11 Recommended Free DAW Software for Creating Music for Free [DTM]

Events have been cancelled due to the effects of COVID-19, so I'm bored! I have nothing to do!

Wait a minute! That's when you should just make music at home! (Suddenly)
Even Hoshi○gen is posting "Let's dance at home" on social media, so wouldn't it be great to share the music you've created with others and get excited?
But for those who don't know how to play instruments or don't own one, I recommend computer music production at home!

Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) are software essential for DTM, allowing you to record, edit, mix, arrange, and more. But aren't DAW software expensive?

In fact, some are even offered for free!

Here's a list of recommended free DAW software!

Free music collection here ↓

https://akihabara-bc.jp/dtm-free-plugin/

Recommended free DAW software

Cakewalk by BandLab - The best free DAW software!

DAW software from BandLab.
It was originally a paid DAW software called "SONAR" developed and sold by Cakewalk, but after BandLab acquired Cakewalk's business, it became available for free distribution.
It was an incredible gesture from BandLab's CEO to offer the top-of-the-line version of SONAR, which was selling for around 6 yen at the time, for free.
It doesn't have the limitations of external effects or software sound sources like VST plug-ins that are common with most free DAWs, and of course there are no functional limitations such as usage time or number of tracks, making it the strongest free DAW software currently available.
In fact, I can't believe this is free.
However, the software is only available for Windows, so it cannot be used on Mac.

For more details, please see the link below
cakewalkCakewalk by BandLab

Studio One 5 Prime - Recommended for beginners for its functionality and ease of use

Demo version of PreSonus' DAW software "Studio One".
There are no limits on usage time or number of tracks, and with its rich functionality and easy operation, this DAW software can be used easily even by beginners.
Although you cannot use VST and other plug-ins from manufacturers other than PreSonus, it comes with nine types of effects necessary for basic music production, as well as a high-quality software synth that includes sound sources for guitar, bass, drums, orchestra, synth, and more, so in addition to composing, you can also do simple recording and mixing.

For more details, please see the link below
Studio One 5 Prime

Zenbeats -Make music anytime, anywhere on your smartphone or PC!

Roland's DAW software.
It is notable for being compatible with not only Mac and Windows, but also iOS and Android.
Additionally, the songs you create can be saved and shared on Microsoft OneDrive or Google Drive, so you don't have to worry about running out of storage space on your smartphone or computer.
Moreover, it seems that the same composition data can be shared and opened not only on a PC but also on a smartphone or iPad.
There is a lesson mode that allows you to learn the basics of using Zenbeats, and having such a tutorial function in a DAW will be extremely helpful for DTM beginners.

For more details, please see the link below
Zenbeats

GarageBand -Free for Mac users!

DAW software included with Apple's Mac PC.
It's designed to make music production easy even for people with no musical experience, so it's recommended for those who want to get started with DTM!
Also, since the functionality is similar to that of Apple's paid DAW software Logic Pro X, which is an advanced version of GarageBand, you can create songs of fairly high quality, and it will also help those who want to take their DTM skills to the next level improve their skills when using Logic Pro X.
By the way, GarageBand also has an iOS app version that can be used to create music on iPhones and iPads.
Since it's an Apple product, there is obviously no Windows version.

For more details, please see the link below
GarageBand

Soundbridge - Simple design and lightweight operation

DAW software released in 2018.
It has a simple design that is easy to use and has a clear UI, and it runs smoothly.
It is also compatible with devices such as Microsoft Surface, and can be operated using various hand gestures on the touchscreen.
You will need to create an account to obtain it, and a donation notification will appear every time you use the software, but you can use it without any problems even if you do not donate.

For more details, please see the link below
SoundBridge

FL Studio - The DAW of choice for EDM track makers

Demo version of the DAW from Image-Line, a Belgian company.
It has a wide range of EDM and dance effects and synths, so it seems to be often used by overseas club music artists.
The demo version has no limitations on the number of tracks or functionality, but once you save the project data you've created, you won't be able to load it unless you buy the full version, so it's no exaggeration to say that you essentially can't save it.
However, the demo version allows you to save and import MIDI files, and the songs you create can be exported in WAV or MP3 format.
Another drawback is that there is no Japanese patch, so English skills are required.
The software is compatible with both Windows and Mac.
By the way, it's cute to see FL Chan, the FL Studio character, dancing in sync with the music.

It's hard to understand because it's written in English, but to download the demo version, click Download Trial and you'll be taken to the download page.
FL Studio

LMMS - A free DAW software developed for Linux

LMMS stands for Linux MultiMedia Studio, and as the name suggests, it is a DAW software developed for Linux.
In addition to Linux, it is also compatible with Windows and Mac, and you can input data in the same way as with a regular DAW.
The UI looks and feels like a simplified version of FL Studio, and like FL Studio, it excels at creating EDM and club music.
By the way, LMMS comes with a lot of VST plugins included from the start, and you can enjoy creating music using retro game-style sound sources such as Game Boy and Commodore 64.

For more details, please see the link below
LMMS

Waveform - Comprehensive composition support functions

A free version of the DAW from the American company Tracktion.
It has a wide range of composition support functions, such as a pattern generator that allows you to select and input various chord progression patterns as you like, making it easier for beginners to intuitively create songs even if they cannot understand music theory, which can be a high hurdle for music beginners.

For more details, please see the link below
waveform

Pro Tools - The industry-leading DAW

A free trial version of Avid's music editing DAW.
The commercial version is used professionally in the music industry around the world for music editing and song production.
So, if you want to experience the "real thing" that is the standard in the music industry, or if you want to use a high-quality DAW for free, you might want to try this for free for 30 days.
There are two free trial versions available: Pro Tools and Pro Tools Ultimate.

For more details, please see the link below
Pro Tools

ABILITY - Japanese DAW software

A trial version of ABILITY, a domestic DAW developed by Internet Inc.
This is the successor to the popular Singer Song Writer, which has had many users in Japan for a long time.
It retains the ease of use of input and MIDI data editing functions that are well-known in Singer Song Writer, making it recommended for beginner DTM users.
Personally, I like the fact that you can input music using the staff notation display!
The trial version is currently ABILITY 3.0 Pro, and can be used for 7 days with only some restrictions, such as the number of included VST plug-ins and phrase materials.

For more details, please see the link below
ability3

REAPER - Lightweight

DAW software from the American company cockos.
It runs relatively lighter than other DAW software, but since it has few sound sources, it is a good idea to use free VST plug-ins, etc.
Since it is actually paid software, a screen will appear prompting you to purchase it, but you can use it for a trial period of 60 days.
You can continue to use it even after the trial period has expired.

For more details, please see the link below
REAPER

Have you got your eye on the software?
Download now and let's compose!!!

*Added on 2022/03/24 for Studio One and Pro Tools
* REAPER added on April 2, 2022