Skip to content
SocialAtoZ

Cakewalk by BandLab

Verified

Free Windows DAW that has evolved into Cakewalk Sonar and Cakewalk Next

Audio Editing Software
–

Not yet rated. Be the first to review Cakewalk by BandLab.

Visit website Request pricing Write a review
Cakewalk by BandLab screenshot See all screenshots
  • Deployment On Premises
  • Starting price Free
  • Free trial Not offered
  • Best for Freelancers, SMEs

What is Cakewalk by BandLab?

Cakewalk by BandLab was a free Windows digital audio workstation that BandLab Technologies released after acquiring Cakewalk in 2018. It offered unlimited audio, MIDI, and instrument tracks, a built in ProChannel strip with EQ and compression, full VST support, and a 64 bit audio engine, making it a popular no cost alternative to paid DAWs.

The product line has since evolved: Cakewalk by BandLab has been succeeded by Cakewalk Sonar, a redesigned DAW with a free evaluation mode plus an optional BandLab Pro membership that unlocks extra ProChannel modules, Overloud TH-U amp modeling, XSampler, and the full BandLab Sounds library, alongside the simpler Cakewalk Next. Both now run on Windows and macOS and remain free to start.

Key Features of Cakewalk by BandLab

Cakewalk by BandLab lists 8 documented features, including Unlimited audio, MIDI, and instrument tracks, ProChannel strip with EQ, compressor, and tube/console/tape emulation and Full VST and VST3 plugin compatibility on a 64-bit audio engine. The list below covers what the product does rather than how it is marketed.

  • Unlimited audio, MIDI, and instrument tracks
  • ProChannel strip with EQ, compressor, and tube/console/tape emulation
  • Full VST and VST3 plugin compatibility on a 64-bit audio engine
  • AudioSnap tempo, drum-tightening, and loop-syncing engine
  • Arranger track and Lyrics track for song construction
  • BandLab Sounds integration with a large royalty-free loop library
  • ARA2 plugin integration
  • Theme Editor and high-DPI, scalable interface (Sonar)

Cakewalk by BandLab Pricing

Cakewalk by BandLab lists 2 plans, starting free and running to $14.99.

Cakewalk Next / Sonar (Free)

Free

Core recording, editing, and mixing tools

Request pricing

Fully functional free evaluation mode with a limited ProChannel plugin set and BandLab Sounds access

BandLab Pro Membership

$14.99/month

Unlocks premium tools across Cakewalk Sonar and Next

Request pricing

Adds full ProChannel modules, Overloud TH-U, XSampler, full BandLab Sounds library, and Theme Editor

Cakewalk by BandLab Specifications

Cakewalk by BandLab is available on Windows and macOS. It has a free plan.

Deployment
  • On Premises
Billing cycle
Monthly
Desktop
  • Windows
  • macOS
Languages
  • English
Built for
  • Freelancers
  • SMEs
Support
  • Email
  • Tickets
  • Training
Integrations
VST, VST3, ARA2, BandLab Sounds, Melodyne (via ARA)
Public API
No
Free trial
No
Free plan
Yes
Runs in browser
No
Customisable
Yes
Website
bandlab.com

Cakewalk by BandLab Videos

Cakewalk by BandLab Screenshots

Cakewalk by BandLab screenshot 1

Used Cakewalk by BandLab? Write the first review.

Cakewalk by BandLab FAQs

The original free Windows DAW has evolved into Cakewalk Sonar and Cakewalk Next, both of which offer a free tier, with an optional BandLab Pro membership unlocking extra plugins and content.

Yes, Cakewalk Sonar and Cakewalk Next now support macOS 10.15 and later in addition to Windows 10 and higher.

It unlocks additional ProChannel modules, Overloud TH-U guitar amp modeling, XSampler, the full BandLab Sounds library, and a Theme Editor.

No, Cakewalk offers unlimited audio, MIDI, and instrument tracks even without a membership.

It supports VST and VST3 plugins along with ARA2 integration.