Top 10 Most Important Music Production Software
August 28 2025
Modern music production wouldn't be possible without DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations).
In this article, we explore the 10 most important Music Production Softwares in the industry, their advantages, disadvantages, prices, ease of use levels, and the artists who use them.
10. Reaper
REAPER is a digital audio workstation, MIDI sequencer, and video editing software created by Cockos.
It is capable of processing industry-standard audio and video media formats and is a compatible host for both 32-bit and 64-bit plug-in formats like VST and AU.
- Pros: Very lightweight, flexible, affordable, and cross-platform.
- Cons: Less polished interface.
- Price: USD 60 (personal license).
- Versions: Commercial and personal (functionally identical).
- Artists: Mike Shinoda, Deadmau5, Hans Zimmer.
- Ease of use: Medium.
- Learning curve: Medium to high.
- Native plugins: Numerous integrated FX.
- Included libraries: Basic.
- Online tools: ReaPack community, advanced scripts.
9. Reason
Reason is a digital audio workstation and audio plug-in developed by the Swedish company Reason Studios (formerly known as Propellerhead Software). Its interface is highly visual and based on a modular rack system, resembling a physical hardware environment.
- Pros: Very creative; excellent for modular sound design.
- Cons: Less practical for traditional recording.
- Price: Variable, includes Reason+ subscription.
- Versions: Reason Intro, Reason, Reason+.
- Artists: KSHMR, MGMT, The Prodigy.
- Ease of use: Medium.
- Learning curve: Medium to high.
- Native plugins: Highly creative.
- Included libraries: Good level.
- Online tools: Rack Extensions.
https://www.reasonstudios.com/
8. GarageBand
GarageBand is an Apple software application for macOS, iPadOS, and iOS devices that allows users to create music or podcasts.
It is a lighter, amateur-oriented version of Logic Pro.
It allows users to create multiple tracks with software synthesizer presets (which can be played on a MIDI keyboard and/or sequenced in a piano roll), predefined and user-created loops, a variety of effects, and voice recordings.
- Pros: Free on Mac; ideal for beginners.
- Cons: Very limited for professionals.
- Price: Free.
- Versions: Standard (Apple).
- Artists: Used only as a starting point.
- Ease of use: Very high.
- Learning curve: Very low.
- Native plugins: Basic.
- Included libraries: Suitable for getting started.
- Online tools: Apple Loops.
https://www.apple.com/mx/mac/garageband/
7. Logic Pro
It is a software application for editing audio tracks and MIDI that works exclusively on the macOS platform.
Its primary use is in the production of Electronic Music, Hip Hop, and Pop, although it is also used in the production of Rock, Orchestral Music, and Film.
- Pros: Powerful on Mac; extremely high-quality native plugins; affordable price.
- Cons: Only available on macOS.
- Price: USD 199 (one-time purchase).
- Versions: One official version.
- Artists: Billie Eilish, Calvin Harris, Pharrell Williams.
- Ease of use: High.
- Learning curve: Medium.
- Native plugins: Professional level.
- Included libraries: Huge and varied.
- Online tools: Apple Sound Library.
https://www.apple.com/mx/logic-pro/
6. Studio One
Studio One (formally known as Studio One Pro) is a digital audio workstation (DAW) application, used to create, record, mix, and master music and other audio, with functionality also available for video.
Initially developed as a successor to the KRISTAL Audio Engine, it was acquired by PreSonus and first released in 2009 for macOS and Microsoft Windows. PreSonus and Studio One were later acquired by Fender in 2021.
- Pros: Very intuitive drag-and-drop workflow; integration with PreSonus hardware.
- Cons: Less used in professional mixing environments.
- Price: Varies by version (Prime free, Artist, Professional).
- Versions: Prime, Artist, Professional.
- Artists: Teddy Riley, Jordan Rudess, BT.
- Ease of use: High.
- Learning curve: Medium.
- Native plugins: Good and modern.
- Included libraries: Decent.
- Online tools: PreSonus Exchange.
https://intl.presonus.com/pages/studio-one-pro
5. FL Studio
FL Studio is a digital audio workstation (DAW) developed by the Belgian company Image-Line. Originally released in 1997 as Fruity Loops, it has evolved over the years and is now one of the most popular DAWs in the world of music production.
Its interface is intuitive and easy to use, making it a popular choice among electronic music and hip-hop producers.
- Pros: Very easy for beatmaking; free lifetime updates.
- Cons: Less ideal for live recordings.
- Price: USD 99 to USD 499.
- Versions: Fruity, Producer, All Plugins.
- Artists: Martin Garrix, Avicii, Porter Robinson.
- Ease of use: Very high.
- Learning curve: Low to medium.
- Native plugins: Numerous and powerful.
- Included libraries: Extensive.
- Online tools: Very active community.
4. Bitwig Studio
It is a digital audio workstation (DAW) developed by Bitwig GmbH and former Ableton Live developers and Electronic Music producers. Launched in 2014, it has stood out for its modular approach and flexibility. Initially, it was a direct competitor to Ableton Live, but today it has found its own niche.
- Pros: Excellent on Linux; modular and flexible approach.
- Cons: Smaller community.
- Price: ~USD 399.
- Versions: One full version.
- Artists: JPEGMAFIA, Apparat, Robert Lippok.
- Ease of use: Medium.
- Learning curve: High.
- Native plugins: Very good and modulable.
- Included libraries: Basic.
- Online tools: The Grid (modular environment).
3. Ableton Live
It is a digital audio workstation (DAW) developed by Ableton AG. First launched in 2001, it has become one of the most popular DAWs, especially in the field of Electronic Music and live performances.
Widely used in tutorials, especially on YouTube, which makes it a reference for many producers, especially in teaching Modern Electronic Music production.
- Pros: Fluid, fast, ideal for live performance; excellent workflow.
- Cons: High price; somewhat cluttered interface.
- Price: From USD 99 (Intro) to USD 749 (Suite).
- Versions: Intro, Standard, Suite.
- Artists: Skrillex, Deadmau5, David Guetta.
- Ease of use: High.
- Learning curve: Medium.
- Native plugins: Excellent quality.
- Included libraries: Very good.
- Online tools: Max for Live, Ableton Push.
2. Cubase
It is a digital audio workstation (DAW) developed by Steinberg. First launched in 1989, it has been a pillar in music production, especially in audio recording and editing.
Its enormous quantity of native plugins for both production and mixing and mastering make it one of the most complete DAWs on the market.
It stands out for its audio, MIDI, and especially scoring (musical notation) editing tools, ideal for professional recording studio work as well as for Electronic Music, Hip Hop, and Film.
- Pros: Complete handling of recording, mixing, and MIDI; ideal for multimedia scoring.
- Cons: Steep learning curve; dense interface.
- Price: From USD 99 (Elements), USD 339 (Artist), USD 579 (Pro).
- Versions: Elements, Artist, Pro.
- Artists: Infected Mushroom, Astrix, Deadmau5.
- Ease of use: Medium.
- Learning curve: Medium to high.
- Native plugins: Very complete.
- Included libraries: Good set of sounds.
- Online tools: Steinberg Hub.
https://www.steinberg.net/en/cubase/
1. Pro Tools
If we talk about audio recording and editing software, Pro Tools is the industry standard. It is a digital audio workstation or DAW, a multi-track audio and MIDI recording, editing, and mixing platform that integrates hardware and software. It is considered an industry standard as it is widely used for recording, editing, and mixing in professional studios and post-production, used worldwide. Used in Rock, Pop, Hip Hop, and less commonly in Electronic Music.
- Pros: Industry standard in professional studios; excellent for audio recording and editing.
- Cons: Very expensive; somewhat outdated interface.
- Price: USD 599 one-time purchase or USD 30/month subscription.
- Versions: Pro Tools Standard and Pro Tools Ultimate.
- Famous Artists: Mike Crossey (The 1975, Foals), Chris Lord-Alge (Muse, Green Day), Bon Iver.
- Ease of use: Medium to low.
- Learning curve: High.
- Native plugins: Good selection.
- Included libraries: Basic.
- Online tools: Avid Cloud Collaboration.
https://www.avid.com/pro-tools
Comparative Summary
| DAW | Ease of use | Learning curve | Native plugins | Included libraries | Featured artists |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pro Tools | Medium-low | High | Good | Medium | Bon Iver, Muse |
| Cubase | Medium | Medium-high | Complete | Medium | Astrix, Deadmau5 |
| Bitwig Studio | Medium | High | Very good | Medium | JPEGMAFIA |
| Ableton Live | High | Medium | Excellent | Very good | Skrillex, Deadmau5 |
| FL Studio | Very high | Low-medium | Excellent | Extensive | Martin Garrix |
| Studio One | High | Medium | Good | Decent | Teddy Riley |
| Logic Pro | High | Medium | Excellent | Huge | Billie Eilish |
| GarageBand | Very high | Very low | Basic | Sufficient | Beginners |
| Reason | Medium | Medium-high | Very good | Good | KSHMR, Prodigy |
| Reaper | Medium | Medium-high | Good | Basic | Hans Zimmer |
Conclusion
The Best DAW Choice depends on each producer's music style, budget, and workflow.
While some like GarageBand or FL Studio are accessible and easy to learn, others like Pro Tools or Cubase become professional studio standards.
I recommend trying them before buying, so you can find the one that best suits your needs and music production style.
So go produce your next musical hit! 😉👍