The best FREE DAWs for beginners in 2024

For beat makers, Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) are the backbone of the creative process. This is why free DAWs offer a great way to start off. This blog will walk you through some of the best free DAWs available for beginners in 2024, helping you get started with music making.

What are DAWs and what are they used for?

Digital Audio Workstations, or DAWs, are software applications used to record, edit, mix, and produce audio files. Starting with a free DAW is a great way to learn the ropes without paying. These tools offer features that can compete with paid versions, making them a good option for beginners.

What features are essential for free DAWs for beginners?

You want to look for the following in free DAWs for beginners:

User-Friendly Interfaces:

Intuitive layouts that simplify navigation and reduce the learning curve.

Tutorials and Built-in Lessons:

Many DAWs offer guided tutorials or built-in lessons to help users learn music production basics.

Unlimited Audio and MIDI Tracks:

Options like Tracktion T7 and Cakewalk allow unlimited tracks, enabling experimentation without restrictions.

Built-in Effects and Virtual Instruments:

Access to a variety of effects and instruments helps beginners create diverse sounds without needing additional purchases.

Basic Recording and Editing Tools:

Simple tools for recording, cutting, and arranging audio/MIDI make it easy to start producing music.

Cross-Platform Compatibility:

DAWs like Tracktion T7 work on multiple operating systems, making them accessible to a wider audience.

Community Support:

Popular DAWs often have active user communities and forums where beginners can seek help and share experiences.

Light System Requirements:

Some DAWs, like GarageBand, have lower system requirements, making them accessible on a range of devices.

Top Free DAWs for Beginners

Here are our picks and full breakdown of the best free DAWs for beginners in 2024.

Tracktion T7

• Overview: Tracktion T7 is a fully-featured DAW that offers unlimited audio and MIDI tracks, making it a powerful tool for beginners and seasoned producers alike.
• Features:
  • Unlimited audio and MIDI tracks
  • Comprehensive automation
  • Built-in effects and virtual instruments
  • Advanced mixing features

Cakewalk by BandLab

• Overview: Cakewalk by BandLab is a professional-grade DAW that used to be a paid software known as SONAR. Now free, it provides all the tools you need to create, mix, and master your tracks.
• Features:
  • Skylight interface for easy workflow customization
  • Integrated ProChannel console strip
  • Advanced MIDI editing tools
  • Full suite of effects and virtual instruments

GarageBand

• Overview: GarageBand is Apple's free DAW, designed to be easy to use yet powerful enough for creating professional-sounding music. It's ideal for beginners due to its intuitive interface and robust feature set.
• Features:
  • User-friendly interface
  • Built-in lessons for instruments
  • Wide range of loops and virtual instruments
  • Seamless integration with other Apple products

Head to Head

Let's compare some key features of these DAWs to help you decide which one suits your needs best.

Pros and Cons for Beginners

• Tracktion T7
  • Pros: Highly customizable, powerful features, cross-platform.
  • Cons: Steeper learning curve, more complex interface.
• Cakewalk by BandLab
  • Pros: Professional-grade features, extensive tools, great for detailed editing.
  • Cons: Only available on Windows, higher system requirements.
• GarageBand
  • Pros: Very easy to use, great for beginners, integrates well with Apple products.
  • Cons: Only available on macOS, less flexible for advanced users.

Getting Started

Downloading and Installing Each DAW

• Tracktion T7: Visit the Tracktion website, sign up for a free account, and download the software for your operating system.
• Cakewalk by BandLab: Download the BandLab Assistant from the BandLab website, create an account, and install Cakewalk through the assistant.
• GarageBand: Available for free on the Mac App Store. Simply search for GarageBand and click download.

Basic Setup and First Project Steps

1. Tracktion T7:
   • Open Tracktion T7 and create a new project.
   • Set up your audio interface in the settings.
   • Add audio or MIDI tracks and start recording.
2. Cakewalk by BandLab:
   • Open Cakewalk and create a new project from the template menu.
   • Configure your audio and MIDI devices.
   • Add tracks and begin recording or importing loops.
3. GarageBand:
   • Launch GarageBand and select a new project template.
   • Choose your instrument or audio track type.
   • Start recording using the built-in instruments or loops.

Tips for Beginners

Navigating the DAW Interface

• Familiarize yourself with the layout and functions of your chosen DAW.
• Use online tutorials and the software’s help guide to understand each feature.

Using Built-in Instruments and Effects

• Experiment with the built-in virtual instruments and effects to find the sounds you like.
• Learn how to apply effects to individual tracks and the overall mix.

Basic Recording and Editing Techniques

• Practice recording audio and MIDI tracks to get comfortable with the process.
• Use editing tools to cut, copy, paste, and arrange your recordings.
• Explore automation features to add dynamic changes to your tracks.

Final Words

Starting music production with a free DAW is a smart move. Tracktion T7, Cakewalk by BandLab, and GarageBand each offer unique features that cater to beginners. Take the time to explore these tools, experiment with their capabilities, and continue learning and creating.