11 Best Beat-Making Software 2023

Whether you’re a music producer looking to elevate your sound or an industry newbie, the beat-making software you choose matters. After all, these systems simplify the creation process, from mixing songs to editing clips to optimizing sounds.

However, not all beat-making software brands are the same. There are various factors to consider when choosing one, such as the user interface, learning curve, and price.

I know how intimidating it is to create beats, but technology has made it more affordable and user-friendly. Today, you don’t need a room full of instruments to produce catchy tunes. Instead, with the right tools, you can have everything you need right at your fingertips.

This article will discuss the 11 best beat-making software on the market today. Ultimately, the goal is to help you find the one that will transform your creations. Let’s get right to it!

What Is Beat-Making Software?

Simply put, beat-making software adds MIDI notes to the mouse or keyboard, allowing subscribers to use virtual instruments and effects in their beats. In most cases, you can use these programs as digital audio workstations (DAW) to record, mix, and edit audio files.

Using beat-making software as a digital audio workstation not only helps make beats but also aids in song creation. Here are some features you can expect from a DAW:

• Record and arrange music.
• Use virtual instruments.
• Add audio effects.
• Edit voices.
• Manipulate virtual studio technologies (VSTs).
• Organize tracks.
• Convert audio files to MIDI format.

Ready to find the best beat-making software or the best music production software for your studio? Read on to discover which one suits your unique audio recording needs.

1. Apple Logic Pro: Best Overall

Overall Rating: 4.8/5.0

OS: Mac

MIDI: Yes

Mobile App: Logic Remote on iOS

Apple Logic Pro is a Mac-only program ideal for enhancing your creativity and workflow, whether you’re making beats professionally or out of passion. It offers a simple audio interface with powerful drag-and-drop capabilities you can use to create drum tracks, mix and match tunes, and organize files.

Despite being available exclusively to Mac users, this beat-making software still tops my list because of its unmatched value for money. Logic Pro has a huge library that lets you create music from scratch. You can store up to 255 audio and MIDI tracks on the workspace, giving you enough flexibility to bring any song to life.

Price

✅$199 for Standard Edition

✅Offers Free Trial

Top Features

• Flex Time: Move individual beats easily to correct drum, guitar, or vocal tunes without slicing regions.
• Flex Pitch: Edit the pitch levels of individual notes quickly.
• Smart Tempo: Mix music and beats freely without worrying about the original tempo. Afterward, record your masterpiece even without a click track.
• Drummer: Create organic-sounding drum beats inspired by artists across various genres. You can rework patterns in real-time, including volume, complexity, and swing, helping you achieve live performance-quality sounds.
• Takes and Quick Swipe Comping: With Logic Pro, you can choose the best sections and combine them seamlessly in one track.

Pros

• Logic Pro boasts a massive selection of virtual instruments and effects.
• Beginners and pros alike will enjoy its impressive breadth of features.
• Users can gain access to royalty-free loops and samples.
• It offers professional-level capabilities in an easy-to-use setting.
• The pricing is straightforward without entry-level setup fees.

Cons

• This product is only available for Mac users
• Its score editing feature is somewhat outdated.
• The software uses a lot of RAM, which may cause hiccups in older versions of Mac.

2. Magix Music Maker: Best for Beginners

Overall Rating: 4.5/5.0

OS: Mac and Windows

MIDI: Yes

Mobile App: Windows and Android

Magix Music Maker markets itself as a free song and beat-making software. While this DAW doesn’t offer nearly as many features as the Logic Pro, I still think it’s an overall high-quality and affordable product. I strongly recommend it to beginners and those who don’t want to go through the Mac learning curve.

If you’re looking for an affordable way to make beats, check Magix Music Maker out. You can enjoy 425 free loops and 25 virtual instruments once you sign up.

The interface is extremely user-friendly, making it easy for newbies to navigate. However, even professional-level music producers will find it detailed enough for their needs. Users can purchase add-ons to enjoy more features, with the “plus” or “premium” subscriptions offering beat-writing capabilities.

Price

✅ Free for Music Maker 2023 Free

✅ $59.99 for Music Maker 2023 Plus (as low as $29.99 when on sale)

✅ $129.00 for Music Maker 2023 Premium (as low as $39.99 when on sale)

✅ $199.99 for Music Maker 2023 Beatbox (as low as $99.00 when on sale)

Top Features

• Song Maker: You can use this intelligent song creation tool to jumpstart the creative process.
• Audio optimization: Magix Music Maker offers amazing optimization through its plug-ins. With the right tools, you can boost audio quality and simplify complex arrangements.
• Ease of use: Magix Music Maker is best for beginners because it helps aspiring DJs, producers, and artists with little experience make beats in different genres. Newbies can create good music without the usual steep learning curve and advanced functionality.
• Samples and plug-ins: With this DAW on your side, you can expand the possibilities of the creation process through samples and plug-ins.
• Advanced components: The company markets Magix Music Maker for beginners, but even pros can use it to add MIDI keyboards and drum pads to their tracks.

Pros

• There are five product options available, including a free version. You can choose which of them best addresses your needs.
• With Magix Music Maker, you can achieve a fast workflow without delving deep into software functionality or music theory.
• This software offers various ready-made sound pools and loops.
• Magix Music Maker’s equalizer lets users see the exact representation of the music workflow.
• Music Maker 2023 Premium subscribers can enjoy the wizardFX suite feature — a tool with 11 powerful add-on effects.

Cons

• Advanced users might find Magix Music Maker limiting. If you prefer making your own loops, this beat-making software isn’t for you.
• The free version is nowhere near as versatile as other paid software.
• The brand doesn’t offer free VST support.

3. FL Studio: Best Hip-Hop Beat Maker

Overall Rating: 4.0/5.0

OS: Mac and Windows

MIDI: Yes

Mobile App: iOS, Windows, and Android

Can you imagine being a hip-hop producer, sound engineer, or DJ? If you answered yes, FL Studio is a viable option for you. This beat-making software boasts over 25 years of continuous development and an elite group of users, including Soulja Boy, Metro Boomin, and Southside.

Like other digital audio workstations, you can use FL Studio not only to make beats but also as a full-production system. Users can enjoy 500 tracks in separate workflows, making the software navigable without being overwhelming.

Price

✅ $99.00 for FL Studio Fruity Edition

✅ $199.00 for FL Studio Producer Edition

✅ $299.00 for FL Studio Signature Bundle

✅ $499.00 for FL Studio All Plug-Ins Edition

Top Features

• Mac OS support: This feature may seem unimpressive, but FL Studio beat makers waited 20 long years for it to happen.
• Instrument tuner: FL Studio now offers a built-in instrument tuner ideal for checking pitches.
• Multiple arrangements: With FL Studio, users can switch between several arrangements. Not all DAW brands offer a similar feature.
• Time signature changes: Most popular Western music — including hip-hop, dance/EDM, and pop — use a 4/4 time signature. However, this software supports multiple time signatures and lets you change them as you make beats.
• Track consolidation: Through this feature, you can achieve a more efficient workflow by adding plug-ins to your CPU.

Pros

• Users can enjoy genre-specific instruments and loops, particularly for hip-hop and EDM.
• FL Studio offers free upgrades.
• With higher FL Studio plans, you can get more features, samples, and plug-ins.
• You can run the software on phones, tablets, and other smart gadgets.
• The Flex plug-in offers powerful sounds designed to help you stand out from a sea of competition.

Cons

• The recording and editing process is a bit clunky.
• FL Studio has a steep learning curve beginners might find challenging.
• The audio editing feature isn’t as comprehensive as other paid beat-making software.

4. Ableton Live 11: Best EDM Beat Maker

Overall Rating: 4.0/5.0

OS: Mac and Windows

MIDI: Yes

Mobile App: iOS

If FL Studio is ideal for hip-hop music creation, there’s Ableton Live 11 for EDM beat makers. The brand offers a wide selection of electronic drum and synth plug-ins — proven game-changers for EDM producers and artists. Recently, the beat-making software also launched its iOS mobile app to enhance the user experience for Apple users.

It takes some time to get used to the interface of the app. The audio and midi panels in Ableton Live 11 look remarkably different from other systems. However, once you get the hang of it, you can achieve an efficient workflow.

EDM fans can’t get enough of Ableton Live 11, but you can create, produce, and perform any music with it in one convenient dashboard. It keeps everything in sync in real-time, so you can compose and edit without interruptions.

Price

✅ $99.00 for Live 11 Intro

✅ $449.00 for Live 11 Standard

✅ $749.00 for Live 11 Suite

Top Features

• Comping: Ableton Live 11 arranges multiple audio or MIDI passes into individual takes. This feature lets you create countless new combinations.
• MPE compatibility: With Ableton Live 11, you can add bends, slides, and pressure to individual chord notes.
• Spectral resonator: This music production software breaks audio signals into partials, letting you shift the results by frequency in subtle ways.
• Nature-inspired instruments: The Ableton Live 11 team collaborated with performer, producer, and developer Dillon Bastan to add six playful instruments and effects to the mix.
• Chorus-ensemble: The updated version of Chorus in the beat-making software boasts improved sound-shaping capabilities. You can now add vibrato, spread channels across the field, and add thick 3-delay line choruses.

Pros

• Ableton Live 11 offers high-quality instruments for EDM enthusiasts.
• You can “play” the Ableton Live 11 software like an instrument.
• Ableton Live 11 offers lots of excellent original sounds.
• With this beat-making software, you can quickly transform an idea into actual music.
• There’s a massive Ableton community online that can answer your questions about the beat-making software.

Cons

• Ableton Live 11 users typically experience a steep learning curve.
• Buying the higher Ableton versions can be quite pricey.
• You need high computer specs to run Ableton seamlessly.

5. Waveform Free: Best Free DAW

Overall Rating: 4.5/5.0

OS: Mac and Windows

MIDI: Yes

Mobile App: None

Are you looking for the best free beat-making software on the market? For me, it’s Waveform Free. It’s a free, fully functional music tool for Mac, Windows, and Linux users.

Naturally, you can enjoy more features with its paid counterpart, Waveform Pro. However, I think the free version is suitable for beginners and hobbyists who aren’t going pro anytime soon.

Price

✅Free for Waveform Free

✅Free with Purchase for Waveform OEM

✅ $99.00 for Waveform Pro

Top Features

• Full automation: You can gain access to submixers, modifiers, and a MIDI editor with this free beat-making software.
• No artificial track limit: This component is a big deal for any beat-making software, especially for a free one.
• Full audio tracking: With this feature, you can create beats that can impress producers.
• 40SC: This powerful subtractive synthesizer offers four oscillators designed for flexible modulation, filter variation, and MPE compatibility. 
• Micro Drum Sampler: Waveform Free lets you build drum kits quickly with its drag-and-drop capabilities.

Pros

• Beginners might not look for much in a DAW, but I think Waveform Free is the most useful one in its free version.
• This software runs on single-board computer systems (SBCs), including Raspberry Pi3, Pine64, and ODroid.
• Waveform Free is easy to use and offers intuitive menus.
• This beat-making software offers shortcut customization to speed up the workflow.
• The latest Waveform Free version has an improved audio engine.

Cons

• Waveform currently isn’t available as a mobile app.
• While it’s hard to criticize free software, the interface is somewhat bleak.
• Using too many plug-ins causes glitches in the software.

6. orDrumbox: Best Free Drum Machine Software

Overall Rating: 3.5/5.0

OS: Mac, Windows, and Linux

MIDI: Yes

Mobile App: None

Next on this list of the best beat-making software in the market is orDrumbox. As the name suggests, it’s a free drum machine software designed for fast, high-quality results.

The interface may seem overly simplistic and a bit rough around the edges, but underneath is a powerhouse ideal for beginners and pro beat makers. Since it’s a free DAW, you can’t expect all the fancy components you usually find in paid beat-making programs.

Price

✅Free to use

Top Features

• Auto-composition: orDrumbox can automatically compose songs, bass lines, and melodic patterns.
• Polyrhythmic capabilities: With this component, you can add loop points to every sound.
• Unlimited tracks: This software lets you use as many sounds as necessary for every pattern.
• Custom arpeggiator: This function can help you generate new patterns, variations, and scales.
• Sample kits and songs: You can import these components in WAV format, but there are built-in options in the software.

Pros

• orDrumbox is free to use for Mac, Windows, and Linux users.
• The drum machine software offers a wide array of customizations, patterns, and effects.
• I find orDrumbox extremely easy to use.
• Unlike other free beat-making programs, it contains a MIDI player.
• It’s easy to import and export files to and from orDrumbox.

Cons

• The interface is outdated.
• You need high specs on your computer to avoid lagging.
• The installer package is only available for Windows users. For other operating systems, the software requires assembly.

7. Native Instruments KOMPLETE 14 + TRAKTOR: Best Bundle

Overall Rating: 4.0/5.0

OS: Mac and Windows

MIDI: Yes

Mobile App: None

Native Instruments developed two of the best beat-making software: KOMPLETE 14 for software and sounds and TRAKTOR for digital DJing.

KOMPLETE 14 offers a wide collection of instruments, samples, and effects, letting you mix and match components to create cutting-edge beats in any genre. You can choose from various plans to address your distinct needs as an artist, producer, or enthusiast.

You can opt to use KOMPLETE 14 with TRAKTOR to make the best DJ software out there. By combining these two Native Instruments tools, you can take your sound profile to the next level.

Price

✅ $199.00 for KOMPLETE SELECT

✅ $599.00 for KOMPLETE 14 STANDARD

✅ $1,199.00 for KOMPLETE 14 ULTIMATE

✅ $1,799.00 for KOMPLETE 14 COLLECTORS EDITION

Top Features

• Ozone 10: This iZotope tool is the industry’s leading audio mastering software.

Pros

• KOMPLETE 14 offers stunning functionalities, including 139 products and 84,000 preset sounds.
• Adding 62 expansion packs to the mix expands the creative possibilities for beat makers.
• With KOMPLETE 14, you can easily create a unique sound that cuts through all the digital noise.
• KOMPLETE 14 offers a software lineup that meets the needs of diverse markets.
• Whether you’re looking for digital, analog, or lo-fi sounds, KOMPLETE 14 can deliver.

Cons

• The KOMPLETE 14 suite is quite pricey.
• The bigger bundles require massive RAM space.
• It takes a while to install all the add-ons and their libraries.

8. Bitwig: Best Production Software

Overall Rating: 4.0/5.0

OS: Mac, Windows, Linux

MIDI: Yes

Mobile App: R-KONTROL on iOS, Gorgeous Lemur for iOS and Android

Some people compare Bitwig to Ableton and think it’s only ideal for EDM sounds, but that’s not true at all. For me, it’s one of the best beat-making software in the market today because you’ll find everything you need to start and finish a song in it, no matter the genre.

There’s no one-size-fits-all DAW solution for all users, but Bitwig has elevated some of the features enthusiasts love about such software. These components simplify the process of making beats, helping DJs, producers, and artists achieve a faster workflow.

Price

✅ $99.00 for Bitwig 16-Track

✅ $399.00 for Bitwig Studio

Top Features

• The Grid: Whether you need a synth or audio effect, this modular sound design environment can help you build beats from scratch.
• Modularity: Bitwig offers unmatched flexibility, letting you enhance almost any sound detail.
• Hardware integration: Bitwig created standout MIDI handling, note timing, and latency compensation tools.
• Automation lane: You can find this feature inside the Key/MIDI note editor with all note expressions.
• Maximum visibility: With Bitwig, you can use two sequencers in one panel. It stands out from other software because of its organized controller window.

Pros

• There’s no other software with an interface as slick and organized as Bitwig.
• It offers a unified experience across all platforms.
• Eligible users receive free upgrades.
• Bitwig’s export and import options stand out from its competitors.
• The software is stable and reliable.

Cons

• There’s room for improvement in Bitwig’s pitch correction capabilities.
• The software doesn’t provide as many plug-ins as other beat-making programs.
• As of the latest upgrade, Bitwig still doesn’t offer video support.

9. Reason: Best All-in-One Recording and Mixing Tool

Overall Rating: 3.5/5.0

OS: Mac and Windows

MIDI: Yes

Mobile App: iOS and Android

Reason — one of the best beat-making software — has been around since 1994. Since its inception almost 30 years ago, it has provided DJs, producers, and artists with the instruments, effects, and utilities they need to create incredible music. However, while the latest edition offers maximum creative freedom, it’s starting to feel outdated.

You can use Reason as a standalone DAW or as a plugin for another. While it has grown to be a powerful music tool, some users don’t agree with its high-end pricing.

Price

✅ $69.00 for Reason Studios Chord Sequencer

✅ $139.00 for Reason 12 Upgrade

✅ $399.00 for Reason Upgrade for Intro/Lite

✅ $499.00 for Reason 12

Top Features

• Chord sequencer: Record newbies and experts can enjoy finding new chords they might not naturally gravitate toward.
• Automatic pitch detection: With Record on your side, you don’t have to worry about going off-key.
• Consistent experience: Once you learn to use any Reason app, it will be easy to navigate it on any device.
• The Combinator: Other DAWs may combine sounds, effects, and instruments, but Reason was the first to offer the Combinator. It helps users view these components in one interface.
• Massive collection of samples and sounds: Turn your beats into masterpieces with this software. Remember to upgrade your software to ensure a seamless process.

Pros

• You can use Reason as DAW standalone or upgrade.
• The mimic sampler is a powerful musical tool.
• Reason offers hi-res graphics, making it ideal for computer use.
• The real-time library search is quick and effective.
• Reason works well with hip-hop and electronic music.

Cons

• Reason may be one of the best beat-making software, but it doesn’t offer M1 chip compatibility yet.
• There’s only one additional instrument added to the last version.
• The sequencer is useful, but the interface needs modernizing.

10. Serato Beat Software: Best for DJs

Overall Rating: 4.0/5.0

OS: Mac and Windows

MIDI: Yes

Mobile App: iOS

Serato is the most popular DJ software in the world designed to address various genres and styles. The brand took the music world by storm with its sample plug-in, but it has now transformed into a full-fledged beat maker.

Through this DAW, you can focus your workflow on DJ edits, bootlegs, and mash-ups, indulging you in a seamless beat-making experience.

Price

✅ Free for the free version

✅ $99.00 for the Serato Plug-In

✅ $249.00 for the Serato Software

Top Features

• Serato Stems: You can now apply separation techniques with Serato to unlock new creative possibilities.
• Reliability: DJs all around the world trust this software to help them deliver mind-blowing performances.
• Hardware availability: Artists can use the software with its hardware counterpart, Serato DJ Pro.
• Massive music library: With Serato, you can access millions of tracks, from the freshest sounds to certified classics.
• Support channels: While Serato doesn’t offer a direct line, you can contact the team via email or social media.

Pros

• Serato is easy to set up, including hardware and software.
• The interface is professional-looking.
• Serato made it easy to locate songs. You can search the tracks you want by title, artist, album, or year.
• With this software, you can switch from dark to light mode and the waveforms from horizontal to vertical or vice-versa.
• It’s easy to import and navigate samples through this software.

Cons

• Mixing sounds may be challenging for newbies with this software.
• It takes a lot of time to organize tracks, especially if you have a large catalog.
• I think adding more plug-ins would be great.

11. Studio One: Best for Music Creation

Overall Rating: 4.5/5.0

OS: Mac and Windows

MIDI: Yes

Mobile App: iOS

For me, Studio One is one of the best beat-making software today because of its unmatched workflow convenience. The software makes it easy to create music for producers and hobbyists alike.

Whether you’re using the Artist or Professional edition, you can access the Start Page and Song Page to configure system settings and record and produce beats. With the Professional version, you will also have a Project Page, a dedicated solution designed to spot mistakes in the mastering stage.

Price

✅ Free for the free version

✅ $164.95 annually for Studio One 6 Artist

✅ $399.95 for Studio One 6 Professional

Top Features

• Powerful comping: Studio One makes beat assembly more fun because of its comping prowess.
• Drag-and-drop capabilities: This feature dramatically speeds up the workflow.
• Track Presets: This feature recalls your favored software settings, making future set-up easier.
• Customizable interface: You can develop a layout that works well for you.
• Video track: With Studio One, you get all the video-editing essentials.

Pros

• Studio One offers impressive pattern-based composition tools.
• I think Studio One is one of the best beat-making software because of its value for money.
• This software focuses on music creation, but you can perform other tasks with it.
• Studio One is flexible, letting you use a lot of hardware-and-plug-in combinations.
• The brand offers a lot of advanced functionalities for more seasoned users.

Cons

• Running Studio One requires massive RAM space.
• The software doesn’t offer as many instrument sounds as other beat makers.
• Studio One lacks the popular plug-ins other brands have.

Final Thoughts

There are no one-size-fits-all solutions for all beat-making essentials. Even the most expensive tools might not give you the features you need to enhance your skills as a producer, DJ, or artist.

For this reason, you need the right software for your niche. To do this, you should identify how you will use such technologies. Afterward, you can narrow your options based on your budget and requirements.

Having the right software by your side can make all the difference. I hope this article can help you decide on the best beat-making software 2023 for you.