5 best free DAW software for Windows

Windows comes with a lot of free software. You get WordPad for writing, Paint 3D for drawing, and simple video editing tools built into the Photos app. But unfortunately, Windows does not include any software to create music.

The good news is that there are many free music production software, also known as DAW software, available on Windows. So in this article, TipsMake.com will help you find the best free DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) software for Windows.

What is DAW software?

DAW stands for Digital Audio Workstation, but the term has several different meanings. The first DAWs were simply digital replacements for analog recorders used to record music. As technology improves, so does DAW. It has additional features that allow users to create songs without knowing how to play an instrument.

Before deciding on a free DAW, you will need to think about a few key aspects of how to use it. Most DAW software focuses on recording music performances with microphones or creating music from scratch. You will find a lot of DAWs that handle both of these tasks, but usually, a given application will be better suited to a specific aspect.

5 best free DAW software for Windows

1. Cakewalk by BandLab

The software was originally developed by Cakewalk and called Sonar, until 2017 when the parent company Gibson announced it was discontinuing development. Everything about this tool seems to have disappeared until 2018, when BandLab acquired the software and released it for free under its current name.

The software doesn't have all the Sonar's standout features, but it also owns most of them. This may not be the best DAW for Windows, but it is the best free DAW.

Most free DAW software sets a limit on what you can do, like counting the number of tracks or saving a task. But CakeWalk by BandLab does not set any of these limits. The tool has unlimited tracks, a large number of built-in virtual effects and tools. Since there's no paid version for the product, you don't even have to worry about ads that require upgrades that annoy you.

1. Download Cakewalk by BandLab.

2. Traktion T7

Traktion may be better known thanks to its Waveform DAW or its various digital instruments, but a free full-featured DAW is also provided in Traktion T7.

Like BandLab by Cakewalk, this version offers unlimited audio tracks, so there won't be any restrictions for your creativity. It is true that Traktion T7 lacks the features found in Waveform 8 and 10, but many of these, such as color palettes, are unnecessary.

Some virtual instruments are only found in Waveform 10. These limitations make Traktion T7 a better choice for people who have only a few instruments around. Another plus point is that thanks to the Blue Steel user interface, Traktion T7 becomes the best DAW for beginners, especially among the free options.

1. Download Traktion T7.

3. Pro Tools First

Pro Tools is one of the biggest names in the audio industry, and this has been confirmed for a long time. Pro Tools First was introduced in 2015, and unlike many free versions of paid DAW software, you don't need to buy a specific hardware to use it.

In return Pro Tools First has significant limitations. You are limited to 16 simultaneous (voice) voices and 4 maximum hardware inputs. Sample rate (number of sampling) is lower than what you will get in Pro Tools or Pro Tools Ultimate.

There are other limitations, but if you want to get acquainted with Pro Tools, this free version is a good way to get started.

1. Download Pro Tools First.

4. Studio One Prime

First released in 2009, Presonus Studio One for a long time is the best DAW software everyone knows. This tool has started to gain more fame in recent years, however, perhaps thanks in part to the free DAW, Studio One Prime. This tool has many features of paid software versions, and like Pro Tools First, you don't need to buy any hardware to try the free version.

Studio One Prime does not limit the number of audio tracks or virtual instrument tracks you can use. Instead, the tool does not provide some of the features found in paid versions of the software. However, you still get the Presence XT virtual pattern player, 9 Native Effects plugins, along with 1GB of loops and templates to get started.

1. Download Studio One Prime.

5. Audacity

Although technically still DAW, Audacity is quite different from other free DAW software. Audacity is built primarily for audio editing. Because of this, its editing tools are powerful, but actually recording in Audacity doesn't feel as seamless as with other software.

Another difference is that Audacity doesn't provide many ways to support virtual instruments. You can route them through your computer's audio system from other applications and record, but Audacity doesn't focus on making music this way.

If you're looking for something that excels at audio editing and only needs basic DAW functionality, Audacity is a good choice. It is also completely open source.

1. Download Audacity.

Do not forget the hardware!

Regardless of what music you are creating, you may want to invest in an audio interface (device that connects the microphone to a computer or phone to record) at some point. If you're making music in a simple way, then basically you just need something to play sound out of a headset or a pair of speakers. On the other hand, you will need an interface with as many micro preamp as possible.

Audio interfaces can connect to computers in a number of different ways, but the most common is USB.

What about the best free DAW for macOS?

While many popular DAWs are cross-platform, not all options are. For example, Pro Tools is available for both Windows and macOS, but Cakewalk is for Windows only. There are also some very popular DAWs like Logic Pro only available for macOS.

Every Mac has GarageBand, this may be all you need. However, if you're starting to feel a bit restricted by GarageBand's limitations, or just want to change the speed, check out other free DAWs for macOS.

Wish you find a suitable choice!