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 |
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PreSonus Studio One 5 Artist |
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PreSonus S15-PRO-CARD Studio One 5 Professional Download Card |
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Akai MIDImix Portable Mixer/DAW Controller |
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PreSonus Studio One 5 Professional |
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fl Studio Fruity Edition |
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Ableton Live 10 Standard |
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PreSonus Studio One 5 Professional Upgrade from Artist Download Card |
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PreSonus Studio One 5 Professional Upgrade from Professional/Producer |
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Reason 11 Suite |
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PreSonus Studio One 5 Professional Upgrade from Professional/Producer (Boxed Version) |
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PreSonus Studio One 5 Professional – Upgrade from Artist (any Version) |
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PreSonus Studio One 5 Artist Upgrade from Artist |
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Image Line fl Studio 20 Producer Edition (Download) |
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Image Line fl Studio Fruity Edition |
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Avid – Pro Tools – Perpetual License |
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Reason Studios Upgrade to Reason 11 EDU 5-User Network Multi-License (Boxed) |
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PreSonus Studio One 6 Professional Card DAW Software, Download Card |
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PreSonus Studio One 5 Artist (Download) |
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PreSonus Studio One 6 Professional Music Production Software |
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- 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.
- 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.
- Product Information.
- Total Mixing Performance in a Small Package.
- The On-Site Mixing Problem Solved!
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- Comprehensive bundle of instruments
- Lightweight version of FL Studio specifically designed for sequencing and arranging virtual instruments
- Improved I/O setup and monitoring/Auto Down-mixing, unlimited busses, in-app plug-in purchases & Rentals, stability improvements
- Instruments and Effects
- Reason Rack Plugin
- Reason as a studio
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- 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
2. 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
- 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
4. 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
- 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
6. 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
7. 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
- 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
- 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
10. 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)
- 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
- 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)
- 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
14. 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
- 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
16. 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
- 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)
- 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
- 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
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
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.