Cubase vs Bitwig Studio

Cubase9.2Visit Bitwig Studio8.6Visit

Higher score Cubase #2 in Game Music Software 9.2/10 60-day trial Free trial✓ 0 of 3 features Visit Steinberg

vs

Bitwig Studio #7 in Game Music Software 8.6/10 30-day trial Free trial✓ 0 of 3 features Visit Bitwig

• Cubase fits best

  Composers needing notation, video, and AI tools

• Bitwig Studio fits best

  Cross-platform composers wanting modular sound design

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Side by side

Feature	Cubase 9.2/10 Visit ↗	Bitwig Studio 8.6/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	9.2	8.6
Ranking	#2 in Game Music Software	#7 in Game Music Software
Best for	Composers needing notation, video, and AI tools	Cross-platform composers wanting modular sound design
Pricing model	Paid	Paid
Starting price	—	$99 one-time
Free plan	—	—
Free trial	60 days	30 days
Free trial length	60 days	30 days
Deployment	Desktop	Desktop
Platforms	Windows, macOS	Windows, macOS, Linux
Support	Community, Docs	Email, Docs
Built for	Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise	Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Cubase 0/3 · Bitwig Studio 0/3
Audio recording	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Score editor	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Cloud collaboration	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Specs
Plugin formats	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Maximum audio tracks	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Desktop platforms	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Our review
Pros	Combines multitrack audio, MIDI, notation and video workflows Supports VST instruments and third-party VST3 plug-ins Includes AI stem separation and advanced production tools	Runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux Combines Clip Launcher and linear arranger workflows Full edition includes The Grid and 43 modulators
Cons	No free plan is available Runs on Windows and macOS only Key capabilities vary across Pro, Artist and Elements editions	No permanent free plan Advanced modulation and The Grid require the $399 edition Edition prices cover 12 months of free upgrades
Our verdict	Cubase is Steinberg’s desktop digital audio workstation for composing, recording, editing, mixing and mastering music. It suits professional composers and producers, while musicians and beginners can choose a lower edition. Its scope… Read the review →	Bitwig Studio is a desktop digital audio workstation for musicians, producers, sound designers, composers, film scorers, and performers. It combines multitrack audio and instrument production with clip-based launching, linear arrangement,… Read the review →

Strengths and trade-offs

• Cubase — where it wins

  • Combines multitrack audio, MIDI, notation and video workflows
  • Supports VST instruments and third-party VST3 plug-ins
  • Includes AI stem separation and advanced production tools

  Where it doesn't

  • No free plan is available
  • Runs on Windows and macOS only
  • Key capabilities vary across Pro, Artist and Elements editions

• Bitwig Studio — where it wins

  • Runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux
  • Combines Clip Launcher and linear arranger workflows
  • Full edition includes The Grid and 43 modulators

  Where it doesn't

  • No permanent free plan
  • Advanced modulation and The Grid require the $399 edition
  • Edition prices cover 12 months of free upgrades

• Cubase9.2/10 · 60-day trial

  A mature, feature-rich DAW for composers who need notation, video and AI workflows.

  Visit SteinbergFull verdict →
• Bitwig Studio8.6/10 · 30-day trial

  A flexible DAW with clip workflows, deep modulation, and broad platform support.

  Visit BitwigFull verdict →