Tracktion Waveform
A cross-platform DAW with a free, unlimited edition and a paid Pro version.
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About Tracktion Waveform
Waveform is the DAW from Tracktion, the company behind the original Tracktion software. Its single-screen layout puts tracks, plugins and routing in one view, with plugins and effects added inline on each track, which some people find faster than traditional mixer-based DAWs. Waveform Free is one of the most generous free DAWs available: unlimited tracks, plugin support, MIDI editing and audio recording, without time limits or watermarks, on Windows, macOS and Linux, including Raspberry Pi-class machines. Waveform Pro adds more instruments, effects and sound content, video support, AI features and advanced editing tools, sold as a perpetual licence with a free 30-day trial and optional upgrades. Tracktion also sells many plugins and expansions. The interface's unconventional layout takes some getting used to, the free version lags behind Pro in features, and its user community is smaller than the big DAWs, so tutorials are harder to find.
Best for: Budget-conscious producers who want a free, unrestricted DAW on any desktop OS.
Pros and cons
What works
- Free edition with unlimited tracks and plugin support
- Runs on Windows, macOS and Linux
- Pro version has a 30-day trial
Why people leave
- Unconventional single-screen layout takes time to learn
- Smaller community than mainstream DAWs
- Many extras are sold separately
Top Tracktion Waveform alternatives
See all 5- 1
Cakewalk Sonar66.5Another free-to-start DAW, with a console-style mixer on Windows.
- 2ReREAPER62.6
Cheap and extremely flexible, with a 60-day evaluation.
- 3
Ardour59.6Open-source multitrack DAW for Linux, macOS and Windows.
- 4
LMMS57.2Free open-source alternative focused on patterns and synths.
- 5
Bitwig Studio55.3Commercial cross-platform DAW with clip launching and modulation.
Why people left Tracktion Waveform
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Tracktion Waveform: common questions
Is Tracktion Waveform free?
Tracktion Waveform has a free plan and paid plans. Free version: Fully featured, unlimited (checked on Tracktion Waveform's own site).
Is Tracktion Waveform open source?
No, Tracktion Waveform is not open source. Open-source alternatives include Ardour and LMMS.
What platforms does Tracktion Waveform run on?
Tracktion Waveform is available for Windows, macOS and Linux.
What are the best alternatives to Tracktion Waveform?
The highest-ranked Tracktion Waveform alternatives right now are Cakewalk Sonar, REAPER and Ardour. See the full ranked list for pricing, platforms and verified facts.