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Head-to-head · Digital Audio Workstations

Cubase vs Ardour

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 1 check side by side
Higher score Cubase #4 in Digital Audio Workstations 8.9/10 60-day trial Free trial✓ 0 of 4 features Visit Steinberg
Ardour #6 in Digital Audio Workstations 8.7/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 4 features Visit Ardour

Cubase leads on 0 checks, Ardour on 1, and 0 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 1 yes/no, price and count check where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreCubase · 8.9/10
  • Free planonly Ardour
  • Free trialonly Cubase

Cubase scores higher on our rubric for digital audio workstations: 8.9 against 8.7 out of 10; our editors rank them #4 and #6.

Ardour offers free plan; Cubase doesn't.

Cubase is the better fit for feature-rich traditional studio production. Ardour is the better fit for open-source cross-platform production.

  • Cubase fits best

    Feature-rich traditional studio production

  • Ardour fits best

    Open-source cross-platform production

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature Cubase 8.9/10 Visit ↗ Ardour 8.7/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 8.9 8.7
Ranking #4 in Digital Audio Workstations #6 in Digital Audio Workstations
Best for Feature-rich traditional studio production Open-source cross-platform production
Pricing model Paid Free plan + paid
Starting price — $1/mo
Free plan — ✓ (best)
Free trial 60 days —
Deployment Desktop Desktop
Platforms Windows, macOS Windows, macOS, Linux
Support Community, Docs Email, Live chat, Tickets, Community, Docs
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Cubase 0/4 · Ardour 0/4
Audio warping Not checked yet Not checked yet
Score editor Not checked yet Not checked yet
Video timeline Not checked yet Not checked yet
VST3 support Not checked yet Not checked yet
Specs
Operating systems Not checked yet Not checked yet
Max audio tracks Not checked yet Not checked yet
Max MIDI tracks Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Comprehensive audio and MIDI recording, sequencing, mixing and editing
  • Supports VST3 plug-ins, notation, video workflows and AI stem separation
  • Three editions cover professional, advanced and entry-level production needs
  • Free access with optional $1, $4, $10, and $50 monthly tiers
  • Multitrack audio, MIDI editing, automation, routing, and video sync
  • Runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux with broad plugin support
Cons
  • Desktop-only deployment limits work to Windows and macOS
  • Paid software with no free plan
  • The broad feature set may exceed simpler production needs
  • Desktop-only deployment
  • Paid tiers primarily fund development and provide update access
  • The feature set may be more than needed for simple recording tasks
Our verdict

Cubase is Steinberg’s desktop digital audio workstation for composing, recording, editing, mixing and mastering music. It combines multitrack audio and MIDI recording, sequencing, virtual instruments, effects, automation, notation, video…

Read the review →

Ardour is an open-source digital audio workstation for audio engineers, musicians, composers, soundtrack editors, podcasters, and radio producers. It supports multitrack audio and MIDI recording, editing, mixing, mastering, and exporting…

Read the review →
  1. CubaseDigital Audio Workstations 8.960-day trial
  2. ArdourDigital Audio Workstations 8.7Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Cubase — where it wins

    • Comprehensive audio and MIDI recording, sequencing, mixing and editing
    • Supports VST3 plug-ins, notation, video workflows and AI stem separation
    • Three editions cover professional, advanced and entry-level production needs

    Where it doesn't

    • Desktop-only deployment limits work to Windows and macOS
    • Paid software with no free plan
    • The broad feature set may exceed simpler production needs

  • Ardour — where it wins

    • Free access with optional $1, $4, $10, and $50 monthly tiers
    • Multitrack audio, MIDI editing, automation, routing, and video sync
    • Runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux with broad plugin support

    Where it doesn't

    • Desktop-only deployment
    • Paid tiers primarily fund development and provide update access
    • The feature set may be more than needed for simple recording tasks

More comparisons

All digital audio workstations comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update