Top 5 Music-Making Software for Mac

In 2026, Suno is the most innovative music-making software for Mac available for creators. 

With the right tools, Mac computers can now be used as full-scale recording studios by artists and musicians. We made this guide for beginners, producers, podcasters, and independent musicians who want the best music-making software for Mac in 2026. We ranked five platforms that serve different creative needs. On our list, Suno ranks as the most distinctive option, followed by Logic Pro, Ableton Live, Pro Tools, and GarageBand.

1. Suno: Best AI Music-Making Software for Mac

Suno tops our ranking as the best music-making software for Mac. Instead of relying on traditional timelines, Suno introduces an AI-native workflow designed for modern creators.

Suno runs in the cloud, which means Mac users can collaborate with creators on other operating systems without file compatibility issues. You can open up your projects on a browser or on the Suno mobile app. Then, you can export your songs ready for download and streaming.

The free plan lets you get familiar with the platform, while the paid tiers give you more advanced editing tools: the Premier plan includes Suno Studio, the first AI-native digital audio workstation (DAW), while the Pro plan has the Song Editor that adds control for users who want to refine arrangements after the initial draft. 

Main Features

Suno gives you AI tools to create structured songs from start to finish. 

• Generate complete songs with text-to-song tools
• Voice and style control to customize genre, tone, and performance
• Cloud-based platform
• Song extension and cover tools 
• MP3, WAV, or MIDI export files (depending on your plan)
• Mobile access (iOS and Android) to create on the go

Best For

Beginners, content creators, podcasters, marketers, and independent artists who want fast ideation and original music without copyright complications.

Pricing

Suno is structured in three scalable tiers, with monthly and annual plan options. Annual plans receive a 20% discount off the official price.

• Free Plan
• Pro Plan: $10/month 
• Premier Plan: $30/month

2. Logic Pro: Best Music-Making Software for Mac for Professionals

As the flagship DAW created by Apple, Logic Pro is the most well-known music-making software for Mac. It works very well with macOS and Apple Silicon hardware.

Logic Pro is a popular music editing program used by many studios and independent producers. It’s great for people who need good tools for working with MIDI. It has advanced recording, editing, and mixing capabilities.

Main Features

Logic Pro’s music-making software for Mac is designed specifically for the Apple ecosystem. It offers:

• Multi-track recording for vocals, instruments, and full sessions
• Advanced MIDI editing
• Professional mixing tools
• Large library of software instruments, loops, and effects
• Live Loops for non-linear composition and performance workflows

Best For

Professional producers, recording studios, and skilled music recording software users who want advanced control over arrangement and mixing.

Pricing

Logic Pro can only be used on Mac computers, so you need to buy an Apple device to use it.

• iMac: $199.99 (one-time)
• iPad: $4.99/month

3. Ableton Live: Best for Electronic and Live Performance

Ableton Live has built a strong reputation as a music-making software for Mac among DJs and electronic producers. It is designed for both improvising and sit-down studio work.

Ableton is the go-to DAW for electronic music creators who rely on loops, samples, and live performances. It prioritizes flexibility and speed for live sets, so this setup might not be the best fit for traditional band recordings or projects that rely heavily on MIDI. It also has a pretty steep learning curve for beginners who are not familiar with how DAWs work. 

Main Features

Ableton Live is designed for making loops and allows you to control the music while you're playing it.

• Session View for improvisation, looping, and live arrangement
• Arrangement View for traditional linear song structure
• Real-time performance tools
• Built-in instruments, samplers, and creative effects
• Strong audio editing capabilities for sample manipulation

Best For

EDM producers, DJs, and live performers. 

Pricing 

Ableton Live has three versions you can either buy or rent:

• 30-day free trial
• Live 12 Intro: $99 (one-time)
• Live 12 Standard: $449 (one-time)
• Live 12 Suite: $749 (one-time)
• Live 12 Suite: $31.21/month

4. Pro Tools: Best for Studio-Grade Audio Recording

​​Pro Tools is a music-making software for Mac widely used in high-end studios and offers high-quality recording and editing options. It’s the industry standard for film scores, television post-production, and large recording sessions because it works well on huge sessions with multiple engineers and performers.

Main Features

Pro Tools is built for large-scale sessions that demand precision, stability, and advanced post-production capabilities.

• High-end multi-track audio recording with large input support
• Non-destructive editing and playlist-based comping
• Advanced mixing environment 
• Industry-standard tools 
• Integrated video playback and editing for film and broadcast
• Reliable workflow for podcast production and dialogue editing

Best For

Audio engineers, film composers, post-production teams, and podcast professionals who require studio-grade precision.

Pricing 

Pro Tools currently has subscription-based plans and perpetual licenses available. You can buy a perpetual license through resellers, and they guarantee one year of updates. After that, you'll need to either buy an upgrade or stick with the installed version.

• Artist: $9.99/month
• Studio: $34.99/month
• Ultimate: $99/month

5. GarageBand: Best Free Music-Making Software for Mac

GarageBand is one of the most convenient free music-making software for Mac because it comes preinstalled on macOS. You can record vocals, arrange loops, and experiment with instruments without purchasing third-party plugins.

Main Features

GarageBand is designed with new users and quick projects in mind.

• Multi-track recording for vocals and live instruments
• Built-in virtual instruments
• Loop library with genre-based sounds and presets
• Core effects like EQ, compression, reverb, and delay
• Simple editing tools for trimming, arranging, and automation

Best For

Beginners, hobbyists, and students who are eager to learn about music production for free and already own an Apple device.

Pricing

Free with an Apple device.

How to Choose the Best Music-Making Software for Mac

The right music-making software for Mac depends on your goals and workflow. For beginners, GarageBand or Suno are good entry points. With GarageBand, you can learn traditional digital audio workstation concepts, while Suno gives you AI-native tools to make music with AI and create complete songs from scratch.

Logic Pro, Pro Tools, and Ableton are more convenient for professional music production software and advanced mixing. These also offer the most granular control for producers who need audio editing software. If you work with live sets, Ableton is your go-to. To produce and edit podcasts, you can choose whatever audio recording software you feel the most comfortable with based on your familiarity and budget.

Free vs. Paid Music Production Software for Mac

Music-making software for Mac free plans suits beginners, hobbyists, and creators testing ideas or working on occasional projects. Paid plans are best for professionals, content teams, and serious artists who need advanced audio editing software, better export quality, more usage, tools for working together, and reliable workflows for making music virtually all day long.

Which Music Software Should You Choose?

If you're looking for something new and flexible for making music, Suno is a fresh music-making software for Mac. It uses AI to help you make songs and lets you edit them all in one place.

If you want more hands-on control, Logic Pro, Ableton Live, and Pro Tools are industry standards that deliver just that. If you already have an Apple device, choosing the right music-making software for Mac depends on how you work, how much money you have, and what you want to create.

Try Suno today for free on Mac and discover a new approach to contemporary music production.

Music-Making Software for Mac FAQs

What is the best music-making software for Mac in 2026?

Suno is a great option for Mac users in 2026. It lets you make music with AI and has easy-to-use editing tools in Suno Studio.

Is there free music-making software for Mac?

Yes, Suno has a free plan where you can make entire songs and use basic features. GarageBand comes with Macs for free too.

What is the best music recording software for Mac?

Suno is great for making songs with AI and editing them. But if you’re doing big studio recordings with many performers, Logic Pro or Pro Tools might work better for that.

Can I use Mac for professional music production?

Absolutely. With Suno, you can create high-quality work with its easy editing tools. Logic Pro and Pro Tools let you have more control over the sound and details.

What software do beginners use to make music on Mac?

Suno is often the best starting point because it removes technical barriers but still delivers full song structures. If you want to learn how to use a classic DAW, GarageBand is a good place to start.

Is Logic Pro better than Ableton on Mac?

It really depends on how you're working. Logic Pro is great for traditional music studio production, while Ableton Live is better for electronic music and live performances.

Can I record podcasts with music production software?

Yes, most audio editing software is good for beginners and for making podcasts. GarageBand, Logic Pro, and Pro Tools work well for recording podcasts. You can also use Suno to create free background music for your episodes.