Pro Tools vs Soundtrap

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.

Soundtrap is a cloud-based digital audio workstation for creating music and podcasts, available in a browser and on Windows, macOS, iOS and Android. The studio includes vocal and mixing tools, virtual instruments, a MIDI editor, and royalty-free loops and samples. Users can edit multitrack projects, sequence MIDI and use noise reduction. Collaboration includes real-time video and chat, comments on shared projects and autosave. Soundtrap says its library has up to 24,000+ loops and hundreds of presets, with new sound packs added every two weeks. A free account allows users to create and save projects and use selected free loops, instruments, drum kits and studio tools; some sounds and features require a paid plan. Soundtrap for Education is designed for students and teachers, and integrates with services including Google Classroom, Microsoft Teams, Canvas and Schoology. Educators can try it free for 30 days without providing payment details upfront. Browser support includes current Chrome, Firefox, Edge and Safari, though some audio features may not work fully in every browser and operating system, and recording may have higher latency. Mobile apps do not include automation or MIDI input.