openDAW vs Pro Tools
openDAW
opendaw.orgPro Tools
avid.comSide by side
| Figure | openDAW | Pro Tools |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | — |
| Windows | — | Yes |
| macOS | — | Yes |
| Self-hosted | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 1 | 25 |
| Spec score · Audio Editing Software | 8.0 (#51) | 9.2 (#2) |
| Cloud collaboration | Yes | Yes |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Intended users | The maker presents openDAW for students, teachers and schools, including hands-on music production and learning to code audio. | Avid describes Pro Tools as a workstation trusted by studios, producers, and artists, with workflows spanning music production and audio post. |
| MIDI sequencing | Yes | Yes |
| Multitrack editing | Yes | Yes |
| Noise reduction | Yes | Yes |
| Support | The maker invites users to discuss features and updates on Discord and offers personal tours by appointment. | Users can get help through community support, and those with an active support contract, subscription, or Avid Support Code can create a support case or call Avid. |
| Supported platforms | Web browser | Windows, macOS |
Plans
Pro Tools
- IntroPrice not published
- IntroPriced on request
- Artist$9.99 a month
- Pro Tools Artist$9.99 a month
- Pro Tools Studio$34.99 a month
- Artist$99 a year
- Studio$34.99 a month
- Pro Tools Ultimate$99 a month
- Studio$299 a year
- Ultimate$99 a month
In their own words
Pro Tools
Pro Tools is a digital audio workstation for recording, editing and mixing audio on Windows and macOS. It includes MIDI tools, virtual instruments, samples and arrangement features for music production. Recording options include loop recording, playlist comping, punch-in recording and support for up to 256 simultaneous audio inputs. Editing tools include Elastic Audio, clip gain, pitch manipulation and audio-to-MIDI conversion, alongside Slip, Grid, Shuffle and Spot modes. Mixing features include automation, flexible routing, folder tracks and plugins, with spatial rendering for Dolby Atmos and Audio Vivid. Studio and Ultimate include video tracks and timecode for sound-to-picture work. Intro is free forever and lists up to 8 audio, instrument and MIDI tracks. Artist costs $9.99 a month, Studio costs $34.99 a month and Ultimate costs $99 a month. Avid specifies 16 GB RAM, 15 GB free installation space and an internet connection for installation and activation. Community support is available; direct support cases or calls require an active support contract, subscription or Avid Support Code.