
    14.  Music Recording
    Cakewalk iconAbleton Live Icon

    Cakewalk VS Ableton Live

    Is Cakewalk a good alternative to Ableton Live?
     
9 of 40 Ableton Live alternatives