Ableton Live vs GarageBand
Ableton Live
ableton.com
GarageBand
apple.comSide by side
| Figure | Ableton Live | GarageBand |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $31.21/mo | Free |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | — |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 7 | 2 |
| Spec score · Digital Audio Workstations | 7.6 (#24) | 8.2 (#10) |
| Spec score · Audio Editing Software | 7.6 (#84) | 8.4 (#22) |
| Spec score · Game Music Software | 7.6 (#18) | 8.1 (#10) |
| Free plan | No | Yes |
| MIDI sequencing | Yes | Yes |
| Multitrack editing | Yes | Yes |
| Noise reduction | Yes | Yes |
| Supported platforms | Windows, macOS | macOS, iPhone, iPad |
| Third-party plugins | Yes | Yes |
| Video synchronization | Yes | No |
Plans
Ableton Live
- Live 12 Intro$99 a month
- Live 12 Intro$99, paid once
- Live 12 Standard$349 a month
- Live 12 Standard$349, paid once
- Live 12 Suite$749, paid once
- Live 12 Suite$749 a month
- Live 12 Suite Rent-to-own$31.21 a month
In their own words
Ableton Live
Ableton Live has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.
GarageBand
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.