Every tool here is free to use at the time of writing. Check each official site for current terms and system requirements before you download.
GarageBand: a free DAW for Apple users
Included with macOS and iOS. It has instruments, loops, amp simulators and a clean interface, and projects can be opened in Logic Pro if you upgrade later. Mac and iPhone/iPad only.
Surge XT: a deep open-source synth
A free, open-source hybrid synthesizer for Windows, macOS and Linux with a large preset library. Great for learning synthesis without spending anything.
Vital: a wavetable synth with a free tier
Vital offers a free version of its wavetable synthesizer with a visual interface that shows exactly what each control does. Paid tiers add more presets and wavetables.
Spitfire LABS: free sampled instruments
A growing collection of free sampled instruments, from pianos and strings to textures, each with a simple interface. Good for adding organic sounds to electronic productions.
Audacity: a free audio editor
An open-source editor for recording, cutting and cleaning up audio on Windows, macOS and Linux. Not a full DAW, but excellent for editing vocals, podcasts and samples.
Demucs: free stem separation
Meta's open-source model for splitting songs into stems. It runs from the command line, and several free apps wrap it in a friendlier interface. Read our stem separation guide before using it.
Choosing a full DAW
If you outgrow free tools, compare six options, free and paid, in our best DAW for beginners guide, or answer four questions in the DAW Finder.