ACID Pro vs Cakewalk Sonar
ACID Pro
vegascreativesoftware.com
Cakewalk Sonar
cakewalk.comSide by side
| Figure | ACID Pro | Cakewalk Sonar |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $5.83/mo | Free |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 4 | 5 |
| Spec score · Digital Audio Workstations | 8.9 (#2) | 8.1 (#13) |
| Privacy | Boris FX says it collects information such as contact and payment details, IP address, cookie data, and device information, and uses service providers as necessary to run its business. | BandLab's privacy policy says it covers its website and mobile and desktop apps, and describes collection and handling of personal data. |
| Product | ACID Pro is a digital audio workstation for loop-based music production, multitrack audio, and MIDI workflows. | Cakewalk Sonar is a digital audio workstation for music production. |
| System requirements | The stated minimum operating system is Windows 11, with a 1 GHz processor, 1 GB RAM, and 700 MB for program installation. | The suggested specifications are Windows 11 or higher, 16 GB RAM, an 8-core CPU, and ASIO-compatible hardware. |
Plans
ACID Pro
- ACID Pro Monthly Subscription$12.95 a month
- ACID Pro Annual Subscription$69.95 a year
- ACID Pro Upgrade & Support Plan$89.95, paid once
- ACID Pro Perpetual License$149.95, paid once
Cakewalk Sonar
- Free TierFree
- BandLab ProPrice not published
- BandLab MaxPrice not published
- Sonar Free TierFree
- BandLab MembershipPrice not published
In their own words
ACID Pro
ACID Pro has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.
Cakewalk Sonar
Cakewalk Sonar is a digital audio workstation for music production on Windows 11 and higher. It records multitrack projects with unlimited tracks, take lanes, and comping. Mixing tools include ProChannel console emulation and modular processing, plus Mix Recall for alternative mix scenes. MIDI features include a multi-track Piano Roll, articulation maps, and a Step Sequencer. VocalSync aligns vocal timing, while AudioSnap provides transient-based quantization and tempo adjustment. Sonar supports third-party plugins and video synchronization. Listed BandLab integrations include FX, instruments, effect chains, Sounds, Project Library, and CXF Project Exchange. Projects created in Cakewalk by BandLab can be opened and edited. Free and premium licenses require periodic online or offline activation renewal, although activated copies can run offline; the free license is currently indefinite subject to renewal. The Free Tier costs nothing and limits Arranger Track, ProChannel modules, and BandLab Sounds access. Suggested specifications are Windows 11 or higher, 16 GB RAM, an 8-core CPU, and ASIO-compatible hardware.