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SPECIFICTION
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GarageBand

apple.com

Free plan macOSiOS
Visit apple.com
Spec score 8.4 #22 of 131 in Audio Editing Software

What it is

GarageBand is a music creation studio for playing, recording, editing, mixing, and sharing music on Mac, iPhone, and iPad. The Mac version includes a sound library of instruments, guitar and voice presets, and session drummers and percussionists. It offers 28 drummers and three percussionists across six genres, and can create and mix up to 255 audio tracks. Recording tools include Flex Time, Groove Track, multi-take recording, audio effect plug-ins, compression, and visual EQ. Guitar and piano lessons cover 40 genres and provide real-time feedback. On iPad, Logic Remote can control GarageBand on Mac, play software instruments, adjust Smart Controls, and manage recording. iCloud can bring tracks and song ideas between iOS devices and Mac. The iOS version supports up to 32 tracks and Audio Unit Extensions for compatible third-party instruments and effects. Sharing options include email and social networks; iOS also supports AirDrop, while Mac users can save tracks as ringtones or export them to the Music app library. GarageBand is free: free.

Spec sheet

Purpose
GarageBand is a music creation studio for playing, recording, editing, mixing, and sharing music.Read 3 Oct 2026 · apple.com
Free plan
YesRead 21 Sep 2026 · apps.apple.com
Integrations
Logic Remote on iPad can control GarageBand on Mac, play software instruments, adjust Smart Controls, and control recording.Read 3 Oct 2026 · apple.com
Privacy
The Mac App Store listing says the app may collect a user ID for app functionality and that this data is not linked to the user.Read 3 Oct 2026 · apps.apple.com
Support
Apple offers support by phone or chat and provides online answers through Apple Support.Read 3 Oct 2026 · apple.com
Cloud projects
Apple says iCloud lets users add tracks to Mac songs from iPhone or iPad and import song ideas from iOS devices to Mac.Read 3 Oct 2026 · apple.com
Editing tools
Mac recording tools include Flex Time, Groove Track, multi-take recording, audio effect plug-ins, compression, and visual EQ.Read 3 Oct 2026 · apple.com
iOS features
GarageBand for iOS supports up to 32 tracks and Audio Unit Extensions for compatible third-party instruments and effects.Read 3 Oct 2026 · apple.com
iOS sharing
GarageBand for iOS supports sharing by email, social media, and AirDrop, as well as saving custom ringtones.Read 3 Oct 2026 · apple.com
Lessons
GarageBand for Mac includes 40 genre-based lessons for guitar and piano and offers real-time feedback during lessons.Read 3 Oct 2026 · apple.com
MIDI sequencing
YesRead 21 Sep 2026 · apps.apple.com
Multitrack editing
YesRead 21 Sep 2026 · apps.apple.com
Noise reduction
YesRead 21 Sep 2026 · apps.apple.com
Recording limit
GarageBand for Mac can create and mix up to 255 audio tracks.Read 3 Oct 2026 · apple.com
Sharing
GarageBand for Mac can share tracks by email or social networks, save them as ringtones, and export them to the Music app library.Read 3 Oct 2026 · apple.com
Sound library
The Mac version includes a sound library with instruments, guitar and voice presets, and session drummers and percussionists.Read 3 Oct 2026 · apple.com
Supported platforms
macOS, iPhone, iPadRead 21 Sep 2026 · apps.apple.com
Third-party plugins
YesRead 21 Sep 2026 · apps.apple.com
Video synchronization
NoRead 21 Sep 2026 · apps.apple.com
Virtual drummers
GarageBand for Mac includes 28 drummers and three percussionists across six genres.Read 3 Oct 2026 · apple.com

Plans and prices

Free Free 255 tracks on Mac · 32 tracks on iPhone and iPad Read 21 Sep 2026 · apps.apple.com
GarageBand Free Mac · macOS 15.6 or later · up to 255 tracks Read 3 Oct 2026 · apps.apple.com

Every GarageBand plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Free on Mac, iPhone, and iPad.
  • Mac projects support up to 255 audio tracks.
  • iOS supports up to 32 tracks.
  • Includes 40 guitar and piano lessons with feedback.
  • Logic Remote can control GarageBand on Mac.

Limits

  • Video synchronization is not supported.
  • The iOS version supports fewer tracks than Mac.
  • Mac plan requires macOS 15.6 or later.

Who it suits

GarageBand suits people who want to create, record, edit, and share music on Mac, iPhone, or iPad. Its lessons may also suit guitar and piano players learning through genre-based material.

Verdict

GarageBand offers recording, editing, learning, and sharing tools across Mac and iOS, with track limits that differ by platform. It is free, but video synchronization is not supported.

Where Specifiction places it

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