GarageBand is Apple's music creation application for Mac, iPhone, and iPad, offering a full sound library of instruments, guitar and voice presets, session drummers and percussionists, and tools to record, mix, and master up to 255 audio tracks. It includes virtual synths, amp simulations, audio effects, and a Live Loops interface for beat-based composition. GarageBand is distributed free through the App Store and is bundled at no additional cost with new Apple devices, requiring only an Apple Account and a supported macOS or iOS version; it does not have a separate paid tier or subscription. It is aimed at musicians, podcasters, and hobbyists on Apple hardware who want a capable, no-cost entry point into music and audio production without committing to professional DAW software.

LCLouis CorneloupUpdated Sep 29, 2026 · how we evaluateSourceapple.com ↗

Key Features

Multi-track recording (up to 255 tracks)
Virtual instrument and drummer library
Guitar/voice presets and amp simulations
Live Loops beat-making
Mixing and mastering tools
Cross-device sync (Mac/iPhone/iPad)

Pricing Plans

Pricing checked Sep 25, 2026

GarageBand plans and prices, checked September 2026
Plan	Price	Details
Free (bundled with Apple devices)	$0	Up to 255 audio tracks Virtual instruments and session players Live Loops +1 moreShow less Available on Mac, iPhone, iPad

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Is GarageBand worth the price?

Great value

GarageBand's pricing is exceptionally generous, offering a full-featured DAW at $0 for anyone with an Apple device, which is unmatched in the market.

This is best for Apple users who want professional-grade music creation without any upfront cost.

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Best GarageBand Alternatives

Top alternatives based on features, pricing, and user needs.

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AudacityFree

Record, edit, and mix audio with powerful, free tools

4.5

Ableton LivePaid

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FL StudioPaid

Create, mix, and master professional-quality music with a complete digital audio workstation.

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SoundtrapFreemium

Create, collaborate, and mix music online with professional-grade tools and an extensive sound library.

3.2

Studio OneFreemium

Create, record, mix, and master your music with an intuitive, all-in-one DAW.

3.4

BandLabFreemium

Create, collaborate, and share music with a global community of artists.

4.2

Amped StudioPaid

Create music online with an AI-powered digital audio workstation, no downloads required.

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Still deciding?

Most buyers shortlist 2 or 3 tools before committing. Pull a side-by-side comparison or browse the full alternatives shortlist below.

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GarageBand FAQ

How does GarageBand support podcasters in recording and editing audio?

GarageBand provides tools for recording and editing audio, including voice presets and up to 255 audio tracks, making it suitable for podcast production. It includes mixing and mastering capabilities to polish spoken-word content.

How does GarageBand compare to Ableton Live for music production?

GarageBand is a free music creation app for Apple devices, while Ableton Live is a paid professional DAW with advanced features. GarageBand offers a deep instrument and effects library at no cost, but is less suited to advanced professional production than Ableton Live.

Which platform limitations should users consider before choosing GarageBand?

GarageBand is limited to Apple devices (Mac, iPhone, iPad) and is not available on Windows or Android. It is also less suited to advanced professional production compared to paid DAWs.

What kind of user benefits most from using GarageBand?

Musicians, podcasters, and hobbyists on Apple hardware who want a capable, no-cost entry point into music and audio production benefit most from GarageBand. It serves as an easy entry point before moving to Logic Pro.

How is GarageBand priced?

GarageBand is completely free to use with no paid upgrade or subscription required. It is distributed through the App Store and bundled at no additional cost with new Apple devices.

Can GarageBand handle beat-based composition with loops?

Yes, GarageBand includes a Live Loops interface for beat-based composition, allowing users to trigger and arrange loops in real time. This feature is ideal for electronic music production and improvisation.

How many audio tracks can GarageBand support for recording and mixing?

GarageBand supports recording, mixing, and mastering up to 255 audio tracks, providing ample capacity for complex projects. This makes it suitable for multi-instrument arrangements and full band recordings.

Does GarageBand integrate with other Apple software for professional production?

GarageBand serves as an easy entry point before moving to Logic Pro, Apple's professional DAW, allowing users to transfer projects seamlessly. This integration enables hobbyists to upgrade their workflow without losing their work.

Source: apple.com

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