Video & Audio · Music production (DAW)

Free alternatives to Ableton Live

Ableton Live by Ableton: Digital audio workstation for producing, recording and performing music. Pricing: one-time licence. Here are 3 free options that cover the same job.

Alternative	Type	Platforms	Best for
LMMS	Open source	Windows, macOS, Linux	Beat making with patterns and built-in synths	Get it
ArdourReady-made downloads are pay-what-you-want; the source is free.	Open source	Windows, macOS, Linux	Recording, mixing and editing audio	Get it
Waveform Free	Free	Windows, macOS, Linux	Full-featured production with no track limits	Get it
Ableton LiveThe paid original	One-time licence	–	Music production (DAW)	Visit

The alternatives in detail

01/ LMMS

Open source

Best for: Beat making with patterns and built-in synths.

Runs on: Windows, macOS, Linux

Visit LMMS

02/ Ardour

Open source

Best for: Recording, mixing and editing audio.

Ready-made downloads are pay-what-you-want; the source is free.

Runs on: Windows, macOS, Linux

Visit Ardour

03/ Waveform Free

Free

Best for: Full-featured production with no track limits.

Runs on: Windows, macOS, Linux

Visit Waveform Free

Frequently asked questions

Is there a free alternative to Ableton Live?

Yes. LMMS is a strong free option for beat making with patterns and built-in synths. Other choices include Ardour, Waveform Free.

Which Ableton Live alternative is open source?

LMMS, Ardour are open source.