GarageBand vs WaveLab
GarageBand
apple.com
WaveLab
steinberg.netSide by side
| Figure | GarageBand | WaveLab |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | — | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 2 | 3 |
| Spec score · Audio Editing Software | 8.4 (#22) | 9.1 (#4) |
| Free plan | Yes | No |
| Integrations | Logic Remote on iPad can control GarageBand on Mac, play software instruments, adjust Smart Controls, and control recording. | WaveLab supports third-party VST3 plug-ins, external audio editors and hardware devices, and WaveLab Pro can operate as an ARA extension in compatible applications. |
| Multitrack editing | Yes | Yes |
| Privacy | The Mac App Store listing says the app may collect a user ID for app functionality and that this data is not linked to the user. | Steinberg says personal data is used in accordance with applicable data protection rules including the GDPR and German data protection laws. |
| Purpose | GarageBand is a music creation studio for playing, recording, editing, mixing, and sharing music. | WaveLab is an audio mastering and editing suite with audio editing, audio montage, batch processing, and spectral editing tools. |
| Support | Apple offers support by phone or chat and provides online answers through Apple Support. | Steinberg’s imprint says technical support is available only to registered users. |
| Supported platforms | macOS, iPhone, iPad | Windows, macOS |
| Third-party plugins | Yes | Yes |
Plans
WaveLab
- WaveLab LEFree
- WaveLab Elements 13$99.99, paid once
- WaveLab Pro 13$499.99, 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.
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.