Want the quick breakdown? For most, Soundtrap is the best alternative to Bandlab, and has as good or better online DAW features and social sharing. Start Here.
When you have a weaker computer you cannot download all of the expansive software and programs you need to make the content you want to. Nor do you have the space for samples. That is where turning to an online alternative can prove so useful.
When you use Bandlab, you gain access to a whole world of opportunities for creativity and collaboration. There are pieces of every genre represented on here from the samples, to the guitar tones.
Top Bandlab Alternatives Highlighted
- Soundtrap – best for beginners looking to learn
- Studio One Prime – best for included plugin selection
- Garageband – best for Apple users
- Cakewalk – best for Windows users
Bandlab Quick Review
Bandlab is a free Online platform with its own built in DAW with a similar layout to Garageband, making it easy to use as well as transition to from other workstations. With many options to build a following as well as grow your talents and experience, Bandlab is an easy to use platform for all.
Why Users Like Bandlab :
- Beatmaker – You can create custom beats with a multitude of sounds and drum kits at your fingertips.
- Profiles – Once you have your own tracks created, you can upload them to your profile and connect with other artists.
- Presets – As well as having built in plugins and sounds, there are built in presets for guitars and bass that are actually a great sound and quality (You can also customize the sounds yourself).
- Collaboration – Not only can you collaborate with your fellow musicians and friends, there is a space on the side of the window where you can leave notes for each other as well as write out song lyrics for the vocalists.
- Mobility – As artists, you never know when the inspiration will strike making the easy to use mobile app so important.
Compatibility:
- Mac
- Windows
- Mobile
Price:
- Free
1. Soundtrap
This is the only alternative on this list that has the most similarities with Bandlab’s online approach. There are so many tutorials and users geared towards teaching and giving advice on how to learn and best use Soundtrap — all easily accessible directly from your browser.
Features Like Bandlab :
- Collaboration – Soundtrap is an online based DAW and with that comes the ability to work with musicians and producers anywhere who also have Soundtrap.
- Tutorials – There is an ever growing library of tutorials and how-to videos produced directly by the experts at Soundtrap to make sure you are using all the tools to your advantage.
- Loops and Samples – With over 4000 choice loops and presets, Soundtrap has all the royalty free sounds you would ever need to make your next beat.
Compatibility:
- Mac
- Windows
- Tablet
Price:
- Music Makers Premium
- Music Makers Supreme
- Complete
2. Presonus Studio One
Studio One is produced by Presonus, an amazing company that creates fantastic interfaces of all sizes. Studio One Prime is a fantastic introduction to its big brother Studio One 5.
Features Like Bandlab :
- Sample Library – Studio One Prime comes with a library of over 1 Gig of samples and there are more samples listed fairly cheap in Presonus’ digital store.
- Free Trials – You get the offer to try out the upgraded version of Studio One when you are signing up.
- Plugins – Studio One Prime includes some of the great plugins that come with the full version that you cannot live without.
Compatibility:
- Mac
- OS 10.13 or higher
- 4 GB RAM (8 GB or more recommended)
- Windows
- 10
- 4 GB RAM (8 GB or more recommended)
- Tablet
Price:
- Rent to own
- Studio One 5 Professional
- $399.95
- Studio One Prime
- Free
3. Garageband
Apple has made it so easy to peak the interest of any creative. I know for me and many I know, we started becoming interested in being producers from playing around with the beats and loops that come with the DAW.
Features Like Bandlab :
- Plugins – Garageband comes with its own array of plugins setup to help you learn their functions as well as create a capable sound.
- Transform Pad – With the Transform Pad, you can morph the sound of your synth to fully match the vibe of your song.
- Loops – All loops and samples available in Garageband are royalty free and can be used in any track you publish.
Compatibility:
- Mac
- Tablet
Price:
- Free
4. Cakewalk
Cakewalk is also a free DAW from the people who made Bandlab.It is a more in depth tool into the world of audio. They have easily set a new standard for free DAWs.
Features Like Bandlab :
- Award Winning – This is the only free DAW that I know of that has won any awards for its user interface.
- Samples – Cakewalk has access to the same samples and loops that are available on Bandlab.
- Plugins – Not only does Cakewalk include some amazing plugins of compressors, EQs, and effects, they also work with third party plugins (uncommon for free DAWs)
Compatibility:
- Windows
- 7 or higher
- 4 GB Ram
Price:
- Free
A Free for All
It used to be that whichever studio or producer had the most expensive equipment, was the best in the business. Now, there has been such a flooding of lower priced items that can compete with the more expensive equipment into the market. Always remember that a good producer and engineer will do the best that they can with the tools present. And there will be learning curves but that’s why a DAW of the caliber that we just listed is great for beginners.
If you are wanting to learn more about other DAWs as well, we have more insight available here.
And if you wanted to learn about which plugins to use for different tools, check out what we have to say here.
Jarrett is a hardcore Lover-Jazz Lover-Rock Lover-Blues Lover-just a music lover. He has the hair to match — Jarrett and provides in-depth insight into all things guitar and music engineering.