Bitwig Studio vs openDAW
Bitwig Studio
bitwig.comopenDAW
opendaw.orgSide by side
| Figure | Bitwig Studio | openDAW |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | Free |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | — | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | — |
| macOS | Yes | — |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| Self-hosted | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 5 | 1 |
| Spec score · Audio Editing Software | 8.8 (#10) | 8.0 (#51) |
| Free plan | No | Yes |
| Intended users | Bitwig describes its audience as musicians, sound designers, composers, film scorers, and artists from various fields. | The maker presents openDAW for students, teachers and schools, including hands-on music production and learning to code audio. |
| MIDI sequencing | Yes | Yes |
| Multitrack editing | Yes | Yes |
| Privacy | Bitwig's privacy policy says activation and update data includes device and software details and is used exclusively to activate the software and provide updates. | The education page says openDAW requires no account and that schools can keep student work within their own institution's control. |
| Product | Bitwig Studio is a digital audio workstation for recording, arranging, improvising, performing, sound design, and building instruments. | openDAW is a web-based digital audio workstation for creating music in a browser. |
| Support | Bitwig provides a contact form for technical software problems and says submitted information is used to answer inquiries and provide technical support. | The maker invites users to discuss features and updates on Discord and offers personal tours by appointment. |
| Supported platforms | macOS, Windows, Linux | Web browser |
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
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.