Skip to content
Alternatives.toolsSubmit a tool
Ableton Live logo

Free Ableton Live alternatives

Top Audio Editing & Music Production like Ableton Live

The most popular alternative to Ableton Live is BandLab, which has a free version. Other great alternatives to Ableton Live are Pro Tools, LMMS, and GarageBand.

Most alternatives to Ableton Live are in the Audio Editing & Music Production category, compared here by price, platform and features.

Ableton Live alternatives
AllFreeOpen source
4 apps

All Ableton Live alternatives

  1. BandLab is a free, cloud-based music creation platform with a multi-track studio that works in the browser and on iOS and Android. Musicians can record, use loops and virtual instruments, collaborate on projects with others and publish songs to a built-in community. Core features are free, with an optional membership for extra tools and distribution services.

    8 BandLab alternatives

    Pros

    • Free multitrack studio in the browser and on mobile
    • Easy collaboration on songs with other musicians
    • Built-in community to publish and discover songs

    Cons

    • Fewer advanced mixing and editing tools than desktop DAWs
    • Cloud-based workflow depends on a good internet connection
    Cost / License
    FreemiumProprietary
  2. Pro Tools is Avid's digital audio workstation, long established in recording studios and in film and television post-production. It covers multitrack recording, precise audio editing, MIDI and mixing up to Dolby Atmos, and works with Avid control surfaces and AAX plugins. It runs on Windows and macOS, with a free Pro Tools Intro edition and Artist, Studio and Ultimate subscriptions.

    6 Pro Tools alternatives

    Pros

    • Industry standard in recording studios and post-production
    • Precise audio editing and a mature mixing workflow
    • Tight integration with Avid control surfaces and Dolby Atmos mixing

    Cons

    • Paid editions are expensive, especially Studio and Ultimate
    • Supports AAX plugins only, not VST
    • The free Intro edition is limited in tracks and features
    Cost / License
    FreemiumProprietary
    Platforms
  3. LMMS is a free, open source digital audio workstation for composing music on Windows, macOS and Linux. It provides a song editor, a beat and bassline editor, a piano roll and built-in synthesizers and samplers, and it can load VST instruments on Windows and Linux. It is a common starting point for beginners and hobbyists who want a no-cost alternative to FL Studio.

    8 LMMS alternatives

    Pros

    • Free and open source on Windows, macOS and Linux
    • Beat and bassline editor and piano roll suit electronic music beginners
    • Built-in synthesizers and samplers to start without extra plugins

    Cons

    • Audio recording is very limited, as it focuses on sequencing
    • VST instruments are not supported on macOS
    • Interface feels dated next to commercial DAWs
    Cost / License
    FreeOpen source
  4. GarageBand is Apple's free app for making music and recording audio on Mac, iPhone and iPad. It includes virtual instruments, a sound library with loops, guitar amp simulations, a virtual drummer and multi-track recording, along with piano and guitar lessons on Mac. Projects open in Logic Pro when users need more advanced production tools.

    8 GarageBand alternatives

    Pros

    • Free, with a friendly interface for beginners
    • Virtual drummer, loops and amp simulations get ideas down quickly
    • Projects open in Logic Pro when you need more power

    Cons

    • Apple devices only, with no Windows or Android version
    • Limited mixing, automation and routing for serious production
    Cost / License
    FreeProprietary
    Platforms

Ableton Live vs its alternatives at a glance

Pricing, platforms and the key features of Ableton Live, compared with its most popular alternatives.

Ableton Live vs its alternatives at a glance
AppPricingPlatformsMIDI supportMulti-track timelineVST plugins
Ableton LiveFree trialWindows, Mac
BandLabFreemiumWeb, iPhone, Android
Pro ToolsFreemiumWindows, Mac
LMMSFreeOpen sourceWindows, Mac, Linux
GarageBandFreeMac, iPhone

Ableton Live alternatives: frequently asked questions

What is the best alternative to Ableton Live?

The most popular alternative to Ableton Live is BandLab: Free music creation app and social network for musicians. Other great alternatives are Pro Tools, LMMS, and GarageBand.

Is there a free alternative to Ableton Live?

Yes, 4 alternatives are free or have a free plan, including BandLab, Pro Tools, LMMS, and GarageBand.

Is there an open source alternative to Ableton Live?

Yes, one open source alternative is listed: LMMS.

Is Ableton Live free?

Ableton Live is a paid app that offers a free trial.

Compare Ableton Live with its alternatives

Sponsored listings and products made by the publisher of this site are always labeled. How we rank · Know a good alternative? Submit it