The Best Music Production Software for Beginners in 2023

Do you want to begin your journey in music production but have no idea what music production software to use? Because of the technological age we live in the market is so competitive, it can be overwhelming to know where to begin. The first thing you need to know is that the music production softwares are known as a digital audio workstation (DAW).

Not only is there an enormous amount of different music production software to choose from, but you also need to see which music production software is good for beginners in 2023. To find this out, we need to know if they are easy to use and affordable.

In this article, we’ll answer all of these questions by diving into the five best music production software for beginners in 2023. But first, we need to ask, what even is a digital audio workstation?

What is a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW)?

The DAW today has become the most crucial element in the music production process. It means exactly what the name states, a digital space where you can record, mix and edit music. DAW’s have been around since the late 1970’s and have become more sophisticated with the advancement in computers. 

DAWs essentially put all the elements of music recording into one place. They are typically used by music producers, but they can be used by anyone with a computer who is also willing to put in the time and effort.

The Best Music Production Software for Beginners in 2023 

There are many different types of software available, both free and paid, which makes it hard to decide which one to choose. With the market being so crowded, it’s a good ieda to concentrate on the best beginner music production software. Let’s take a look at five of the very best.

1. GarageBand

(Image credit: Apple)

GarageBand is an Apple only DAW that is free and preloaded on every iPhone, iPad and iMac. This music production software is a great pick for beginners not only because it is free, but it is also super easy to use with a number of great features. 

You can start creating your first track in GarageBand by simply plugging in your instrument, choosing an amp sound and pressing record. The software offers a big library of synth sounds and Apple loops to choose from as well as supporting audio plugins. Take a look at the best plugins to use for GarageBand here.

If you are struggling with where to begin, there are lots of tutorials to help get you started or answer any of your questions.

Pros: 

• Free
• Very easy to use
• Interactive lessons
• Third-party plugins
• Apple Loops

Cons:

• Too basic for professionals
• No mixer windows
• Mac only

2. Bitwig Studio 16-Track

(Image credit: Bitwig)

Bitwig Studio is one of the newer digital audio workstations on the market having been released in 2014. Despite it being a baby in the industry in comparison to its predecessors, it comes with some great features making it a worthy opponent. The DAW is compatible with Mac, Windows and Linux meaning pretty much everyone can access it.

One of the most popular features is the simplicity and innovative user interface. Whilst using Bitwig you can have multiple windows open as pop-outs making it easier for the producers to freely move tracks and sounds around the interface.

This software comes with an array of built-in instruments and sounds for the user to play around with. You can also plug in your own instruments or MIDI Keyboard. Bitwig is a great Music production software at an affordable price that is constantly being reviewed and updated.

Pros: 

• Affordable
• Great User Interface
• Compatible with Mac/Windows/Linux
• Uses modular windows for efficient workflow

Cons:

• Crashes often
• Not an enormous amount virtual instruments

3. Ableton Live

(Image credit: Ableton)

Ableton Live offers everything you need when it comes to recording, mixing and mastering music and is very popular in the electronic music industry. The software is designed with DJs and live music in mind and features a unique tool to edit and play live.

Another great perk is users can switch between session and arrangement view which makes the workflow much more quicker and efficient. Ableton Live offers a large range of sounds, samples, virtual instruments and more making it a great choice for beginners to get started. 

Pros: 

• Free Trial available 
• Switch between the arrangement and session view
• 3rd party plugins
• Real time playing and editing

Cons:

• Mixer session could be improved
• Different than most other DAW’s

4. FL Studio

(Image credit: FL Studio)

When it comes to producing rap and hip-hop, FL Studio tends to be the go-to music production software. Just because it is a fan favourite, doesn’t mean it is only limited to producing high-quality music in this genre.

FL Studio is a fully functioning DAW but it excels in making fast beats. It is very user-friendly and available for both Windows and Mac users with a huge following behind it. A free version is offered with free lifetime updates as well as a completely customisable interface making it a great choice for beginners in 2023.

Pros: 

• Free version 
• Free lifetime updates
• Fully customisable workspace
• Drum machine style sequencer
• User friendly interface

Cons:

• Some features can be confusing
• Audio editing is not as superior to its competitors

5. PreSonus Studio One

 

(Image credit: Music Tech)

PreSonus Studio One offers 3 different versions for producers to use: Prime, Artist and Professional. Prime is the free version that would be perfect for entry-level beginners. The software is available on both Windows and Mac and features a simple drag-and-drop way of working.

Unlike most of the other music production softwares it can hold an unlimited number of audio and MIDI tracks. It offers a range of virtual instruments, sounds and loops, but not quite as many as you would expect to find. One of the most popular features of Studio One is the intuitive workflow. 

Pros: 

• Intuitive workflow
• Unlimited audio
• Fully customisable workspace
• Drum machine style sequencer
• User friendly interface

Cons:

• Not fully customisable
• Not compatible with some popular plugins
• Could have more virtual instruments and sounds
• Steep learning curve

Summary

It might seem difficult at first to select the best music production software for beginners in 2023. With so many to choose from, it can be overwhelming and a lot of different factors need to be considered such as affordability and usability.

Having looked at the five best DAWs for beginners in 2023, it’s fair to say that each software has a distinct set of pros and cons, so it’s crucial to think about your needs as a beginner and pick the programme that best suits you.

If you would like to take your music production software skills to the next level, our music production course is a great way to learn all the skills you need to record and produce music.