Pro Tools
Pro Tools: A broad workstation for studios spanning music production, audio post, and immersive mixing. Ranked #1 of 128 in Audio Editing Software by our editors (9.4/10); pricing: Free plan · 30-day trial; best for professional studios and advanced audio workflows.
At a glance
- Editor score9.4 / 10
- PricingFree plan · 30-day trial
- Best forProfessional studios and advanced audio workflows
- Free planYes
- Third-party pluginsYes
- Facts checked23 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Covers recording, multitrack editing, MIDI, mixing, and video sync
- Free Intro plan plus paid tiers from $9.99 per month
- Supports AAX, ARA 2, Dolby Atmos, and cloud collaboration
Where it doesn't
- Advanced tiers reach $34.99 and $99 per month
- Full audio post workflows are limited to Ultimate
- Cloud collaboration requires current Cloud Client Services software
Our verdict on Pro Tools
Pro Tools is a digital audio workstation for musicians, producers, recording engineers, and audio post-production teams. Its scope covers audio recording, multitrack session management, clip-based editing, MIDI composition, virtual instruments, mixing, noise reduction, video-oriented sound-to-picture work, and Dolby Atmos immersive mixing. It runs on Windows and macOS, making it suited to professional studios and advanced workflows that need music and post-production capabilities in one application.
Pricing is structured around a free entry plan and three monthly subscriptions. Pro Tools Intro is free forever and aimed at casual creators. Artist costs $9.99 per month and includes 32 audio tracks, 64 MIDI tracks, and 110+ instruments and effects. Studio costs $34.99 per month, expanding capacity to 512 audio tracks and 1,024 MIDI tracks while adding 130+ instruments and effects, immersive mixing, and one video track. Ultimate costs $99 per month and provides 2,048 audio tracks, 1,024 MIDI tracks, 64 video tracks and editing, and full audio post workflows. Displayed prices are in USD per month and exclude VAT and applicable taxes.
The product’s breadth is its defining strength. Editors can use trimming, fades, clip gain, Elastic Audio, routing, automation, folder tracks, MIDI playlists, and plugin-based mixing, while AAX support extends the effects and instrument ecosystem. ARA 2 integration with the included iZotope RX Spectral Editor adds noise reduction, and video tracks with timecode support sound-to-picture work. Cloud projects provide synchronized media for collaboration, with current Cloud Client Services software required for synchronization. Pro Tools is a strong fit for studios needing integrated recording, composition, mixing, restoration, and post-production; casual creators may find the higher tiers more than they need.
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Pro Tools pricing
All 4 Pro Tools plans and prices →
Pro Tools fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| 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 | Yes |
| Free trial | 30 days |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS |
| Support | Community, Tickets, Phone |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 3 integrations: AAX plugins, iZotope RX Spectral Editor via ARA 2, Dolby Atmos |
| Pricing | Free plan · 30-day trial (source) |
| Website | avid.com |
| Facts checked | 23 Sep 2026 |
Pro Tools integrations
Pro Tools lists 3 integrations on its own site.
- AAX plugins
- iZotope RX Spectral Editor via ARA 2
- Dolby Atmos
Alternatives to Pro Tools
- 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
- CubaseA full desktop studio for producers and composers who need audio, MIDI, mixing, and video workflows.9.1
See all Pro Tools alternatives →
Pro Tools vs the competition
- Pro Tools vs REAPER
- Pro Tools vs Logic Pro
- Pro Tools vs Cubase
- Pro Tools vs Ableton Live
- Pro Tools vs FL Studio
- Pro Tools vs Nuendo
Compare Pro Tools with any tool side by side →
Also Ranked In
Pro Tools is ranked in 7 of our directories.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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