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Indie alternatives to GarageBand
3 products made by independent developers and small teams that do what GarageBand does, 3 of them with a free plan. Free and open-source options come first.
At a glance
| Product | Price | Open source | Self-host | Platforms |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BandLab | Free plan | – | – | Web, iOS, Android |
| Ferrite Recording Studio | Free plan | – | – | iOS |
| Soundtrap | Free plan | – | – | Web |
The alternatives
2. Ferrite Recording Studio
Audio recording and podcast editing app for iPhone and iPad
A multitrack audio editor for iOS and iPadOS aimed at podcasters, journalists and voice-over work.
Free plan · iOS · Website ↗
Questions
Is there a free alternative to GarageBand?
Yes. 3 of the 3 indie alternatives listed here have a free plan or are free: BandLab, Ferrite Recording Studio and Soundtrap.
Which GarageBand alternatives work on Mac, Windows, iPhone or Android?
On iPhone and iPad: BandLab and Ferrite Recording Studio. On Android: BandLab. On the web: BandLab and Soundtrap.
What makes these alternatives to GarageBand “indie”?
They are built by independent developers or small teams rather than large companies. Each one is listed because it does the same core job as GarageBand.
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