GarageBand alternatives: 6 apps ranked by verified data
Common reasons people leave GarageBand: apple devices only, and basic mixing and MIDI editing with no full mixer view. We ranked 6 alternatives by how directly each one replaces GarageBand, then by reviews, real visits and how recently each app's facts were checked against its own website. Logic Pro currently ranks first.
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Show all 6 alternativesThe best GarageBand alternative for…
The highest-ranked app in this list for each need.
Best GarageBand alternative for most people
Logic ProThe direct upgrade, which opens GarageBand projects with far more tools.
Best GarageBand alternative for a free option
LMMSFree open-source music maker for people moving to Windows or Linux.
Best GarageBand alternative for a free plan you can upgrade
BandLabFree and cross-platform, working in the browser and on Android too.
Best GarageBand alternative for open source
LMMSFree open-source music maker for people moving to Windows or Linux.
Best GarageBand alternative for Mac
Tracktion WaveformFree unlimited DAW on Windows, Mac and Linux for the next step up.
Best GarageBand alternative for Windows
Cakewalk SonarFree-to-start DAW for Windows users with a full mixing console.
Best GarageBand alternative for Linux
Tracktion WaveformFree unlimited DAW on Windows, Mac and Linux for the next step up.
Best GarageBand alternative for iPhone and Android
BandLabFree and cross-platform, working in the browser and on Android too.
Best GarageBand alternative for working in the browser
SoundtrapBrowser-based studio with real-time collaboration, popular in classrooms.
GarageBand alternatives: common questions
What is the best alternative to GarageBand?
Logic Pro ranks first right now. The direct upgrade, which opens GarageBand projects with far more tools. BandLab and Soundtrap follow it in our ranking.
Is there a free alternative to GarageBand?
Yes. BandLab (free plan + paid), Soundtrap (free plan + paid), Tracktion Waveform (free plan + paid) and Cakewalk Sonar (free plan + paid) have a free option. Check each app's verified facts for current plan limits.
Is there an open-source alternative to GarageBand?
Yes: LMMS.
Which GarageBand alternatives work on Linux?
Tracktion Waveform and LMMS run on Linux.
Why do people switch from GarageBand?
The complaints we hear most: apple devices only; basic mixing and MIDI editing with no full mixer view; limited plugin and routing options.
How is this list ranked?
Every app is scored with the same published formula: how directly it replaces GarageBand, reviews (weighted by verification), visits from AppBreakup, how recently its facts were checked against its own website, and reader votes.