Cubase
Cubase: A full desktop studio for producers and composers who need audio, MIDI, mixing, and video workflows. Ranked #4 of 128 in Audio Editing Software by our editors (9.1/10); pricing: 60-day trial; best for traditional studio production on Windows or Mac.
At a glance
- Editor score9.1 / 10
- Pricing60-day trial
- Best forTraditional studio production on Windows or Mac
- Free planNo
- Third-party pluginsYes
- Founded1984
- Facts checked21 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Combines multitrack audio, MIDI sequencing, mixing, and mastering tools
- Supports VST 3 plug-ins, video workflows, and remote recording via VST Connect
- Offers tiered editions for professional, advanced, and foundational workflows
Where it doesn't
- No free plan is available
- Feature access varies across Pro, Artist, and Elements editions
- Focused on Windows and macOS desktop production
Our verdict on Cubase
Cubase is Steinberg’s desktop digital audio workstation for music producers, composers, recording engineers, and musicians. It brings together multitrack audio recording and editing, MIDI sequencing, mixing, mastering, virtual instruments, effects, and video workflows. The software runs on Windows and macOS, with Pro, Artist, and Elements editions that separate advanced production capabilities from more focused toolsets. Its long history, dating to 1984, places it within the established desktop studio tradition.
The edition structure is the main buying consideration. Cubase Pro 15 is aimed at professional composition, recording, mixing, and editing, adding Dolby Atmos support, advanced MIDI editing, a modulation system, and a professional plug-in set. Artist 15 adds VariAudio pitch correction, multi-track AudioWarp and Audio Quantize, advanced comping, a pattern sequencer, and Drum Track. Elements 15 provides a narrower entry point with Chord Pads, Retrospective Record, Scale Assistant, Sampler Track, and over 20 GB of sounds and loops. Cubase is paid software without a free plan, while the vendor advertises a free trial.
Its strongest fit is traditional studio production that needs more than a basic audio editor. VST 3 support provides access to third-party instruments and effects, while the noise gate addresses unwanted noise artifacts. Video import, video tracks, audio extraction, and video export extend the workstation into audiovisual production. VST Connect adds remote recording and musician collaboration, and Omnivocal Beta provides vocal synthesis. Choose Cubase if you need a broad Windows or Mac production environment spanning audio, MIDI, plug-ins, and video. Look elsewhere if you need a free plan or a non-desktop workflow.
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Cubase pricing
All 3 Cubase plans and prices →
Cubase fact sheet
| Free plan | No |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Not verified |
| Supported platforms | Windows, macOS |
| Multitrack editing | Yes |
| MIDI sequencing | Yes |
| Third-party plugins | Yes |
| Noise reduction | Yes |
| Video synchronization | Yes |
| Cloud collaboration | Not verified |
| Free trial | 60 days |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS |
| Support | Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | 60-day trial (source) |
| Website | steinberg.net |
| Facts checked | 21 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to Cubase
- Pro ToolsA broad workstation for studios spanning music production, audio post, and immersive mixing.9.4
- REAPERA flexible desktop DAW with broad audio and MIDI tools and a one-time license from $60.9.3
- Logic ProA broad audio and MIDI workstation for Apple-based producers and video composers.9.2
Cubase vs the competition
- Cubase vs Pro Tools
- Cubase vs REAPER
- Cubase vs Logic Pro
- Cubase vs Ableton Live
- Cubase vs FL Studio
- Cubase vs Nuendo
Compare Cubase with any tool side by side →
Also Ranked In
Cubase is ranked in 4 of our directories.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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