Bitwig Studio vs MainStage
Bitwig Studio
bitwig.comMainStage
apple.comSide by side
| Figure | Bitwig Studio | MainStage |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | $2.50/mo |
| Free plan | — | — |
| Free trial | Yes | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | — |
| macOS | Yes | — |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 5 | 8 |
| Spec score · Game Music Software | 8.8 (#2) | 6.2 (#27) |
| Spec score · Audio Editing Software | 8.8 (#10) | 5.8 (#131) |
| Spec score · Digital Audio Workstations | 8.8 (#3) | 6.3 (#39) |
Plans
Bitwig Studio
- Essentials$99, paid once
- Producer$199, paid once
- Bitwig Studio Essentials$99, paid once
- Bitwig Studio Producer$199, paid once
- Bitwig Studio$399, paid once
MainStage
- Apple Creator Studio$12.99 a month
- Apple Creator Studio$129 a year
- Apple Creator Studio Educator and student$2.99 a month
- Educator and student Apple Creator Studio$2.99 a month
- Apple Creator Studio Educator and student$29.99 a year
- Educator and student Apple Creator Studio$29.99 a year
- MainStage for Mac$29.99, paid once
- Logic Pro for Mac$199.99, paid once
In their own words
Bitwig Studio
Bitwig Studio is a digital audio workstation for recording, arranging, improvising, performing, sound design, and building instruments. Its timeline Arranger supports linear workflows, while the Clip Launcher supports non-linear creation and performance. Audio tools include recording, comping, editing, and time stretching, with available algorithms varying by edition. The Grid provides modular tools for building instruments and audio or note effects; Bitwig Studio includes 43 modulators. Listed editions support unlimited VST and CLAP plugins, side-chain support, bridging, delay compensation, and crash protection. The software can sequence, sync, and control connected gear using MIDI, CC, CV, Gate, analog and MIDI Clock, and MIDI Timecode. It runs on macOS, Windows, and Linux, with operating-system, RAM, display, and disk requirements specified. Essentials is listed at 99.00 EUR once and Producer at 199.00 EUR once. A 30-day trial is available after signing up and downloading.