The 12 best pro tools brands in 2026
Avid, Ableton and Akai lead our ranking of 12 pro tools brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.
Pro Tools brands, ranked
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1
Avid
Avid Cycles is a family-run motorcycle parts and accessories shop that serves the upper desert. Avid Cycles, founded in 2010, is one of the region's major retailers of motorcycle parts, accessories, apparel, and protective gear. Only the finest-quality brands are available at reasonable costs. They take pleasure in providing one-on-one customer support before, during, and after your purchase with us. Visit their 10,000-square-foot showroom now! or visit their website. They are very grateful to their customers and a large assortment of parts, accessories, and apparel from some of the industry's greatest brands. They'll obtain it if they don't already have it!
Website: avidcycles.com |Brands like Avid
Popularity 10.0/10
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2
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3
Akai
Akai Professional is a firm that creates unique, intuitive, and creative goods. The firm invented the first professional MPC workstation and has remained a pioneer, continually producing the best technology for artists, music producers, and DJs. It creates music production gear and software for music performance, education, and entertainment. MPK controllers are built by musicians for musicians, whether you generate electronic beats or play conventional instruments like guitar or piano. They use the best technology to expand on the time-tested MPC instruments.
Website: akaipro.com |Brands like Akai
Popularity 4.2/10
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4
Cakewalk
Cakewalk is a renowned producer of increased, well-designed products for today’s modern performers. Medal digital recording workstations and cutting-edge simulated instruments are some of these offerings. Cakewalk products are used by millions of musicians across the world, including Grammy® and Emmy®-winning composers, musicians, sound engineers, and technicians, to create audio for the pro entertainment, filmmaking, broadcasting, and online gaming sectors. Cakewalk is expanding: the brand introduces additional products to our existing service and explores innovative, emerging solutions for them tomorrow.
Website: cakewalkstore.com |Brands like Cakewalk
Popularity 2.1/10
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5
Korg
For nearly 50 years, Korg has been meeting the demands of musicians and music fans worldwide. Their products have evolved alongside music technology, from analog synthesizers and rhythm machines to digital workstations. Their most recent inventions, including a whole line of portable keyboards, touch pianos, and electronic instruments, will open up new realms of creative expression for musicians of all skill levels. Professionals worldwide utilize their products for everything from composing and studio recording to live performance. They are known for their commitment to grade, enactment, and creation.
Website: korg.com |Brands like Korg
Popularity 2.1/10
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6
iZotope
Izotope offers a range of audio equipment that help with editing and post-recording works to improve quality and enhance the music. Their products were launched to provide editors and music directors with a premium line of products to record high-clarity audio and work with original recordings for high-quality and optimal results. Izotope has won several awards for its innovative and unique products helping artists, content creators, and studios across the world.
Website: izotope.com |Brands like iZotope
Popularity 2.1/10
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7
Roland
Roland has a long history of music industry innovation. It creates and manufactures electronic keyboards, synthesizers, and digital pianos with outstanding sound quality and unique features as one of the world's top makers of electronic musical instruments. The company's goods are offered through authorized dealers in over 100 countries. It specializes in the production of keyboards, synthesizers, and a variety of other electronic musical instruments. Its product lines include audio production and sound reinforcement equipment, electronics, and software.
Website: roland.com |Brands like Roland
Popularity 1.7/10
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8
Native Instruments
Native Instruments combines technology and music. It is one of the leading manufacturers of hardware and software for Computer Based audio production. With its innovative technology and unconventional products, the company believes in offering every product suitable for a professional and an amateur. Native Instruments is dedicated to revolutionizing the audio tech industry with its high-quality products and upgraded software. From a DJ controller to a Grovebox, the company has every hardware for every musical need.
Website: native-instruments.com |Brands like Native Instruments
Popularity 1.7/10
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9
Acoustica
The success of Acoustica has been attributed to the company's commitment to the development of software that is easy to use and intuitive. With its origins going back to 1998, its purpose is to make music creation software that is...
Website: acoustica.com |Brands like Acoustica
Popularity 1.7/10
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10
Image Line
Image Line FL Studio connects your music to you through its gadgets. They use the best high-tech technologies to create products and services designed to leave an imprint on your heart with their quality. Their mobile app is also available...
Website: image-line.com |Brands like Image Line
Popularity 1.7/10
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11
McDSP
McDSP is an audio software and hardware company to enhance and improve audio during post-production. Many audio engineers working for infamous names in show business and well-known companies, use these multi-channel and multi-band applications and devices to compress or enhance...
Website: mcdsp.com |Brands like McDSP
Popularity 1.7/10
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12
Propellerhead
Propellerhead is a company that stimulates creativity in its developers and brings ideas together to make the best software possible for its clients. The company provides the best solutions for its customers by combining technological advances with productive work. By...
Website: propellerhead.co.nz |Brands like Propellerhead
Popularity 1.2/10
Official websites and social accounts
| Brand | Website | X / Twitter | YouTube | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avid | avidcycles.com | /avidcycles | avidcycles | @avidcycles | – |
| Ableton | help.ableton.com | – | – | – | – |
| Akai | akaipro.com | /AkaiPro | akai_pro | @akai_pro | akaiprovideo |
| Cakewalk | cakewalkstore.com | /groups | lafayetteupclose | @LafayetteNYC | CAKEWALK STORE |
| Korg | korg.com | /korgusa | korgofficial | @korgusa | – |
| iZotope | izotope.com | /izotopeinc | izotopeinc | @izotopeinc | izotopeinc |
| Roland | roland.com | /OfficialRolandAIRA | roland.experience.channel | @RolandExpCh | Roland Cloud |
| Native Instruments | native-instruments.com | /nativeinstruments | nativeinstruments | @NI_News | NativeInstruments |
| Acoustica | acoustica.com | – | – | – | – |
| Image Line | image-line.com | /FLStudio | flstudio_official | @fl_studio | imageline |
Pro Tools Buying Guide
Pro Tools is a digital audio workstation (DAW) that is widely used in professional music production and audio post-production. It is an industry-standard software for music and audio production and has a wide range of features and capabilities that make it an indispensable tool for many professionals. If you are considering buying Pro Tools, there are a few things that you should keep in mind to ensure that you get the best possible software for your needs.
What is Pro Tools?
Pro Tools is a DAW that allows you to record, edit, and mix audio and MIDI tracks. It includes a range of features such as virtual instruments, MIDI sequencing, and a variety of plugins that can be used to enhance the sound quality of your recordings. Pro Tools also supports surround-sound mixing and is compatible with a wide range of audio hardware, making it an extremely flexible and versatile tool.
Choosing the Right Version of Pro Tools
There are several different versions of Pro Tools available, each with its own set of features and capabilities. The version you choose depends on your needs and budget. Here are some of the most popular versions of Pro Tools:
Pro Tools First
Pro Tools First is a free version of Pro Tools that is designed for beginners. It includes many of the basic features of Pro Tools, such as MIDI sequencing and a range of virtual instruments and plugins. However, it has some limitations, such as a maximum of 16 tracks per session and a smaller set of plugins to choose from.
Pro Tools Standard
Pro Tools Standard is the next step up from Pro Tools First. It includes all of the features of Pro Tools First, as well as support for up to 128 tracks per session, more plugins, and more advanced MIDI editing capabilities. Pro Tools Standard is ideal for small-to-medium-sized recording studios or home recording enthusiasts who want more options and capabilities than Pro Tools First.
Pro Tools Ultimate
Pro Tools Ultimate is the most powerful version of Pro Tools. It includes all of the features of Pro Tools Standard, as well as advanced features such as surround-sound mixing, high-quality audio restoration tools, and support for the latest audio hardware. Pro Tools Ultimate is typically used in large recording studios, post-production houses, and other professional music and audio production environments.
Hardware Requirements
In addition to choosing the right version of Pro Tools, you also need to ensure that your computer and audio hardware are compatible with Pro Tools. Here are the minimum hardware requirements for Pro Tools:
- Windows 10 or macOS 10.13.6 or higher
- Intel Core i5 processor or higher (or equivalent)
- 16GB of RAM (32GB recommended)
- SSD for system and Pro Tools installation
- At least one internal or external hard drive for audio recording and playback (SSD recommended)
- Recommended audio hardware: Avid audio interface or other compatible audio interface
It is important to note that these are the minimum requirements and that the recommended specifications may vary depending on your specific needs and usage.
Plugins and Virtual Instruments
One of the key selling points of Pro Tools is its wide range of plugins and virtual instruments. Plugins are software programs that can be used to manipulate audio in a variety of ways, such as adding reverb or compression. Virtual instruments are software programs that can be used to create a wide range of sounds, such as drums, guitars, and keyboards. Pro Tools includes a range of built-in plugins and virtual instruments, but there are also many third-party plugins and virtual instruments that are compatible with Pro Tools.
When choosing plugins and virtual instruments, it is important to consider your specific needs and the type of music or audio you will be producing. Some popular plugins and virtual instruments for Pro Tools include:
- Waves plugins – a range of effects plugins for audio processing
- Native Instruments – a range of virtual instruments and effects plugins
- Eventide – a range of effects plugins for audio processing
- Arturia – a range of virtual instruments and effects plugins
- UAD – a range of high-quality audio processing plugins
Conclusion
Pro Tools is an essential tool for many professionals in the music and audio production industry. When choosing the right version of Pro Tools, it is important to consider your specific needs and budget. You should also ensure that your computer and audio hardware are compatible with Pro Tools and that you have the right plugins and virtual instruments for your specific needs.
