Bitwig Studio vs WaveLab
Bitwig Studio
bitwig.com
WaveLab
steinberg.netSide by side
| Figure | Bitwig Studio | WaveLab |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | Free |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 5 | 3 |
| Spec score · Audio Editing Software | 8.8 (#10) | 9.1 (#4) |
| Founded | 2009 | 1984 |
| Free plan | No | No |
| Headquarters | Berlin, Germany | Hamburg, Germany |
| Intended users | Bitwig describes its audience as musicians, sound designers, composers, film scorers, and artists from various fields. | Steinberg describes WaveLab LE as suited to hobby musicians, home studio owners, freelancers, and podcasters. |
| 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. | WaveLab 13 downloads are available for Windows 10 64-bit version 22H2 or newer, Windows 11 version 24H2 or newer, and macOS 14, 15, or 26. |
| Plug-ins | All listed editions support unlimited VST and CLAP plug-ins with side-chain support; the feature list also specifies bridging, delay compensation, and crash protection. | WaveLab supports VST 3 plug-ins from other manufacturers. |
| 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. | Steinberg says personal data is used in accordance with applicable data protection rules including the GDPR and German data protection laws. |
| Support | Bitwig provides a contact form for technical software problems and says submitted information is used to answer inquiries and provide technical support. | Steinberg’s imprint says technical support is available only to registered users. |
| 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. | The current product page lists Windows 10 22H2 or newer, Windows 11 24H2 or newer, macOS 14–26, four or more CPU cores, 8 GB RAM, 2 GB core-install space and a 1440×900 minimum display. |
| 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
WaveLab
- WaveLab LEFree
- WaveLab Elements 13$99.99, paid once
- WaveLab Pro 13$499.99, 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.
WaveLab
WaveLab is an audio mastering and editing suite for Windows and macOS. Its tools cover audio editing, audio montage, batch processing, and spectral editing, with multitrack editing, noise reduction, and video synchronization also listed. It supports VST 3 plug-ins from other manufacturers. The edition comparison lists podcasting integrations with SoundCloud, Spreaker, Podbean, Buzzsprout, and Castos, and says Pro and Elements can replace audio in video.
WaveLab Pro 13 includes Dolby Atmos mastering tools for ADM file editing, loudness control, and album assembly. It supports sample rates up to 384 kHz and more than 1,000 audio tracks; Elements 13 supports up to 96 kHz and eight tracks. Downloads are listed for Windows 10 64-bit version 22H2 or newer, Windows 11 version 24H2 or newer, and macOS 14, 15, or 26. The pricing note is From $99.99 · 60-day trial. A free WaveLab LE copy is available with qualifying hardware and a Download Access Code. The Pro trial requires signing in or creating a Steinberg ID.