GarageBand vs Zenbeats
GarageBand
apple.comZenbeats
roland.comSide by side
| Figure | GarageBand | Zenbeats |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | $2.99/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | — | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 2 | 9 |
| Spec score · Audio Editing Software | 8.4 (#22) | 9.1 (#5) |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Integrations | Logic Remote on iPad can control GarageBand on Mac, play software instruments, adjust Smart Controls, and control recording. | Projects can be transferred between devices through Google Drive or OneDrive, and stems and loops can be exported for other DAWs. |
| MIDI sequencing | Yes | Yes |
| Multitrack editing | Yes | Yes |
| Sound library | The Mac version includes a sound library with instruments, guitar and voice presets, and session drummers and percussionists. | Roland advertises more than 14,000 presets, loops and sounds in the Max tier, with royalty-free store content added weekly. |
| Supported platforms | macOS, iPhone, iPad | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and compatible Chrome OS systems |
| Third-party plugins | Yes | Yes |
Plans
Zenbeats
- Free VersionFree
- Max Unlock$149.99 a month
- Roland Cloud Membership$2.99 a month
- Android Unlock$14.99, paid once
- iOS Unlock$14.99, paid once
- macOS Unlock$49.99, paid once
- Windows Unlock$49.99, paid once
- Platform Unlock$59.99, paid once
- Max Unlock$149.99, 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.