Best Free Alternatives to Cubase
4 programs compared
Cubase is a professional music studio for recording, MIDI and mixing, but it is a paid program. If you are starting out or working on a budget, these programs let you record, arrange and mix music for free – plus one low-cost option that many professionals use.
Quick answer
- Waveform Free – a full, unlimited studio for Windows, macOS and Linux.
- Cakewalk Sonar – the most powerful free choice on Windows.
- REAPER – not free, but a complete studio for a small one-time price.
Comparison at a glance
| Software | Price | Runs on | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waveform Free | Free | Windows, macOS, Linux | A complete free studio on any computer |
| Cakewalk Sonar | Free tier (BandLab account) | Windows | Full-featured recording on Windows |
| LMMS | Free · open source | Windows, macOS, Linux | Beats and electronic music |
| REAPER | 60-day evaluation, then $60 | Windows, macOS, Linux | A professional studio on a small budget |
Waveform Free
Waveform Free is the free edition of Tracktion Waveform. It has no limits on tracks or time, supports VST3 and AU plug-ins, and covers recording, MIDI editing and mixing.
Good
- No track limit and no time limit
- Supports VST3 and AU plug-ins
- Runs on Windows, macOS and Linux
Keep in mind
- Its single-screen workflow takes some getting used to
Cakewalk Sonar
Cakewalk Sonar is the successor of the long-running SONAR and of Cakewalk by BandLab, which was retired in 2025. Its free tier covers recording, editing, mixing and exporting with unlimited tracks, and it opens projects made in Cakewalk by BandLab.
Good
- Unlimited tracks in the free tier
- Full mixing console
- Opens Cakewalk by BandLab projects
Keep in mind
- Windows only
- Needs a free BandLab account; some advanced features need a paid BandLab Membership
LMMS
LMMS is an open-source music maker in the style of FL Studio, with a beat and pattern editor, a piano roll and built-in synthesizers.
Good
- Easy pattern-based workflow for beats
- Built-in synthesizers and samplers
- Free and open source
Keep in mind
- Not designed for recording vocals or instruments
- The interface looks dated
REAPER
REAPER is not free, but it deserves a place here: you can use the full program for 60 days, and a discounted licence for personal use costs $60 – a one-time payment, no subscription. It is light, fast and very flexible.
Good
- Full program during the 60-day evaluation
- One-time $60 personal licence, no subscription
- Supports VST, VST3, AU, CLAP and LV2 plug-ins
Keep in mind
- Not free after the evaluation period
- Takes time to set up the way you like