Bitwig Studio vs Pro Tools
Bitwig Studio
bitwig.comPro Tools
avid.comSide by side
| Figure | Bitwig Studio | Pro Tools |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | Free |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 5 | 25 |
| Spec score · Game Music Software | 8.8 (#2) | 8.5 (#4) |
| Spec score · Audio Editing Software | 8.8 (#10) | 9.2 (#2) |
| Spec score · Digital Audio Workstations | 8.8 (#3) | 8.6 (#5) |
| Free plan | No | Yes |
| Intended users | Bitwig describes its audience as musicians, sound designers, composers, film scorers, and artists from various fields. | Avid describes Pro Tools as a workstation trusted by studios, producers, and artists, with workflows spanning music production and audio post. |
| MIDI sequencing | Yes | Yes |
| Multitrack editing | Yes | Yes |
| Support | Bitwig provides a contact form for technical software problems and says submitted information is used to answer inquiries and provide technical support. | Users can get help through community support, and those with an active support contract, subscription, or Avid Support Code can create a support case or call Avid. |
| Supported platforms | macOS, Windows, Linux | Windows, macOS |
| System requirements | The download page lists a minimum of 4 GB RAM, 1280 × 768 display resolution, and 26 GB free disk space for full content installation. | Avid specifies 16 GB RAM, an internet connection for installation and activation, and 15 GB free installation space. |
| Third-party plugins | Yes | Yes |
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
Pro Tools
- IntroPrice not published
- IntroPriced on request
- Artist$9.99 a month
- Pro Tools Artist$9.99 a month
- Pro Tools Studio$34.99 a month
- Artist$99 a year
- Studio$34.99 a month
- Pro Tools Ultimate$99 a month
- Studio$299 a year
- Ultimate$99 a month
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.
Pro Tools
Pro Tools is a digital audio workstation for recording, editing and mixing audio on Windows and macOS. It includes MIDI tools, virtual instruments, samples and arrangement features for music production. Recording options include loop recording, playlist comping, punch-in recording and support for up to 256 simultaneous audio inputs. Editing tools include Elastic Audio, clip gain, pitch manipulation and audio-to-MIDI conversion, alongside Slip, Grid, Shuffle and Spot modes. Mixing features include automation, flexible routing, folder tracks and plugins, with spatial rendering for Dolby Atmos and Audio Vivid. Studio and Ultimate include video tracks and timecode for sound-to-picture work. Intro is free forever and lists up to 8 audio, instrument and MIDI tracks. Artist costs $9.99 a month, Studio costs $34.99 a month and Ultimate costs $99 a month. Avid specifies 16 GB RAM, 15 GB free installation space and an internet connection for installation and activation. Community support is available; direct support cases or calls require an active support contract, subscription or Avid Support Code.