Ableton Live vs Pro Tools
Ableton Live
ableton.comPro Tools
avid.comSide by side
| Figure | Ableton Live | Pro Tools |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $31.21/mo | Free |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 7 | 25 |
| Spec score · Digital Audio Workstations | 7.6 (#24) | 8.6 (#5) |
| Spec score · Audio Editing Software | 7.6 (#84) | 9.2 (#2) |
| Spec score · Game Music Software | 7.6 (#18) | 8.5 (#4) |
| Cloud collaboration | No | Yes |
| Free plan | No | Yes |
| MIDI sequencing | Yes | Yes |
| Multitrack editing | Yes | Yes |
| Noise reduction | Yes | Yes |
| Supported platforms | Windows, macOS | Windows, macOS |
| Third-party plugins | Yes | Yes |
| Video synchronization | Yes | Yes |
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
Pro Tools
- IntroPrice not published
- IntroPriced on request
- Artist$9.99 a month
- Pro Tools Artist$9.99 a month
- Pro Tools Studio$34.99 a month
- Artist$99 a year
- Studio$34.99 a month
- Pro Tools Ultimate$99 a month
- Studio$299 a year
- Ultimate$99 a month
In their own words
Ableton Live
Ableton Live has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.
Pro Tools
Pro Tools is a digital audio workstation for recording, editing and mixing audio on Windows and macOS. It includes MIDI tools, virtual instruments, samples and arrangement features for music production. Recording options include loop recording, playlist comping, punch-in recording and support for up to 256 simultaneous audio inputs. Editing tools include Elastic Audio, clip gain, pitch manipulation and audio-to-MIDI conversion, alongside Slip, Grid, Shuffle and Spot modes. Mixing features include automation, flexible routing, folder tracks and plugins, with spatial rendering for Dolby Atmos and Audio Vivid. Studio and Ultimate include video tracks and timecode for sound-to-picture work. Intro is free forever and lists up to 8 audio, instrument and MIDI tracks. Artist costs $9.99 a month, Studio costs $34.99 a month and Ultimate costs $99 a month. Avid specifies 16 GB RAM, 15 GB free installation space and an internet connection for installation and activation. Community support is available; direct support cases or calls require an active support contract, subscription or Avid Support Code.