Bitwig Studio vs Nuendo
Bitwig Studio
bitwig.com
Nuendo
steinberg.netSide by side
| Figure | Bitwig Studio | Nuendo |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | — |
| Free plan | — | — |
| Free trial | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 5 | 4 |
| Spec score · Music Production Software | 8.8 (#2) | 8.2 (#8) |
| Spec score · Game Music Software | 8.8 (#2) | 8.2 (#7) |
| Spec score · Audio Editing Software | 8.8 (#10) | 8.8 (#9) |
| Spec score · Digital Audio Workstations | 8.8 (#3) | 8.3 (#9) |
| Free plan | No | No |
| MIDI sequencing | Yes | Yes |
| Multitrack editing | Yes | Yes |
| Operating systems | The download page lists macOS 12 or later, Windows 10 or 11 (64-bit), and Ubuntu 24.04 or later or a modern Linux distribution with Flatpak. | The listed supported operating systems are 64-bit Windows 10 version 22H2 or later, Windows 11 version 24H2 or later, and macOS Sonoma, Sequoia, or Tahoe. |
| Support | Bitwig provides a contact form for technical software problems and says submitted information is used to answer inquiries and provide technical support. | Nuendo 15 is available through Steinberg's downloads page, which provides general information and installation utilities. |
| Supported platforms | macOS, Windows, Linux | Windows, macOS |
| Third-party plugins | Yes | Yes |
| Trial | Bitwig Studio can be tried free without limitations for 30 days after signing up and downloading. | Steinberg offers a free 60-day trial with access to all Nuendo features without restrictions; starting it requires a Steinberg ID. |
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
Nuendo
- Nuendo 15 Full VersionPriced on request
- Nuendo 15 CrossgradePriced on request
- Nuendo 15 Crossgrade$799.99, paid once
- Nuendo 15 Full version$999.99, 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.