Are you a Windows user who’s been tempted by talk of GarageBand? There are great Windows compatible programs and apps which can do as much, if not more. Here are the best alternatives to Apple’s music production software that you can run on your PC.

1. LMMS

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Open-source production software with a bevy of built-in samples and instruments.

The LMMS project is the work of a volunteer development team committed to making an open-source, cross-platform music production suite. It is a flexible and powerful tool that will get you up and running in no time at all. All at the bargain price of free.

LMMS sports a good variety of software instruments. Samples and effects are pre-loaded, which allows you to get up and running straight away. The interface could be clearer. Even then, it’s easy to use the instruments and make beats by experimenting.

Synthesizers are played via musical typing, mapping the computer keyboard to notes on the instrument. Drum sequencing is made easy with a visual mapping tool. While live recording isn’t possible, LMMS comes loaded with an impressive array of samples. External samples are also supported. So if you are using your phone to make recordings5 Feature-Rich iPhone Voice Recorder Apps5 Feature-Rich iPhone Voice Recorder AppsThese iPhone voice recorder apps provide much more functionality than the built-in Voice Memos. Try one of them for better syncing, editing, and more.Read More, you can import them into LMMS and use them.

Building tracks piece by piece is where LMMS shines, and Fruityloops/FL Studio users will find it very familiar. LMMS has an online forum with an active community and a yearly “Best of LMMS” competition!

Download: LMMS for Windows | macOS | Linux (Free)

2. Mixcraft 8 Home

Loop-based software that’s a great first step for budding music producers.

One of GarageBand’s most popular features is its large and diverse library of loops. Users can quickly and easily build a song that sounds good, simply by layering loops of different instruments over one another in a way that sounds pleasing to them. It might be something of a shortcut, but it’s a great way for the uninitiated to dip their toe in the waters of digital music production.

Mixcraft offers a comparable broad selection of loops in an intuitive environment that makes it easy to get up to speed quickly. On top of this, live recording is also possible making this a real direct competitor to GarageBand.

The caveat is that the home edition is limited to just 16 tracks and a reduced set of instruments and samples. Mixcraft 8 Home is perfect for musicians just starting out, though the reduced feature set might be something you outgrow in time.

Download:Mixcraft 8 Home ($40)

3. Music Maker Jam

An entertaining but limited music production app.

While there are certainly plenty of musicians who use GarageBand as a tool, many users enjoy the software as a fun way to play around with music. If you’re more interested in that sort of experience rather than full-on music production, Music Maker Jam will have you creating no time.

Unlike the other software covered here, Music Maker Jam is an app that you can download from the Windows App Store. It is also available for Android and iOS, joining an ever increasing list of music making tools for smartphones8 Music Maker iPhone Apps to Create Music Anywhere8 Music Maker iPhone Apps to Create Music AnywhereNeed a music maker app for your iPhone? These iOS music production apps let you create tunes anywhere.Read More.

The workflow begins by selecting loops by genre, before transferring them into an arrangement to create a song. BPM and volume levels can be tweaked on the fly, and FX applied as you see fit.

Compared to others on this list, the app is limited in what you can do. More a fun way to share music with friends than a fully fledged DAW, it has some unique features aimed at casual musicians. The ability to record vocal tracks over quickly built loops make it perfect for budding MCs and singers.

Star DJs and musicians contribute sound packs to the app, along with stems from popular tunes for users to remix. Winners of remix competitions and trending songs feature on the official Music Maker Jam YouTube channel.

Download:Music Maker Jam (Free, with In-App Purchases)

4. Stagelight

Intuitive and straightforward software on multiple platforms.

Much like Music Maker Jam, Stagelight comes in the form of an Android app for music creation10 Android Apps for Musicians to Record, Tune, and More10 Android Apps for Musicians to Record, Tune, and MoreIf you're a musician, you need these apps on your Android device. They help you record, remix, tune, and more.Read More alongside Mac and Windows programs.

Stagelight takes a slightly different approach to digital music production than other similar packages, with a focus on the interface typically known as a live mode. It’s a way of testing out different loops and audio clips together to see what meshes well, used by some electronic artists in their live performances.

The free version has the same unlimited tracks as the upgraded “Unlock” versions and some limitations. The drum machine and instruments are cut back basic versions, and you get fewer effects and presets overall.

Stagelight brings a unique way of working to the table, and the free version will be more than enough for many users.

Download:Stagelight (Free, with Paid Upgrades)

5. FL Studio

Broad package suitable for all experience levels that benefit from a clean and straightforward design.

Now in its 20th year, FL Studio is one of the most widely used digital audio workstations available. It’s an excellent intermediate choice for anyone who might have cut their teeth on a free audio editorThe Best Free Audio Editing SoftwareThe Best Free Audio Editing SoftwareEditing audio can be a daunting task. However, here are some great audio editing software to help you overcome any challenges.Read More like GarageBand, but now wants a package with a bit more depth.

FL Studio sets itself apart from other comparable software in the way that it balances broad functionality with a very straightforward workflow. Whether you want to tweak the specifics of a synth or customize your recording technique to suit the sort of instrumentation and style you’re going for, you’re given plenty of options that make it easy to personalize your experience.

Another major selling point for FL Studio is simply that it’s fun to use. Experimenting with beats using its pattern feature is fast and responsive. making it easy for you to get the results that you want without any unnecessary hassle.

FL-Studio is easy to pick up and trusted by thousands and is likely the best value product you are going to find at this price.

Download: FL Studio for Windows | macOS ($89 with free trial)

6. Reaper

Complex production software that works particularly well with live instrumentation.

There are plenty of apps and programs out there that attempt to make music creation approachable for anyone. But the highest levels of production require complex software. Reaper is a package that gives the expert user a lot of options. Though, it won’t hold your hand through the process. A certain level of knowledge is assumed when you open up the program.

The advantage that Reaper has over the big names in the field of digital audio workstations is its price. Whereas competitors like Cubase, Ableton and Pro Tools typically cost hundreds of dollars, the basic license for Reaper is just $60 for personal use.

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While Reaper has an impressive library of VST effects, they require a high level of skill to use. Reaper is also lacking in VST instruments that work “straight out of the box”. Use of external VSTs gets around this problem, but if you already have this knowledge you likely aren’t looking for some simple GarageBand funHow to Use GarageBand: A Step-By-Step GuideHow to Use GarageBand: A Step-By-Step GuideGarageBand is a powerful audio recording and editing software for Mac, but getting started is tough. This tutorial will show you how to use GarageBand.Read More anyway!

This is professional-grade equipment for musicians looking to get real work done, and it does an excellent job if you’re willing to learn the ropes.

Download:Reaper ($60 with free trial)

Music Production on Windows Is Possible

There are many great options for Windows users who like the idea of GarageBand. Something on this list will appeal to any budding musician. If you need more options, we’ve looked at the best free music software for audiophiles.

And if you need a new computer for audio work, check out the best computers for music productionThe 8 Best Computers for Music ProductionThe 8 Best Computers for Music ProductionYou don't have to own a studio to find best computer for music production. Here are some of the best PCs for every budget.Read More.

Explore more about: Audio Editor, GarageBand, Music Production, Record Audio.

1. Please date all articles. Hardware and software change so fast, it is irresponsible not to indicate date of initial publication and any subsequent updates.

2. Good on you for giving an honest description of Reaper. I hear so many people who give it crap for being 'Not truly professional', but the only basis for that argument is its low price. Other people give it crap for being hard to use, but like you said, it's a professional tool, not a toy. Garageband is a toy, although quite a fun one and can be incredibly useful.

   I'd also like to add that Reason Essentials should definitely be added to this list. It's a phenomenal piece of software (essentially a stripped down version of Reason, which is definitely a 'professional tool'), and it now comes with support for VST Plugins! And at only $69, too! Not to mention it's got that fun vibe that people love Garageband for.

3. I think garageband is an awesome app that I have used so far.

4. Does anyone know of a music software that combines creating rhythms with a simple notation as well. Like the old Percussion Studio but better quality sound?

   • have you heard of soundation???

5. There's a great program with a bit of a cost called Reason. You can buy an 'Essentials' version costing around $100 or the proper version costing around $300. Its one of the best programs in my opinion to have and it's even used by many professional DJs.

6. try out mixcraft! it's really something :)

   • I use Mixcraft and it is AWESOME! Real user friendly and produces great tunes!

7. Anyone know a program that can tune an intrument after a recording? I'm thinking about making Viola Covers on youtube and I'm trying to find a good program to use.

   • As a fellow violist, I would suggest practice ;)

   • practice!

   • Practice....and Melodyne :)

   • Auto-Tune or Melodyne.

8. Studio One Free is a great program, I used it for my music course last year instead of using a mac.

   • How good is it compared to garageband? is it as easy to use with as many options as garageband?

     • It's been a while since I've used it, but from what I can remember, if you're mostly planning to do MIDI stuff like create songs with a MIDI controller then its fine, but if you plan to do stuff with loops, the only loops it gives you are all synth loops which sound pretty crap compared to some of the garageband loops

9. Some other options
   sunvox
   audacity
   adobe audition / cool edit pro
   lsdj via an emulator such as retorarch

   • Audacity is more of an editor, and less of a production tool. It's a cool concept of how it's all modular and you can install whatever plugins you want tho.

10. I got a copy of Ableton for free with a little MIDI controller, and I have really come to appreciate it.
    Looks like they might have a free trial as well.

    • HI Paddy,
      can you please tell me what MIDI controller you bought. I am looking to buy one and if ableton comes free it will be worth it.

      • Rahul, Its any of the Novation products such as the launchpad or launchkey

11. I'd recommend taking a look at Tracktion, it's cross platform and extremely powerful, while still easy to use. I backed it years ago when it was a beta and it's come a long way.

12. What about Cakewalk?

13. You missed Caustic

14. Thank you very much for this much needed rundown of the pros and cons of the various Windows alternatives to Garageband.

This guide talks about Garageband for Windows free download methods. We have included support for Windows 10, 7 & 8 to facilitate the users to download this music composing app on their laptops, PCs, and desktops!

Garageband is an official app by Apple, available for iPhone, Mac, iPad & all iOS devices. However, since it’s literally the best music creation app, Windows users want to use it on their computers. The question is; do you have an official link to download Garageband for PC? The answer is no! But the good news is; there are ways to download it on Windows computer.

In this post, we will use a virtual machine software (it doesn’t slow down your PC, & gives the ditto interface).

PC Requirements

• 25 GB of free space.
• An i3 Processor or higher.
• 4GB RAM and higher.

How to Download Garageband for Windows – Steps!

Install a virtual machine for Mac that replicates Windows OS on it. Then go to official website of Apple & download Garageband from there. Here are the steps.

1. Download VMware Workstation Player on Chrome or Firefox. Run the file as an administrator and complete the installation.
2. Restart the PC when prompted. It will integrate the software into the OS.
3. Download the latest Mac OS version (you can find it online).
4. Extract the file. Proceed to unlock the file by double-clicking the folder.
5. The installation file should come up. Right-click the file and run it as administrator.
6. The Command Prompt should appear. Let it run. It will close automatically after completion of the process.
7. Now, open VMware and find Mac OS in the sidebar.
8. Browse for the Mac file you installed and open it. The OS will take some to install completely, but it is 100% worth the wait and a bit more.
9. Setup your Mac pseudo device as any other Mac PC. Log in with an existing or new Apple ID.
10. Finally, look up Garageband on iTunes and install it to make your own music with panache.

GarageBand for PC Alternatives

GarageBand is one of the exclusive Digital Audio Workstations for Mac OS and iOS. It allows developing music and podcasts. Similarly, we have many such Digital Audio Workstations for windows as well.

Let’s take you on a ride through the various Digital Audio Workstations for Windows.

– FL Studio 12

It is known as one of the best available alternatives. It has become one of the most sought after programs for creating and editing music. The crisp and easy-to-use interface has got many cool features which will allow the musicians a complete a task without any hurdles.

It’s available in both free and paid versions, but the paid version will give you access to various other advanced features.

– CUBASE

It’s one of the favourites amongst professionals who are lying their art for long in the industry. This amazing software is currently its 9th version with some amazing cool upgrades over the previous one. The output of this software is sure to sway many musicians in its favour.

On board, it has got MIDI, Digital Audio Editing Tools and Music Sequencer. One of the favourite tools that it has got is some of the advanced tools which will help you to move across various genres.

It’s available in both paid and trial versions.

– Audiotool

It’s one of the attractive alternatives to GarageBand as this is a Web-based application for the bussing music creators out there. You can take your music production wherever you need it.

You can instantly share your sound on Soundcloud or YouTube through the online web application. Being a web-based application, it gives it the collaborative feature which lets it work with different applications and devices and also lets it to being in samples from various genres on the platform.

The best thing about it is that it is free.

– Mixcraft 7

This one has got the same interface as that of the GarageBand offering some of the best features for making and editing music. It is one of the best for beginners to start with. There is a vast library of loops which are available on this platform which you can simply drag and drop to create music out of them.

It is available in both trial and paid version.

– Music Maker Jam

It’s a free App available on the Microsoft Store, and it has versions which are available on Android as well as iOS.

The beautifully designed editing interface provides one of the best-desired results that you want. The four genres that you get can be altered every month, and for more interesting updates, you can go for the in-app purchases.

How to Use GarageBand?

Before heading into this, we want to ensure that you have the App before proceeding further. If not, then head to the App Store to get it now.

Let’s start with creating a new project on GarageBand

Step 1: Open GarageBand.

Step 2: You will be asked whether to go for a new project or work on an existing one.

Step 3: To start a new project, you can either go to FILE then click on NEW PROJECT, or you can simply press Cmd and N simultaneously. On pressing this function click on Empty Project to start the project.

Step 4: Now you have to choose the track type which you want. For this, you need to click on Choose.

Step 5: On the pop-up window that appears click on Software Instrument and then click on Create.

Step 6: You will be directed to the main GarageBand for windows

Step 7: Here you have the library on the left side which lets you choose the different instruments along with the top-right panel which has got the notes that you have recorded. The bottom-right panel will have the editor for your soundtracks.

Step 8: You can use your Mac keyboard to create music directly through the Musical typing keyboard.

Step 9: Accordingly, you can create and save these tracks accordingly and present them to the world.

There are many other features on this software, but these are the basic and important ones that you will be using.

FAQs

Q1: Which is the latest version of GarageBand?

Ans: The latest version of the app is V10.

Q2: How do I record my voice with GarageBand with the built-in MIC?

Ans: Locate your mike on your model which may vary accordingly. Then hit on Option + Cmd + N to open the new track box to select “Real Instrument”.

Head over to the right-hand side of the project window which has the track-info pane. Look for the click-able drop-down menu marked “Monitor”. Click it and select “ON”.

Now just hit “Record” and speak into the MIC.

Q3.: How do I make recorded sounds louder?

Ans: Go to System Preferences and then to Sound and then to Input Tab. Here you select on MIC and take the slider volume adjustment to the maximum.

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Q4: When I record something new, is my original recording lost?

Ans: not. A new file is saved and used as long as you leave that particular track locked. If unlocked, GB uses the original track.

Q5: Can I edit videos on GarageBand?

Ans: Yes, you can do something on the lighter side as it can handle that.

Q6: How can I create an mp3 file using GarageBand v10?

Ans: Exporting an mp3 file is not an option on GarageBand, but you can do it through iTunes.