Ardour vs Logic Pro
Ardour
ardour.org
Logic Pro
apple.comSide by side
| Figure | Ardour | Logic Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $1/mo | $2.50/mo |
| Free plan | — | — |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | — |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| iOS | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 5 | 9 |
| Spec score · Digital Audio Workstations | 8.6 (#4) | 8.3 (#8) |
| Spec score · Game Music Software | 8.6 (#3) | 8.2 (#6) |
| Spec score · Audio Editing Software | 8.6 (#16) | 8.6 (#15) |
| Spec score · Multimedia Software | 8.3 (#15) | 7.9 (#20) |
| Free plan | Yes | No |
| MIDI sequencing | Yes | Yes |
| Multitrack editing | Yes | Yes |
| Supported Platforms | Ardour runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows. | macOS and iPadOS |
| Third-party plugins | Yes | Yes |
| Video Synchronization | Audio regions can be locked to video and moved at video-frame granularity. | Yes |
Plans
Ardour
- Developing World$1 a month
- Low Cost$4 a month
- Standard$10 a month
- Institutional$50 a month
- Annual subscription$120 a year
Logic Pro
- Apple Creator Studio$12.99 a month
- Educator and student Apple Creator Studio$2.99 a month
- Logic Pro for Mac$199.99 a month
- Apple Creator Studio educator and student$2.99 a month
- Logic Pro for iPad$6.99 a month
- Apple Creator Studio educator and student$29.99 a year
- Logic Pro for iPad$69 a year
- Apple Creator Studio$129 a year
- Logic Pro for Mac standalone$199.99, paid once
In their own words
Ardour
Ardour is an open-source workstation for recording, editing, mixing and mastering audio and MIDI projects on Linux, macOS and Windows. It supports any number of tracks and busses, along with unlimited undo and redo. Signal connections can be one-to-many, many-to-one or many-to-many. Supported plugin formats include AudioUnit, LV2, VST2/VST3 and LADSPA; plugins also support sample-accurate automation and MIDI Learn. MIDI synchronization options include MIDI timecode, MIDI Machine Control, MIDI clock and JACK transport sync. Ardour can import one video, display a thumbnail timeline, synchronize audio and export video. Users can search for and import audio or MIDI from Freesound. The software is licensed under GNU GPL v2, allowing users to copy, share and modify it without payment. Optional subscriptions support development and include unlimited updates while active. Monthly subscriptions are $1 a month, $4 a month, $10 a month or $50 a month; an annual subscription is $120 a year.
Logic Pro
Logic Pro is Apple’s music-creation app for Mac and iPad, covering beat-making, songwriting, recording, editing, mixing and remixing. It records MIDI and audio and supports multitrack editing, MIDI sequencing, third-party plugins, noise reduction and video synchronization. Production tools include Live Loops, Flex Time, Flex Pitch and Quick Swipe Comping. Apple describes Session Players, ChromaGlow, Mastering Assistant, Stem Splitter and Chord ID as Apple Intelligence features. Stem Splitter separates mixed recordings into drums, bass, vocals, guitar, piano and other instruments. Logic Pro includes Dolby Atmos tools and exports ADM files for streaming services. Projects can move between Mac and iPad versions, with integrations for Voice Memos, Logic Remote, GarageBand and Final Cut Pro XML workflows. Requirements include macOS 15.6 or later with an Apple silicon Mac, or iPadOS 26 or later with an A12 Bionic iPad. Pricing includes a 30-day trial, $2.99/user/mo from the listed pricing note, and listed subscription or standalone options.