GarageBand vs MainStage
GarageBand
apple.comMainStage
apple.comSide by side
| Figure | GarageBand | MainStage |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | $2.50/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | — |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| macOS | Yes | — |
| iOS | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 2 | 8 |
| Spec score · Audio Editing Software | 8.4 (#22) | 5.8 (#131) |
| Spec score · Music Production Software | 8.2 (#7) | 6.2 (#26) |
| Spec score · Digital Audio Workstations | 8.2 (#10) | 6.3 (#39) |
| Spec score · Game Music Software | 8.1 (#10) | 6.2 (#27) |
Plans
MainStage
- Apple Creator Studio$12.99 a month
- Apple Creator Studio$129 a year
- Apple Creator Studio Educator and student$2.99 a month
- Educator and student Apple Creator Studio$2.99 a month
- Apple Creator Studio Educator and student$29.99 a year
- Educator and student Apple Creator Studio$29.99 a year
- MainStage for Mac$29.99, paid once
- Logic Pro for Mac$199.99, paid once
In their own words
GarageBand
GarageBand is a music creation studio for playing, recording, editing, mixing, and sharing music on Mac, iPhone, and iPad. The Mac version includes a sound library of instruments, guitar and voice presets, and session drummers and percussionists. It offers 28 drummers and three percussionists across six genres, and can create and mix up to 255 audio tracks. Recording tools include Flex Time, Groove Track, multi-take recording, audio effect plug-ins, compression, and visual EQ. Guitar and piano lessons cover 40 genres and provide real-time feedback. On iPad, Logic Remote can control GarageBand on Mac, play software instruments, adjust Smart Controls, and manage recording. iCloud can bring tracks and song ideas between iOS devices and Mac. The iOS version supports up to 32 tracks and Audio Unit Extensions for compatible third-party instruments and effects. Sharing options include email and social networks; iOS also supports AirDrop, while Mac users can save tracks as ringtones or export them to the Music app library. GarageBand is free: free.