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JUCE

Freemium#22 of 62 in Cross-Platform App Development Frameworks

JUCE: A focused C++ framework for native apps and audio plug-ins across desktop and mobile. Ranked #22 of 62 in Cross-Platform App Development Frameworks by our editors (7.7/10); pricing: Free plan · paid from $40/user/mo; best for C++ teams building audio apps and plugins.

7.7/10Editor score
Visit JUCE
JUCE7.7 Visit JUCE

At a glance

  • Editor score
    7.7 / 10
  • Pricing
    Free plan · paid from $40/user/mo
  • Best for
    C++ teams building audio apps and plugins
  • Free plan
    Yes
  • Paid from
    $40/user/mo
  • Native API access
    Yes
  • Facts checked
    28 Sep 2026

  • Where it wins

    • Targets Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS and Android from shared code.
    • Creates and hosts VST, VST3, AU, AUv3, AAX and LV2 plug-ins.
    • Works with CMake, Projucer and existing build systems.

  • Where it doesn't

    • Its feature set is specialized around audio and C++.
    • Paid monthly plans start at $40 per user, with revenue limits on Indie.
    • Pro monthly requires a 12-month minimum term.

Our verdict on JUCE

JUCE is an open-source C++ framework for native desktop and mobile applications, audio plug-ins and reusable libraries. Its shared-code approach spans Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS and Android, while audio teams get DSP, audio I/O, MIDI and MPE support alongside plug-in creation and hosting. It is suited to C++ teams building audio products; teams seeking a general-purpose cross-platform framework without an audio focus may find its breadth less relevant.

Audio development is the clearest differentiator. JUCE supports VST, VST3, AU, AUv3, AAX and LV2 formats, and includes GUI widgets, vector graphics, themes, and Grid and Flexbox layouts. Its scope also extends to networking, filesystem utilities, cryptography, compression and XML. That combination makes it applicable to plug-ins as well as standalone applications, but it is not a language-agnostic toolkit: the listed primary language is C++.

The free Starter plan allows revenue up to $20,000 and includes all features under a perpetual licence. Indie monthly costs $40 per user monthly, with revenue up to $300,000 and a one-month minimum; Indie perpetual is $800 per user with the same revenue limit. Pro monthly is $175 per user monthly with unlimited revenue and a 12-month minimum, while Pro perpetual costs $3,500 per user. Educational is perpetual and subject to licensing requirements. JUCE fits teams choosing between a free tier, monthly subscriptions and perpetual licences; those whose projects do not need audio tooling should compare broader frameworks before committing.

JUCE pricing

Plans Free plan · paid from $40/user/moFreemium A usable free plan; paid tiers unlock the limits above. Prices checked 28 Sep 2026.
See plans on juce.com

All 6 JUCE plans and prices →

JUCE fact sheet

Free planYes
Paid from$40/user/mo
Target platformsWindows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android
App typesNative desktop and mobile applications, audio plug-ins, static/dynamic libraries, console applications
LanguagesC++
Native API accessYes
Shared code modelHigh
IDE supportXcode, Visual Studio, Code::Blocks, Makefile, Android Studio, Projucer
DeploymentSelf-hosted, Desktop, Mobile
PlatformsWindows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android
SupportDocs, Community
Built forSolo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate)
Integrations7 integrations: CMake, Projucer, Xcode, Visual Studio, Code::Blocks, Makefile …
PricingFree plan · paid from $40/user/mo (source)
Websitejuce.com
Facts checked28 Sep 2026

JUCE integrations

JUCE lists 7 integrations on its own site.

  • CMake
  • Projucer
  • Xcode
  • Visual Studio
  • Code::Blocks
  • Makefile
  • Android Studio

Alternatives to JUCE

See all JUCE alternatives →

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Featured on iTechGuides

Featured on iTechGuides — JUCE 7.7/10

JUCE is listed in our Cross-Platform App Development Frameworks directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.

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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

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