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Best Free Daws For Beginners (2024 Updated)

There are a few different ways to get started with digital audio production without spending any money. One way is to use a free, open source DAW (digital audio workstation) such as Audacity or Ardour.

These programs are powerful and have a learning curve, but they are free to download and use.

Another way to get started is to use a free trial of a paid DAW. Most paid DAWs offer a free trial period, usually around 30 days. This is a great way to try out a program and see if it’s a good fit for you before you commit to buying it.

Finally, some companies offer free versions of their paid DAWs with reduced features. For example, PreSonus offers a free version of their Studio One DAW that can be upgraded to the full version at any time.

So, there are a few different ways to get started with digital audio production without spending any money. Do some research and find the option that best suits your needs and budget.

20 Best Free Daws For Beginners

Product Image Product Name Features Price

PreSonus Studio One 5 Artist

  • Our most personal upgrade yet.
  • Subtle (and not-so-subtle) user interface improvements combine with powerful customization features to free your mind for music and stay focused.

PreSonus S15-PRO-CARD Studio One 5 Professional Download Card

  • Our most personal upgrade yet.
  • Subtle (and not-so-subtle) user interface improvements combine with powerful customization features to free your mind for music and stay focused.

Akai MIDImix Portable Mixer/DAW Controller

  • Product Information.
  • Total Mixing Performance in a Small Package.
  • The On-Site Mixing Problem Solved!

PreSonus Studio One 5 Professional

  • Our most personal upgrade yet.
  • Subtle (and not-so-subtle) user interface improvements combine with powerful customization features to free your mind for music and stay focused.

fl Studio Fruity Edition

  • The Channel Options Menu have moved from the Toolbar Menus to the Channel rack Channel settings
  • Have been integrated into the Plugin Wrapper (no more Channel settings pop-up) Pattern Menu

Ableton Live 10 Standard

  • Standard

PreSonus Studio One 5 Professional Upgrade from Artist Download Card

  • Our most personal upgrade yet.
  • Subtle (and not-so-subtle) user interface improvements combine with powerful customization features to free your mind for music and stay focused.

PreSonus Studio One 5 Professional Upgrade from Professional/Producer

  • Our most personal upgrade yet.
  • Subtle (and not-so-subtle) user interface improvements combine with powerful customization features to free your mind for music and stay focused.

Reason 11 Suite

  • Upgrade to Reason 11 Suite for Reason 1-10 owners.
  • Use it as a plugin (VST3/AU/AAX) in your favorite DAW or produce music in Reason standalone.

PreSonus Studio One 5 Professional Upgrade from Professional/Producer (Boxed Version)

  • Our most personal upgrade yet.
  • Subtle (and not-so-subtle) user interface improvements combine with powerful customization features to free your mind for music and stay focused.

PreSonus Studio One 5 Professional – Upgrade from Artist (any Version)

  • Our most personal upgrade yet.
  • Subtle (and not-so-subtle) user interface improvements combine with powerful customization features to free your mind for music and stay focused.

PreSonus Studio One 5 Artist Upgrade from Artist

  • Our most personal upgrade yet.
  • Subtle (and not-so-subtle) user interface improvements combine with powerful customization features to free your mind for music and stay focused.

Image Line fl Studio 20 Producer Edition (Download)

  • The Channel Options Menu have moved from the Toolbar Menus to the Channel rack Channel settings
  • Have been integrated into the Plugin Wrapper (no more Channel settings pop-up) Pattern Menu

Image Line fl Studio Fruity Edition

  • Comprehensive bundle of instruments
  • Lightweight version of FL Studio specifically designed for sequencing and arranging virtual instruments

Avid – Pro Tools – Perpetual License

  • Improved I/O setup and monitoring/Auto Down-mixing, unlimited busses, in-app plug-in purchases & Rentals, stability improvements

Reason Studios Upgrade to Reason 11 EDU 5-User Network Multi-License (Boxed)

  • Instruments and Effects
  • Reason Rack Plugin
  • Reason as a studio

PreSonus Studio One 6 Professional Card DAW Software, Download Card

  • Our most personal upgrade yet.
  • Subtle (and not-so-subtle) user interface improvements combine with powerful customization features to free your mind for music and stay focused.

PreSonus Studio One 5 Artist (Download)

  • Our most personal upgrade yet.
  • Subtle (and not-so-subtle) user interface improvements combine with powerful customization features to free your mind for music and stay focused.

PreSonus Studio One 6 Professional Music Production Software

  • The only DAW that lets you record, mix, produce, compose, master, and perform all from a single, intuitive application.
  • Available standalone or as part of a PreSonus Sphere membership.
PreSonus Studio One 5 Artist
  • Our most personal upgrade yet.
  • Subtle (and not-so-subtle) user interface improvements combine with powerful customization features to free your mind for music and stay focused.
PreSonus S15-PRO-CARD Studio One 5 Professional Download Card
  • Our most personal upgrade yet.
  • Subtle (and not-so-subtle) user interface improvements combine with powerful customization features to free your mind for music and stay focused.
Akai MIDImix Portable Mixer/DAW Controller
  • Product Information.
  • Total Mixing Performance in a Small Package.
  • The On-Site Mixing Problem Solved!
PreSonus Studio One 5 Professional
  • Our most personal upgrade yet.
  • Subtle (and not-so-subtle) user interface improvements combine with powerful customization features to free your mind for music and stay focused.
fl Studio Fruity Edition
  • The Channel Options Menu have moved from the Toolbar Menus to the Channel rack Channel settings
  • Have been integrated into the Plugin Wrapper (no more Channel settings pop-up) Pattern Menu
Ableton Live 10 Standard
  • Standard
PreSonus Studio One 5 Professional Upgrade from Artist Download Card
  • Our most personal upgrade yet.
  • Subtle (and not-so-subtle) user interface improvements combine with powerful customization features to free your mind for music and stay focused.
PreSonus Studio One 5 Professional Upgrade from Professional/Producer
  • Our most personal upgrade yet.
  • Subtle (and not-so-subtle) user interface improvements combine with powerful customization features to free your mind for music and stay focused.
Reason 11 Suite
  • Upgrade to Reason 11 Suite for Reason 1-10 owners.
  • Use it as a plugin (VST3/AU/AAX) in your favorite DAW or produce music in Reason standalone.
PreSonus Studio One 5 Professional Upgrade from Professional/Producer (Boxed Version)
  • Our most personal upgrade yet.
  • Subtle (and not-so-subtle) user interface improvements combine with powerful customization features to free your mind for music and stay focused.
PreSonus Studio One 5 Professional – Upgrade from Artist (any Version)
  • Our most personal upgrade yet.
  • Subtle (and not-so-subtle) user interface improvements combine with powerful customization features to free your mind for music and stay focused.
PreSonus Studio One 5 Artist Upgrade from Artist
  • Our most personal upgrade yet.
  • Subtle (and not-so-subtle) user interface improvements combine with powerful customization features to free your mind for music and stay focused.
Image Line fl Studio 20 Producer Edition (Download)
  • The Channel Options Menu have moved from the Toolbar Menus to the Channel rack Channel settings
  • Have been integrated into the Plugin Wrapper (no more Channel settings pop-up) Pattern Menu
Image Line fl Studio Fruity Edition
  • Comprehensive bundle of instruments
  • Lightweight version of FL Studio specifically designed for sequencing and arranging virtual instruments
Avid – Pro Tools – Perpetual License
  • Improved I/O setup and monitoring/Auto Down-mixing, unlimited busses, in-app plug-in purchases & Rentals, stability improvements
Reason Studios Upgrade to Reason 11 EDU 5-User Network Multi-License (Boxed)
  • Instruments and Effects
  • Reason Rack Plugin
  • Reason as a studio
PreSonus Studio One 6 Professional Card DAW Software, Download Card
  • Our most personal upgrade yet.
  • Subtle (and not-so-subtle) user interface improvements combine with powerful customization features to free your mind for music and stay focused.
PreSonus Studio One 5 Artist (Download)
  • Our most personal upgrade yet.
  • Subtle (and not-so-subtle) user interface improvements combine with powerful customization features to free your mind for music and stay focused.
PreSonus Studio One 6 Professional Music Production Software
  • The only DAW that lets you record, mix, produce, compose, master, and perform all from a single, intuitive application.
  • Available standalone or as part of a PreSonus Sphere membership.

1. PreSonus Studio One 5 Artist

PreSonus Studio One 5 Artist

  • Our most personal upgrade yet.
  • Subtle (and not-so-subtle) user interface improvements combine with powerful customization features to free your mind for music and stay focused.
  • Smart Templates.
  • Faster Starts.

Check Latest Price

Sold By Price
Amazon.com
eBay – samashdirect
Walmart – Sam Ash Music Direct
Adorama

Product Details

Specifications

Details
Windows from 10 (64-Bit)
min Space on HD (GB) 20 GB
Display 1366 x 768
Additional System requirements ASIO-comp. Audiointerface (Windows)
max. Samplerate (kHz) 384 kHz

Reviews From Real Customers

zzounds.com
Greg S

2. PreSonus S15-PRO-CARD Studio One 5 Professional Download Card

PreSonus S15-PRO-CARD Studio One 5 Professional Download Card

  • Our most personal upgrade yet.
  • Subtle (and not-so-subtle) user interface improvements combine with powerful customization features to free your mind for music and stay focused.
  • Smart Templates.
  • Faster Starts.

Check Latest Price

Sold By Price
Amazon.com
eBay – azproaudio
Walmart – Sam Ash Music Direct
Adorama

Product Details

Specifications

Details
License validity perpetual
Windows from 10 (64-Bit)
min Space on HD (GB) 40 GB
Display 1366 x 768
Additional System requirements ASIO-comp. Audiointerface (Windows)

3. Akai MIDImix Portable Mixer/DAW Controller

Akai MIDImix Portable Mixer/DAW Controller

  • Product Information.
  • Total Mixing Performance in a Small Package.
  • The On-Site Mixing Problem Solved!

Check Latest Price

Sold By Price
Amazon.com
Walmart
B&H Photo-Video-Audio
AmericanMusical.com

Product Details

Specifications

Details
Style DJ Equipment
Minimum processor speed 1250 MHz
Minimum RAM 1029 MB
Windows operating systems supported Y
Mac operating systems supported Y

Reviews From Real Customers

Mr G. L.
James M.
Joseph S.

4. PreSonus Studio One 5 Professional

PreSonus Studio One 5 Professional

  • Our most personal upgrade yet.
  • Subtle (and not-so-subtle) user interface improvements combine with powerful customization features to free your mind for music and stay focused.
  • Smart Templates.
  • Faster Starts.

Check Latest Price

Sold By Price
Amazon
eBay – emusic123
Adorama
Dale Pro Audio

Product Details

Specifications

Details
Software Type DAW
Platform Mac, PC
Upgrade/Full Full
Bit Depth 64-bit
OS Requirements – Mac macOS 10.13 or later

5. fl Studio Fruity Edition

fl Studio Fruity Edition

  • The Channel Options Menu have moved from the Toolbar Menus to the Channel rack Channel settings
  • Have been integrated into the Plugin Wrapper (no more Channel settings pop-up) Pattern Menu
  • VST plugin installation & discovery improved and simplified Fruity Formula Controller
  • Updated, new UI Fruity Envelope Controller
  • Updated, 8 Articulators, Mod X/Y env, Smart Knobs, New UI Fruity Keyboard Controller

Check Latest Price

Sold By Price
Amazon
Walmart – K&S Music, Inc
Sweetwater
Pixel Pro Audio

Product Details

Reviews From Real Customers

Kurt Chism
OMG L33
Max Carrion / Electromaxtatic

6. Ableton Live 10 Standard

Ableton Live 10 Standard

  • Standard

Check Latest Price

Sold By Price
Amazon
Reverb

Product Details

Specifications

Details
Technical feature spec / compatibility Nondestructive editing with unlimited undo

Reviews From Real Customers

ROB
kishan2004
Ryan

7. PreSonus Studio One 5 Professional Upgrade from Artist Download Card

PreSonus Studio One 5 Professional Upgrade from Artist Download Card

  • Our most personal upgrade yet.
  • Subtle (and not-so-subtle) user interface improvements combine with powerful customization features to free your mind for music and stay focused.
  • Smart Templates.
  • Faster Starts.

Check Latest Price

Sold By Price
Amazon
eBay
Walmart – Audiosavings
B&H Photo Video Audio

Product Details

Specifications

Details
License Type Upgrade
License Length Perpetual License
Number of Users Supported 5
Number of Devices Supported 5
Supported Operating Systems macOS 10. or Later Windows 10

8. PreSonus Studio One 5 Professional Upgrade from Professional/Producer

PreSonus Studio One 5 Professional Upgrade from Professional/Producer

  • Our most personal upgrade yet.
  • Subtle (and not-so-subtle) user interface improvements combine with powerful customization features to free your mind for music and stay focused.
  • Smart Templates.
  • Faster Starts.

Check Latest Price

Sold By Price
Amazon
eBay – emusic123
Adorama
B&H Photo-Video-Audio

Product Details

Specifications

Details
Software Type DAW
Platform Mac, PC
Upgrade/Full Upgrade
Bit Depth 64-bit
OS Requirements – Mac macOS 10.13 or later

9. Reason 11 Suite

Reason 11 Suite

  • Upgrade to Reason 11 Suite for Reason 1-10 owners.
  • Use it as a plugin (VST3/AU/AAX) in your favorite DAW or produce music in Reason standalone.
  • 28 premium instruments and 31 audio effects.
  • Huge sound banks with more than 29000 device patches, loops and samples.
  • Reason Suite sets you on course with a formidable collection of instruments, effects and other music making tools–more than 70 devices in total!

Check Latest Price

Sold By Price
Amazon
eBay – creativedreamware
Walmart – UnbeatableSale
Best Buy

Product Details

Specifications

Details
Software Format Physical
Software Subject Audio conversion, Audio editing
Bit Version 64-bit
Compatible File Formats AIFF, MIDI, MP3, WAV
Compatible File Types MP3, WAV

Reviews From Real Customers

Reviewed by Andertons Music Co. customer
Scott F.
Izell Walker

10. PreSonus Studio One 5 Professional Upgrade from Professional/Producer (Boxed Version)

PreSonus Studio One 5 Professional Upgrade from Professional/Producer (Boxed Version)

  • Our most personal upgrade yet.
  • Subtle (and not-so-subtle) user interface improvements combine with powerful customization features to free your mind for music and stay focused.
  • Smart Templates.
  • Faster Starts.

Check Latest Price

Sold By Price
Amazon
B&H Photo Video Audio
Adorama
Dale Pro Audio

Product Details

Specifications

Details
License Type Upgrade
License Length Perpetual License
Number of Users Supported 5
Number of Devices Supported 5
Memory Requirement 4 GB (8 GB Recommended)

11. PreSonus Studio One 5 Professional – Upgrade from Artist (any Version)

PreSonus Studio One 5 Professional - Upgrade from Artist (any Version)

  • Our most personal upgrade yet.
  • Subtle (and not-so-subtle) user interface improvements combine with powerful customization features to free your mind for music and stay focused.
  • Smart Templates.
  • Faster Starts.

Check Latest Price

Sold By Price
Amazon
eBay – emusic123
Adorama
Percussion Source

Product Details

Specifications

Details
License Type Upgrade
License Length Perpetual License
Number of Users Supported 5
Number of Devices Supported 5
Supported Operating Systems macOS 10. or Later Windows 10

12. PreSonus Studio One 5 Artist Upgrade from Artist

PreSonus Studio One 5 Artist Upgrade from Artist

  • Our most personal upgrade yet.
  • Subtle (and not-so-subtle) user interface improvements combine with powerful customization features to free your mind for music and stay focused.
  • Smart Templates.
  • Faster Starts.

Check Latest Price

Sold By Price
Amazon
Adorama
ADK Video Editing
Percussion Source

Product Details

Specifications

Details
License Type Upgrade
License Length Perpetual License
Number of Users Supported 5
Number of Devices Supported 5
Supported Operating Systems macOS 10. or Later Windows 10

13. Image Line fl Studio 20 Producer Edition (Download)

Image Line fl Studio 20 Producer Edition (Download)

  • The Channel Options Menu have moved from the Toolbar Menus to the Channel rack Channel settings
  • Have been integrated into the Plugin Wrapper (no more Channel settings pop-up) Pattern Menu
  • VST plugin installation & discovery improved and simplified Fruity Formula Controller
  • Updated, new UI Fruity Envelope Controller
  • Updated, 8 Articulators, Mod X/Y env, Smart Knobs, New UI Fruity Keyboard Controller

Check Latest Price

Sold By Price
Amazon
Guitar Center
Woodwind & Brasswind
Musicians Friend

Product Details

Reviews From Real Customers

Unhappy Customer

14. Image Line fl Studio Fruity Edition

Image Line fl Studio Fruity Edition

  • Comprehensive bundle of instruments
  • Lightweight version of FL Studio specifically designed for sequencing and arranging virtual instruments
  • Piano roll editor and unlimited tracks for VST or DXi instruments
  • Powerful Step Sequencer with 4 to 64 notes per pattern

Check Latest Price

Sold By Price
Amazon
eBay

Product Details

Specifications

Details
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer No
Product Dimensions 9.65 x 8.07 x 1.77 inches; 9.92 Ounces

15. Avid – Pro Tools – Perpetual License

Avid - Pro Tools - Perpetual License

  • Improved I/O setup and monitoring/Auto Down-mixing, unlimited busses, in-app plug-in purchases & Rentals, stability improvements
  • VCA masters, disk Cache, advanced metering, gain reduction metering and Avid Annual plan, including new plug-in bundle
  • No iLok required
  • Create big, great-sounding mixes

Check Latest Price

Sold By Price
Amazon
eBay
Best Buy
Avid

Product Details

Specifications

Details
Category Creativity application – music or sound creation
Product Type Box pack
Platform Windows, MacOS
Bundled Support 1 Year Software Updates and Support
Distribution Media Activation card

Reviews From Real Customers

americanmusical.com
Stevie Mixx
Mac

16. Reason Studios Upgrade to Reason 11 EDU 5-User Network Multi-License (Boxed)

Reason Studios Upgrade to Reason 11 EDU 5-User Network Multi-License (Boxed)

  • Instruments and Effects
  • Reason Rack Plugin
  • Reason as a studio
  • Made in: Sweden

Check Latest Price

Sold By Price
eBay
B&H Photo Video Audio
Guitar Center
Woodwind & Brasswind

Product Details

17. PreSonus Studio One 6 Professional Card DAW Software, Download Card

PreSonus Studio One 6 Professional Card DAW Software, Download Card

  • Our most personal upgrade yet.
  • Subtle (and not-so-subtle) user interface improvements combine with powerful customization features to free your mind for music and stay focused.
  • Smart Templates.
  • Faster Starts.

Check Latest Price

Sold By Price
Full Compass Systems

Product Details

Specifications

Details
OUR PART S16-PRO-CARD

18. PreSonus Studio One 5 Artist (Download)

PreSonus Studio One 5 Artist (Download)

  • Our most personal upgrade yet.
  • Subtle (and not-so-subtle) user interface improvements combine with powerful customization features to free your mind for music and stay focused.
  • Smart Templates.
  • Faster Starts.

Check Latest Price

Sold By Price
Adorama
ADK Pro Audio
Front End Audio
Percussion Source

Product Details

Specifications

Details
License Type Standard
License Length Perpetual License
Number of Users Supported 5
Number of Devices Supported 5
Supported Operating Systems macOS 10. or Later Windows 10

19. PreSonus Studio One 6 Professional Music Production Software

PreSonus Studio One 6 Professional Music Production Software

  • The only DAW that lets you record, mix, produce, compose, master, and perform all from a single, intuitive application.
  • Available standalone or as part of a PreSonus Sphere membership.
  • Intuitive single-window work environment with quick and easy drag-and-drop functionality and multi-touch support.
  • Unlimited audio and instrument tracks, advanced automation features, virtual instruments, buses, and FX channels.
  • NEW! Vocoder and De-Esser join the Studio One Professional Native plug-in suite. 39 Native effects plug-ins included.

Check Latest Price

Sold By Price
Best Service COM
B&H Photo-Video-Audio
Full Compass Systems
The FX Chain

Product Details

Specifications

Details
License Type Standard
License Length Perpetual License
Number of Users Supported 5
Number of Devices Supported 5
Memory Requirement 4 GB (8 GB Recommended)

20. Steinberg Cubase Elements 12 Software

Steinberg Cubase Elements 12 Software

Check Latest Price

Sold By Price
Guitar Center
Sam Ash
Woodwind & Brasswind
Full Compass Systems

Product Details

Specifications

Details
Graohics minimum Graphics card with native Windows 10 support
Graphics Graphics card with Metal support
CPU cores 4 or more
RAM minimum 8 GB
Hard disk free space for installation 1 GB

Reviews From Real Customers

Reviewed by Absolute Music customer

Conclusion

There are a lot of great free DAWs for beginners. Some of our favorites include Reaper, Cakewalk by BandLab, and Tracktion Waveform. All of these DAWs are great for getting started with music production.

Reaper is a great free DAW for beginners because it is very user-friendly and has a lot of great features. Cakewalk by BandLab is another great free DAW for beginners. It is very user-friendly and has a lot of great features.

Tracktion Waveform is a great free DAW for beginners because it is very user-friendly and has a lot of great features.

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