Ever sat in your room bobbing your head to a beat and thought, “I could totally make something like this” — only to realize you don’t even know where to begin?
We get it. Everyone from TikTok creators to Grammy-winning producers talks about how they “built it in FL” or “mixed it down in Logic”, but if you’re just starting out, all these tools can sound like confusing code names.
So, let’s clear the air: this post is your go-to guide for understanding what software music producers actually use, why they use them, and which one might be perfect for you — even if you’re a complete beginner.
No gatekeeping. No confusing jargon. Just real talk.
First Things First: What Exactly Is a DAW?
Before we name-drop the software, let’s decode the acronym that keeps popping up — DAW. It stands for Digital Audio Workstation, and it’s the heart and soul of modern music production.
Think of it like this: a DAW is to a music producer what a canvas is to a painter. It’s the digital space where you record, arrange, edit, and mix your music. Whether you’re laying down a soulful vocal, building a drum loop, or scoring a film — it all happens inside your DAW.
No matter what genre you’re into — Afrobeat, amapiano, trap, lo-fi, EDM, gospel, you name it — the journey from idea to final track starts here.
So… What Software Do Music Producers Use?
Now to the big question: what software do music producers use?
There’s no single “correct” answer — different producers use different tools based on their workflow, genre, and creative style. But some DAWs have clearly risen to the top over the years.
Let’s explore the most widely used music production software out there today, with honest pros and cons so you can figure out what’s right for you.
FL Studio — The Beatmaker’s Best Friend
Used by: Metro Boomin, Murda Beatz, Avicii (RIP), Southside
Best for: Beginners, beatmakers, trap, hip-hop, EDM
FL Studio is probably the most famous DAW among beginners and beatmakers. Formerly known as Fruity Loops, it’s known for being easy to learn and fun to use.
Why producers love it:
- Simple, colorful interface
- Step sequencer is perfect for making quick drum patterns
- Comes with powerful plugins like Gross Beat and Sytrus
- Lifetime free updates — buy it once, and you’re set for life
Watch out for:
Its mixer and audio recording workflow can feel clunky compared to other DAWs. But if your focus is making beats, this won’t bother you much.
Should you use it?
Absolutely, if you’re just starting out or working in hip-hop/trap. It’s great for getting ideas down fast.
Ableton Live — The Looper’s Playground
Used by: Skrillex, Kaytranada, Flume
Best for: Electronic music, looping, live performances
Ableton Live is a powerhouse among electronic artists and remixers. Its unique Session View lets you experiment with loops and ideas in real time — perfect for live DJ sets or on-the-fly creativity.
Pros:
- Intuitive loop-based workflow
- Powerful warping and time-stretching
- Ideal for remixing and DJ-style performance
- Works great with MIDI controllers
Cons:
The layout can look strange at first, and the learning curve is steeper than FL. Also, the full version is a bit pricey.
You’ll love it if:
You enjoy live music creation, electronic beats, or performing your music on stage.
Logic Pro X — Apple’s Gift to Music Creators
Used by: Finneas (Billie Eilish), Disclosure, Steve Lacy
Best for: Songwriting, vocals, pop, R&B, sound design
If you’re on a Mac, Logic Pro X might just be the best bang for your buck. For just $199, you get a full-blown professional DAW with a massive sound library and studio-quality plugins.
What stands out:
- 70GB+ of instruments and samples
- Excellent for recording vocals and instruments
- “Drummer” feature creates realistic drum tracks
- Sleek Apple-friendly interface
But:
It’s Mac-only. If you’re using Windows, you’ll have to sit this one out — or buy a Mac.
Best for:
Artists who sing, songwriters, and producers who want clean, high-quality arrangements and recordings.
Pro Tools — The Studio Veteran
Used by: Dr Dre, Kendrick Lamar’s engineers, movie sound designers
Best for: Audio recording, mixing engineers, film sound, studio work
If FL Studio is a friendly little studio in your bedroom, Pro Tools is the grand professional setup with gold-plated cables and $2,000 microphones. It’s what many big studios use — and for good reason.
Why it’s a big deal:
- Flawless audio editing
- Perfect for multi-track recording
- Industry standard for film, TV, and major studios
- Advanced mixing features
The catch:
Pro Tools isn’t cheap, and it’s not friendly for making beats or loop-based music. It’s meant for serious engineering, not casual creation.
Use it if:
You plan to work in audio production professionally or record bands and vocals often.
Cubase — The Composer’s Toolkit
Used by: Hans Zimmer, Zedd, Armin van Buuren
Best for: Classical composition, scoring, MIDI editing
Cubase is a DAW that shines in complexity. It’s deep, powerful, and precise — making it the go-to choice for film composers and technical producers.
What it excels at:
- Amazing MIDI tools
- Great for orchestral scoring and arrangement
- Fantastic plugin and VST support
- Stable performance with large projects
Downsides:
The learning curve is real, and beginners might feel overwhelmed. But once you get the hang of it, it’s a dream for composers.
Studio One — The Rising Star
Used by: Illenium, Lindsey Stirling
Best for: All-round production, mastering, easy learning
Studio One is gaining fans fast, especially among those looking for a modern, sleek DAW. Its drag-and-drop workflow, clean interface, and built-in mastering tools make it incredibly user-friendly.
Why it’s underrated:
- Smooth, fast workflow
- Excellent mastering tools included
- Great for both audio and MIDI
- Strong built-in plugins
Why you’ll love it:
It’s a solid all-in-one DAW that handles everything from songwriting to mastering without ever feeling bloated or confusing.
Extra: GarageBand — The “Free Try-It-Out” Option
Used by: Anyone with a Mac, actually
Best for: Absolute beginners, casual creators
If you’ve got a Mac or iPhone, GarageBand is sitting there waiting for you — and it’s surprisingly powerful. Think of it as a starter pack for Logic Pro.
You can record vocals, make beats, add loops, and even use MIDI instruments — all for free.
Great for:
Testing the waters before buying pro software. A lot of producers started here!
Don’t Forget Plugins: Your Secret Sauce
A DAW is your kitchen — plugins are your ingredients.
Instrument plugins like Serum, Omnisphere, or Kontakt give you new sounds to work with. Effect plugins like Valhalla Reverb, FabFilter EQ, or Waves compressors help polish your mix.
Most DAWs come with stock plugins, but as your ear grows, you’ll likely start collecting your own set of third-party tools.
You don’t need hundreds. Just a few good ones you actually know how to use.
“So… Which DAW Should I Choose?”
Here’s the truth: there’s no “best DAW.” The best one is the one you feel comfortable using — the one that helps you create without getting in your way.
To help you narrow it down, here’s a quick guide based on your personality or goals:
| If you are… | Try This |
| A beginner with no experience | FL Studio, GarageBand |
| A beatmaker into hip-hop/trap | FL Studio |
| A singer-songwriter or vocalist | Logic Pro X |
| An electronic/EDM producer | Ableton Live |
| A studio engineer or film scorer | Pro Tools, Cubase |
| Someone who wants a clean workflow | Studio One |
Still unsure? Try a few free demos. Most DAWs offer trials so you can get a feel for how they work.
Real Talk from Real Producers
Let’s sprinkle in some wisdom from the pros:
- Metro Boomin started on FL Studio as a teen. He still uses it today.
- Finneas recorded and produced Billie Eilish’s debut album using Logic Pro… in a bedroom.
- Skrillex built Grammy-winning EDM with Ableton Live.
- Hans Zimmer, one of the world’s greatest film composers, uses Cubase for most of his scores.
What do they all have in common? They mastered one DAW and stuck with it.
So instead of hopping from software to software, pick one, get good at it, and let the creativity flow.
Mobile Music Production: Can You Make Beats on Your Phone?
Absolutely. We’re in 2025 — your phone is more powerful than some laptops from five years ago. Mobile music production is a real thing now, and many apps give you the ability to sketch out full tracks wherever you are.
If you’re always on the move or don’t have access to a full setup, these apps can be your portable studio:
- FL Studio Mobile – A lightweight version of the desktop giant. Great for laying down quick melodies or drum patterns.
- GarageBand for iOS – Surprisingly deep. You can record vocals, play with virtual instruments, and export directly to Logic.
- Koala Sampler – Loved by lo-fi and experimental producers. Fun and addictive.
- BandLab – A free, cloud-based DAW. Think of it like Google Docs for music.
While these apps might not replace your main DAW for final mixes, they’re perfect for capturing ideas and making music on the go.
Pro tip: Some big producers start a beat idea on their phone, then transfer it to their laptop DAW later for final mixing.
Final Thoughts: Just Start Creating
At the end of the day, the DAW is just a tool — your creativity is what really matters.
Don’t get stuck in “choice paralysis.” Pick one that fits your vibe, start experimenting, and keep going. Your first beat might suck. Your second might suck less. By your tenth? You’re already in the game.
So go ahead — download that DAW, open it up, and press play.
You don’t need a fancy studio to make magic. You just need software, passion, and a little patience.
