GarageBand is a top-rated audio production software utility for macOS and iOS devices. So, it isn’t the best DAW for professional use, but if you want a portable DAW to play, learn, & record – GarageBand should help. Although, no matter how good it is, it’s still not available for Windows. Therefore, in this article, we will see if there is a way to use GarageBand for Windows & if there isn’t, then what are the GarageBand Alternatives.
Features Of GarageBand:
- Audio effect plugins.
- Synths with shape-shifting controls.
- Near-to-perfection Virtual Drummer Kit.
- Share finished songs via social networks.
- Tons of Loops from popular genres like EDM, Hip Hop, & more.
GarageBand For Windows – Is It Possible?
Even though many users try to find a way to download GarageBand for Windows – nothing works. So, recommend trying the alternatives instead of taking all the hassle to try using GarageBand in Windows. There is no official support – so it’s entirely useless for an experiment – because, for Audio production software utilities to work correctly, the software compatibility/hardware compatibility is essential (which isn’t present in this case).
Note this: Every alternative mentioned offers the same basic set of features required to make music. Well, They only differ in their quality of production, VSTs, plugin support, and some proprietary tools. Now, We have only mentioned the unique features for you to consider the best alternative for your use.
The Best GarageBand Alternatives for Windows PC
1:LMMS (Free)
Features: Playback instruments, Samples, plugin support, SoundFont support, & Open-Source.
The LMMS is a free and open-source, cross-platform digital audio workstation that is an easy GarageBand alternative for Windows. This features a modern, easy-to-use UI to let you efficiently operate it and create music. This software utility comes baked in with instrument and effect plugins, preset, sample loops, and VST. Although the VST database isn’t huge. Therefore, if you are into music production for essential covers, instrumentals, background score, and so on, LMMS should do the trick.
2: T6 DAW by Tracktion (Free)
Features: Advanced MIDI controls, Clip Nesting, In-line step sequencing.
The T6 DAW is a free GarageBand alternative for Windows. This is free with no in-app purchases. You can perform all the necessary music production stuff without spending a penny. But, if you want to utilize its rich plugin collection, enhanced virtual instruments, plus more, you will have to purchase them separately.
3: Pro Tools (Free/Paid)
Features: Advanced monitoring capabilities, Track freeze, Over 60 plugins included, Cloud collaboration.
This Pro tool is one of the best digital audio workstation available for professionals. If you are relatively new to the music creation scene, Pro Tools First version should be your preference, then which is available for free. You will get all the necessary tools to create a fantastic piece of music. The loop library will definitely be much smaller than the paid version – However, it’s doable. It is way better than GarageBand – for obvious reasons.
4: CUBASE Elements 9.5
Features: Unique Drum editor, Arranger Track, Chord Pads, Premium VSTs included, and Over 40 audio effect processors.
Well, CUBASE is one of the most popular GarageBand alternatives for Windows 10. This comes equipped with a lot of advanced tools. Well, The Cubase Elements edition is much more appropriate if you want to create music. Suppose you would like the ability to record vocals with effects, more VST support, and many other professional features, so Cubase Pro should be your selection.
But, unlike LMMS, Cubase isn’t free. All the other GarageBand Alternatives mentioned the below (except Tracktion 6 and Pro Tools free edition) would need a purchase. Well, In my opinion, if you want to create music forever (as a career/passion) – Cubase is worth purchasing. Suppose you have the budget (100 Euros), I would say that this is the GarageBand for Windows you have been looking for.
5: FL Studio 20
Features: Automation Control, Multi-track audio recording with quick pitch shifting, Over 80 plugins included, Multi-touch support, Mobile version available.
The FL Studio is a beast when it comes to creating music. This offers a massive library of loops, plugins, and instruments. Now, Depending on what edition you purchase, you will get the loop content, samples, plugins, and devices required for your project. Well, I wouldn’t recommend FL Studio’s fruity edition – thus, if you plan to get FL Studio to replace using GarageBand now, you should contact the producer edition at least.
6: Studio One
Features: MIDI sequence editor, Harmonic edition, Tuned for the best integration with PreSonus MIDI controller and other audio equipment from PreSonus.
The Studio One is yet another impressive GarageBand alternative for Windows. I have been using it personally (the Studio One Artist edition). It has been priced almost the same as Cubase’s editions. Suppose you want to utilize a limited but good VSTs, the artist version will suffice. However, if 3rd party VSTs are your preference, you will have to consider its pro version. So, Studio One supports a remote software for an iPad, Android tablet, or Windows tablet to allow you to control the audio workstation from your mobile. Therefore, it’s more flexible and convenient at times.
7: Ableton
Features: Instant mappings, Perfectly tuned for Novation MIDI controllers, Live community, Sampler.
The Ableton Live is the one you’d hear the most as a professional suggestion to have when you have a MIDI controller. As well, every DAW mentioned in this article is well-equipped with features to integrate a MIDI controller. But, Ableton Live seems to be a popular choice for that. If you have an Ableton Push device – that’s a plus. You will probably even forget why you would want GarageBand for Windows.
8: SONAR by Cakewalk
Features: MIDI routing support, Scripting, Automation, Control surfaces.
As well, SONAR is a quite similar digital audio workstation that can act as a powerful GarageBand replacement for Windows machines. Plus, it offers better/cheaper pricing plans – in case you do not want to spend a fortune to experiment in making music. This best thing about it is – you can try the software for 30 days without requiring to provide your credit card details. Therefore, yeah, it should be a great deal – when you already know what you are getting before purchasing it.
9: Mixcraft 8
Features: Integrated Melodyne Tuning software, iZotope mastering tools.
Acoustica’s Mixcraft 8 is a comprehensive tool to make music for all levels of creators. Plus, for beginners, it is a must-have GarageBand replacement for Windows. And, it isn’t heavy on the system resources – thus, if you also have an old laptop to experiment with, so you can give it a shot. As well, Compared to other DAWs, Mixcraft 8 is a quite cheaper Alternative with all the advanced program you can imagine for a music production software.
10: Reaper
Features: MIDI Notation Editor, Rescript (Create anything from simple macOS to complex new functionality), Real-time programming track while using a Video.
An immensely popular DAW, which is a budget alternative to other expensive music production software utilities. This comes baked in with almost every essential tool required for a professional to make music.
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Final Words :
So, We do realize that we cannot use GarageBand on Windows – because there’s no official support whatsoever. Plus, besides, GarageBand isn’t the best solution for you to create music. Yeah, it could come handy if you have a MacBook and an iPad. But, for Windows, the alternatives offer better and more robust features than GarageBand itself. Therefore, you should try the other options – and if you are a professional – Cubase, Studio One, Plus, Ableton Live would be my recommendation.