Do you really need a whole studio to make high-quality audio, or is the best music production software enough?
For beginners, the right music software can save you from buying expensive gear upfront. But, choosing your first digital audio workstation can feel challenging.
That’s why we’ve chosen 10 music making software, each built for different goals and creative styles, so you can find your perfect fit. Let’s get into it!
The Best Music Production Software For Creators
Here are some of the best music production software you can use to make your own tracks in 2025:
1. GarageBand
- Type: Digital Audio Workstation (DAW), Recording Software, Digital Instruments
- Platform: MacOS, iOS, iPadOS
- Best for: Mac Users, new creators who want to make intros, voiceovers, or social content easily
GarageBand is music-making software built with Apple’s simplicity. If you love how intuitive Mac apps feel, GarageBand will be instantly familiar. Uncluttered menus, drag-and-drop editing.
But what makes GarageBand stand out is the Apple ecosystem. You can start a project on your Mac and finish it on your iPhone, with everything synced through iCloud.
From there, you can share your music to TikTok via iMovie. No need to export it or use other apps.
Plus, it comes with free, royalty-free loops. So, you can make awesome, original audio without ever worrying about copyright.
Unique Features:
- Live Loops — Trigger loops in real time to build catchy tracks, perfect for intros or background music, even if you’re a beginner.
- Touch-based Smart Instruments — On your iPad or iPhone, play chords and melodies with your fingertips to create original tracks anywhere, no experience needed.
- Auto-play Drummer — Instantly add studio-quality drum beats to your projects. Set the perfect vibe without programming a single pattern.
- Direct Sharing to iMovie — Export your music from GarageBand, then import it into iMovie. Just drag the audio into your timeline to sync it with your video.
Related: Best Content Creator Tools
2. FL Studio
- Type: Digital Audio Workstation (DAW), Sampling, Digital Instruments
- Platform: Windows, MacOS
- Best for: Beatmakers and creators who want easy remixing and catchy music for content
FL Studio is all about getting creative and seeing results fast. Its colorful, visual layout is famous for making music production easy and fun, even if you’re just starting out.
You can build beats, remixes, or song ideas in minutes. Just drag samples, loops, or vocal lines into its step sequencer and watch your ideas come together as you work.
It’s made for experimenting. You can try out new patterns, add melodies, or tweak rhythms on the fly.
Whether you’re making a TikTok soundtrack or a podcast intro, FL Studio is one of the best music production software out there.
And it’s also great for streaming. Many video creators go live on Twitch, showing their FL Studio workflow while making music and chatting with their audience.
Unique Features:
- Step Sequencer — Create drum patterns and melodies in seconds. It lets you build infectious beats for your short videos or podcasts without any technical hassle.
- Plugin Ecosystem — Tap into a huge collection of synths and effects made for any genre, so you can shape the exact sound you imagine for your content.
- Lifetime Free Updates — You buy FL Studio once and get every future update free. It’s perfect if you’re on a budget.
- Performance Mode — Launch loops and sounds live. You can easily remix tracks during your streams or live recordings for dynamic content.
3. Ableton Live
- Type: Digital Audio Workstation (DAW), Recording, Sampling, Instruments
- Platform: Windows, MacOS
- Best for: Live performers, electronic musicians
Ableton Live is for creators who love spontaneity. That’s right. Why stick to a rigid workflow? You can jump between ideas, layer loops, or remix on the fly.
Start a project one way, then completely change it mid-stream. It’s perfect for quick TikTok hits, mashups, or on-the-spot remixes.
Drag in samples, record vocals, or tweak your sound without ever breaking your flow. Who needs a manual when your creativity is this fluid?
For streamers and podcasters, Ableton’s real-time control keeps live sound smooth. Why juggle multiple tools when your workflow can match your quick ideas?
Unique Features:
- Session View for Loop-Based Composition — You can launch and combine audio clips freely. It’s ideal for live jams and building social media-ready music on the fly.
- Audio Warp for Automatic Tempo Matching — Instantly sync your samples and recordings to your project’s tempo. It makes creating remixes and mashups smooth.
- Max for Live — You can design or download custom effects and instruments. This lets you push your music beyond the standard, opening up endless creative options.
4. Logic Pro
- Type: Digital Audio Workstation (DAW), Recording, Instruments
- Platform: MacOS
- Best for: Professional creators who want advanced music tools with streamlined workflows
If GarageBand is like riding a bike, then Logic Pro is like driving a sports car. If you’re a Mac user, you’ll love the upgrade. It keeps that clean Apple look but adds way more power.
Juggling multiple podcasts or explainer videos? Logic Pro keeps all your tracks, edits, and effects in check. There’s no creative chaos, just a smooth path to your finished content with this DAW.
And hunting background music can be a pain for some. Logic’s big library has new, royalty-free samples that sound great. You can make money from them, but only if they’re in your original tracks.
With this music making software, you don’t need to be a studio pro. You just get your audio sounding professional faster than you thought possible.
Unique Features:
- Huge Factory Sound Library (Royalty-Free) — You get thousands of pro loops and instruments, all cleared for you to use in monetized content.
- Smart Tempo — Instantly sync all your clips, beats, and dialogue so every mix sounds polished and perfectly on-beat.
- Advanced MIDI Editing — Create detailed film scores, podcast stingers, or YouTube jingles easily.
- Direct Integration with GarageBand Projects — Jump from beginner to advanced instantly. Just open your GarageBand files in Logic and keep creating without any barriers.
5. BandLab
- Type: Cloud-Based DAW
- Platform: Web, iOS, Android
- Best for: Content creators who want a free, browser-based music production software
Ever wish you could make music anywhere, even straight from your phone or a borrowed laptop? BandLab makes it happen.
This music software is web based. No need to install anything but it gives you a full digital audio workstation right in your browser.
The creative process feels more like social media than studio work. The magic happens in the cloud. You and your collaborators can work together instantly, tweak tracks, and add vocals
Simply put, this is one of the free music making software you can count on if you’re on a tight budget.
Unique Features:
- Built-In Mastering Suite — Make your audio sound professional with just one click. No extra plugins or services needed.
- Social Feed for Sharing and Remixing — Show off your work, find new music, and invite others to remix your track—all right inside BandLab.
- Mobile-Friendly on Any Device — Make music, edit podcasts, and post to socials right from your phone, tablet, or browser.
6. Reaper
- Type: DAW, Recording
- Platform: Windows, MacOS, Linux
- Best for: Music producers and podcasters
Ready to roll up your sleeves and really shape your sound? Then, Reaper is the DIY DAW for creators who love to customize.
You can set up your workflow, shortcuts, or layouts for each project. Whether stacking plugins or routing mics, Reaper makes the tech side feel as comfortable as your hoodie.
And if you’re looking for music software that loads fast, Reaper should be at the top of your list.
With its support for VST, VST3, and JSFX plugins, it’s perfect for musicians and sound designers who want to create unique audio without a subscription.
Unique Features:
- Swipe Comping — Quickly create the best vocal or instrument take by swiping across recordings. Easy for fast, polished edits.
- Parallel Routing — Set up multiple effects and instrument chains side-by-side. Perfect for trying out layered sounds or creative mixes easily.
- Track Lanes — Stack, hide, and edit different takes or mixes on one track. Makes comparing and fine-tuning simple, especially for complex projects.
7. Audacity
- Type: Recording Software, Audio Editor
- Platform: Windows, MacOS, Linux
- Best for: Podcasters, voiceover artists, and quick audio editing
Need a music making software that just works and is completely free? Audacity is your go-to editor for getting quick, reliable results.
It launches in seconds and runs smoothly, even on an older computer. You can jump right in, edit your audio, and get back to planning your next episode or track.
Are you a podcaster? Audacity can record interviews and solo takes on separate tracks, handle multiple mics, and make adding music or transitions a breeze.
If you’re a music maker, Audacity offers basic multitrack layering and effects ideal for demos or quick riffs. You can clean background noise, adjust volume, and export to your preferred file format.
Unique Features:
- Deep Audio Analysis — See waveforms, spectrograms, and track stats to help you spot issues and improve your audio before you hit play.
- Batch Processing & Macros — You can add your favorite effects or edits to dozens of files at once, saving you a ton of time if you’re editing a lot of content.
- Cloud Saving — Use built-in tools to back up your projects to the cloud, work with others remotely.
- Noise Reduction & Cleanup — Effortlessly clean up background hiss or hum, turning raw audio into polished, ready-to-publish content.
8. Cubase
- Type: DAW, Recording, Instruments
- Platform: Windows, MacOS
- Best for: Musicians
For free audio edits, Audacity works. But if you’re ready to invest anywhere from $99 for the Elements version up to $579 for the Pro version, Cubase can level up your content.
With visual MIDI and scoring editors, you can create hooks or backing tracks, even if you don’t read music. This helps you create catchy intros and engaging sound beds for your videos and streams.
Not only that, VariAudio pitch correction lets you tighten your vocals instantly. Whether you’re recording a TikTok hook or a YouTube intro, you’ll sound clear and professional.
And if you enjoy remixing, Cubase’s advanced sample editing lets you chop, reshape, and customize trending sounds to make them your own.
Unique Features:
- Expression Maps — You can change your instruments’ mood, so your background music or live streams can shift from dramatic to playful or mellow.
- Sampler Track — Drop in any sound (a clap, a vocal, a TikTok meme) and instantly play it as music or effects.
- MixConsole History — You can go back to any mix stage, undo some edits, and easily A/B test every change before you export your final content.
- Audio Alignment Panel — Instantly line up the timing of multiple instrumental tracks, making group performances sound natural.
9. Serato DJ Pro
- Type: DJ Software
- Platform: Windows, MacOS
- Best for: DJs, remixers, and live event creators
This isn’t your typical digital audio workstation. It’s DJ software built for spinning tracks, remixing beats, and rocking live events.
Serato DJ Pro is the go-to for easy mixing. It’s popular with streaming DJs, party hosts, and creators who want to have real control over their sets.
Its visual interface is all about speed and clarity. You can beatmatch, loop, and drop effects smoothly. Just connect a Serato-approved DJ controller, and you’re good to go.
If you love live energy, Serato’s hardware lets you scratch, flip, and trigger samples like real vinyl. Automated beatgrids keep your mix smooth so the crowd stays hyped
Unique Features:
- DVS for Digital Vinyl Control — Use real turntables to control your digital tracks, giving you classic DJ tricks with modern flexibility.
- Serato Flip Expansion Pack — Edit tracks or trigger samples live, so you can remix hits on the spot and keep your crowd engaged.
- Huge Plug-and-Play Controller Support — You can connect almost any DJ gear and start playing right away—no complicated setup or limits.
- Beatgrids for Automated Live Mixing — Automate your tempo and beat matching for smooth, energetic audio streams and live events.
10. Cakewalk
- Type: DAW, Recording
- Platform: Windows
- Best for: Windows creators needing a free, pro-grade DAW
How many free DAWs have a full studio-style mix console? Cakewalk by BandLab is one of the few Windows options that’s like those expensive paid programs.
Right from the start, Cakewalk’s Skylight interface lets you customize your workspace, keep your main tools handy, and arrange your views to fit your workflow.
Need punchy effects fast? ProChannel modules let you stack EQ, compression, and special effects or instantly pull up your favorite chains.
Unique Features:
- Advanced Mix Console Emulation — Try out a real studio mixer for free, with full visual channel strips and professional routing.
- Skylight Interface for Customization — Resize panels and customize layouts to make your workspace comfortable and powerful.
- ProChannel Modules — Drag and drop effects to get your mixes sounding radio-ready fast, perfect for quick turnarounds.
- BandLab Integration — Easily collaborate, share, and publish your music directly from your DAW to the cloud.
What Makes a Music Software Great?
Here’s what you should think about when choosing a music production software for your next content:
1. Ease of use
If a DAW is easy to use, you can just jump in and start creating in minutes. You want a layout that’s intuitive and uncluttered.
Clear labels and color-coded tracks help you find what you need quickly, which is important for newcomers making music for TikToks, podcasts, or YouTube without frustration.
2. Workflow Efficiency
You use music production software to make content quickly. So the last thing you want is to get lost just trying to do something simple, like duplicating a track.
Workflow efficiency starts with mastering the basics. This matters when you’re on a deadline to finish podcast audio or background music for your latest YouTube video.
3. Compatibility
Why does compatibility matter for your digital audio workstation? Well, if your music software can’t work with your mic and audio interface, what’s the point?
Check if your interface uses USB, USB-C, or Thunderbolt. Your computer needs the right ports, and your DAW should support ASIO drivers on Windows or Core Audio on Mac for optimal sound quality.
And, operating system compatibility matters. GarageBand runs on Macs. So, if you switch to a PC mid-project, you need to export your project as an MP3 first.
4. Sound Quality
No matter if you’re making music for Instagram Reels or selling your own songs, you need your audio to sound good right from the start.
It really on what’s already in your software, like the virtual instruments, effects, and sound libraries that sound professional. So you don’t have to go buy expensive extras.
5. Affordability
When you’re just starting out, affordability matters. You don’t want to spend $300 on software before you’re even sure if music production is your thing.
And can you actually pay for your music production software without maxing out your credit card?
Well, some music-making software costs a lot of money to buy at first. But there are also free ones or freemium versions where you can try all the premium features before you decide to buy.
6. Reliability
Reliability means the software works when you need it. No crashes, corrupted files, or lost work (out of the blue). Nothing slows you down more than buggy software, right?
That’s why, before choosing a DAW for your main creative work, you should read what other users say on Reddit and YouTube comments.
Also, make sure your system meets the requirements. If your computer doesn’t have the right processor or enough memory, your DAW will run slowly and freeze often.
7. Support
Support is your go-to when you’re stuck and need help, whether tutorials, forums, or customer assistance that gets results. As a content creator learning on the fly, quick answers matter.
Why Content Creators Should Know These DAWs
So, what are the reasons why you need to know music production software?
1. Helps You to Avoid Copyright Strikes and Claims
As a creator, avoiding copyright strikes has to be your top priority, and that’s where your DAW can save your day. With this music production software, you can make your own original tracks.
Think about it: if you don’t make your own music, you’re likely using internet tracks for intros or backgrounds. While you’re usually safe with free tracks, it’s a different story with copyrighted music.
2. You Can Create Custom Brand Sounds
Making your own music with a DAW lets you kill two birds with one stone. You’ll reduce the risk of copyright strikes and build a unique brand sound at the same time.
This is important whether you’re just starting out or are already a pro. No matter if you run a podcast, gaming channel, or TikTok series, your own intros and outros will help you stand out.
3. Monetize Your Content Without Restrictions
What if YouTube hits you with a copyright claim? A single claim won’t shut down your channel but prevents monetization on that video. A strike, though, could get your video taken down.
So why take the risk, especially when you’re trying to make money from ads, brand deals, or even fan donations?
If you’re serious about turning content creation into a business, every video should be easy to monetize with no strings attached.
4. Stream Music Production as Unique Content
Music-making isn’t just behind the scenes. Today, it’s prime content. Why not go live on Twitch with FL Studio, just like Hitgirl does?
You can produce beats, remix trending sounds, or share digital audio workstation tips real time.
People love watching creators make songs from scratch, or come up with the next big TikTok hook.
5. Sell Your Tracks for Extra Income
Just finished a track? Don’t let it sit there unused. Platforms like Gank let you sell your original music so you can earn more from your content.
Even a short 15-second jingle or a simple background score can make you money. A podcaster might pay for an exclusive intro. TikTok creators will grab your catchy beats.
6. Keep Production Costs Low Long-Term
Music licensing can drain your budget fast. But with music production software like Cakewalk, you can create unlimited professional-quality music without ongoing fees.
Not to mention that some DAWs give you unlimited audio and MIDI tracks, virtual instruments, and studio effects. So, you’re in full control of your music budget and your creativity.
7. Level Up Your Technical Skills
Learning music production isn’t just about making beats. As you get used to your DAW, you’ll learn editing, sound design, and mixing. All skills every creator needs.
Once you’re confident, you can freelance for other content creators and brands. People who know audio are always in demand. Or, you can offer your services with commission pay through Gank.
Wrapping Up: Finding Your Perfect Music Making Software
GarageBand, Ableton Live, Cubase. Those ten music-making software are perfect for any creator, whether you’re making a TikTok soundtrack, streaming on Twitch, or working on a YouTube video.
Start playing around with your favorite DAW and add some fresh energy to every post, intro, or story you share.
When you’re ready to level up, you can share and sell your work on Gank. Make money through exclusive sales, and custom music commissions from your biggest fans. Interested?
