Logic Pro vs WaveLab
Logic Pro
apple.com
WaveLab
steinberg.netSide by side
| Figure | Logic Pro | WaveLab |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $2.50/mo | Free |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | — | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 9 | 3 |
| Spec score · Audio Editing Software | 8.6 (#15) | 9.1 (#4) |
| Free plan | No | No |
| Integrations | Logic Pro integrates with Voice Memos, Logic Remote and GarageBand projects, and supports XML import and export for Final Cut Pro workflows. | 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 |
| Purpose | Logic Pro is a music creation app for Mac and iPad used for beat-making, songwriting, recording, editing, mixing and remixing. | WaveLab is an audio mastering and editing suite with audio editing, audio montage, batch processing, and spectral editing tools. |
| Support | Apple provides Logic Pro user guides, release notes, troubleshooting help, Apple Communities and personalized support through the Apple Support app. | Steinberg’s imprint says technical support is available only to registered users. |
| Supported platforms | macOS and iPadOS | Windows, macOS |
| System requirements | Apple states that Logic Pro requires macOS 15.6 or later, iPadOS 26 or later, an Apple silicon Mac and an iPad with an A12 Bionic chip or later. | 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
Logic Pro
- Apple Creator Studio$12.99 a month
- Educator and student Apple Creator Studio$2.99 a month
- Logic Pro for Mac$199.99 a month
- Apple Creator Studio educator and student$2.99 a month
- Logic Pro for iPad$6.99 a month
- Apple Creator Studio educator and student$29.99 a year
- Logic Pro for iPad$69 a year
- Apple Creator Studio$129 a year
- Logic Pro for Mac standalone$199.99, paid once
WaveLab
- WaveLab LEFree
- WaveLab Elements 13$99.99, paid once
- WaveLab Pro 13$499.99, paid once
In their own words
Logic Pro
Logic Pro is Apple’s music-creation app for Mac and iPad, covering beat-making, songwriting, recording, editing, mixing and remixing. It records MIDI and audio and supports multitrack editing, MIDI sequencing, third-party plugins, noise reduction and video synchronization. Production tools include Live Loops, Flex Time, Flex Pitch and Quick Swipe Comping. Apple describes Session Players, ChromaGlow, Mastering Assistant, Stem Splitter and Chord ID as Apple Intelligence features. Stem Splitter separates mixed recordings into drums, bass, vocals, guitar, piano and other instruments. Logic Pro includes Dolby Atmos tools and exports ADM files for streaming services. Projects can move between Mac and iPad versions, with integrations for Voice Memos, Logic Remote, GarageBand and Final Cut Pro XML workflows. Requirements include macOS 15.6 or later with an Apple silicon Mac, or iPadOS 26 or later with an A12 Bionic iPad. Pricing includes a 30-day trial, $2.99/user/mo from the listed pricing note, and listed subscription or standalone options.
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.