Bitwig Studio vs Zrythm
Bitwig Studio
bitwig.comZrythm
zrythm.orgSide by side
| Figure | Bitwig Studio | Zrythm |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | Free |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 5 | 10 |
| Spec score · Music Production Software | 8.8 (#2) | 8.0 (#13) |
| Spec score · Audio Editing Software | 8.8 (#10) | 8.5 (#21) |
| Spec score · Digital Audio Workstations | 8.8 (#3) | 8.0 (#18) |
| Free plan | No | Yes |
| 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 privacy policy says the software may contact zrythm.org at startup for release notifications and can send error reports after showing users the data before sending. |
| Product | Bitwig Studio is a digital audio workstation for recording, arranging, improvising, performing, sound design, and building instruments. | Zrythm is a highly automated and intuitive digital audio workstation. |
| Support | Bitwig provides a contact form for technical software problems and says submitted information is used to answer inquiries and provide technical support. | The site offers a community chat, forum, issue reporting, and contribution channels for code, bug reports, feature requests and translation. |
| Supported platforms | macOS, Windows, Linux | GNU/Linux, Windows, macOS |
| 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
Zrythm
- BasicPriced on request
- Snapshot£14, paid once
- Snapshot£14 a month
- Bundle£24, paid once
- Bundle£24 a month
- Subscription£38 a year
- BasicFree
- Snapshot$19, paid once
- Bundle$31, paid once
- Subscription$50 a year
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.
Zrythm
Zrythm is a digital audio workstation for GNU/Linux, Windows, and macOS, with multitrack editing, MIDI sequencing, recording, automation, and mixing. Its editing tool can move, resize, clone, link, loop, delete, and cut objects. Automation can control parameters such as project BPM and time signature using lines, curves, CV signals, or envelopes. It records audio and MIDI from devices or other apps through JACK, with punch in/out and multiple takes. Mixing features include group tracks, aux sends to FX tracks, plugin sidechain inputs, and in-context listening. Supported plugins include LV2, VST2, VST3, AU, CLAP, and JSFX; SFZ and SF2 soundfonts are also supported. It imports and exports audio formats supported by libsndfile, with additional MP3 import, and exports MIDI Type 0 or Type 1. Automatic backups and saved undo history are available. Zrythm is released under the GNU Affero General Public License, version 3. A free Basic plan lists 25 tracks; paid options start at £14 a month billed Purchase.