Beat making is the foundation of nearly every popular music genre today. Having the right software to construct your rhythms, melodies and arrangements is essential for crafting professional tracks. The beat serves as the backbone of any rap, hip hop, R&B, pop or EDM song.
With so many options to choose from, finding the best beat maker for your needs can be tricky. In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll cover:
- The different types of beat making software
- Key features to look for
- The top 14 tools reviewed
- Tips for beginners
So you can find the perfect match based on your budget, style and skill level. Let‘s dive in!
Overview of Beat Making Software Types
Before reviewing individual options, let‘s briefly explain the main kinds of beat making programs:
DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations)
Full featured software studios for recording, editing and mixing audio. Top choices like Ableton Live, FL Studio and Logic Pro have powerful beat making capabilities.
Drum Machines
Specialized tools focused specifically on drum sounds and rhythmic sequencing. Examples include Native Instruments Maschine and Arturia DrumBrute.
Groove Boxes
Small production studios with drum sounds and sequencing in a dedicated hardware unit. Great for live use. Akai MPC is the pioneering example.
Mobile Apps
Fun and accessible options to start exploring beat making using your smartphone or tablet. Garageband and Beatmaker 3 lead the way.
Now let‘s explore the top software in each category currently available…
14 Best Beat Making Software Picks
1. Ableton Live 11 (DAW)
Ableton Live is a uniquely flexible DAW tailored for crafting beats. Session view provides an intuitive way to experiment with clips. Extremely responsive workflow. Robust sound design and effects. Great for live use too.
Standout Features: Session view, warp editing, Max for Live
Price: $99-$749
2. FL Studio 20 (DAW)
FL Studio, formerly Fruity Loops, has always been a favorite for beat makers. Step sequencer workflow allows fast drum programming. Huge library of sounds and VSTs available. Very affordable.
Standout Features: Step sequencer, piano roll editing, lifetime free updates
Price: $99-$299
3. Native Instruments Maschine+ (Drum Machine + DAW Hybrid)
Maschine combines dedicated MPC-style drum pad hardware with advanced software for producing beats. Extremely intuitive workflow for percussion. Komplete integration unlocks synths too.
Standout Features: Hardware pads, drag-and-drop sequencing, Komplete sounds
Price: $599 (includes software)
4. Arturia DrumBrute Impact (Drum Machine)
An analog drum machine with 17 drum and percussion sounds. Intuitive step sequencer layout. Impressively flexible pattern creation options. Add authentic analog warmth to your beats.
Standout Features: 100% analog signal path, polyrhythmic sequencer, pattern modes
Price: $349
5. Teenage Engineering OP-1 (Groove Box)
A unique portable synthesizer and sequencer to produce electronic tracks anywhere. An iconic device with limitless creative potential. Built-in speaker and batteries enable travel friendly beat making.
Standout Features: Portability, tape style sequencer, design
Price: $1,399
6. Akai Professional MPC One (Groove Box)
Modern update to the legendary MPC series that pioneered groove box beat making. Standalone operation or integrate with your DAW. Velocity and pressure sensitive pads, CV/Gate connections for analog gear and more.
Standout Features: MPC workflow, 32 track sequencing, touch screen display
Price: $699
7. Korg Electribe 2 (Groove Box)
Flexible and affordable groovebox with a simple, yet deep sequencing workflow. Elements versions (EMX) focus on specific instruments like drums. Sample import allows sound design freedom.
Standout Features: Ease of use, OLED display, battery power option
Price: $399
8. Apple Garageband (Mobile DAW)
A go-to starting point for iOS beat making thanks to accessibility and Apple ecosystem integration. Surprisingly fully featured including AU plugin support. Seamlessly start projects on iPhone that open in Logic Pro.
Standout Features: Accessibility, Apple ecosystem integration, iOS sync
Price: Free (with Mac or iOS device purchase)
9. Korg Gadget 2 (Mobile DAW)
Mobile production suite from legendary hardware brand Korg. Intuitive drag-and-drop workflows to combine synth and drum machine gadgets. Export your projects to the desktop for further editing and polish.
Standout Features: Collection of synths and drum machines, export to Mac/PC option
Price: $39.99
10. Beatmaker 3 by Intua (Mobile DAW)
Arguably the most fully featured beat making solution available for iOS devices today. Endless sound design potential from additive synths, wavetable oscillators and multi-sampled libraries.
Standout Features: Incredible depth of sound design features, editing capabilities
Price: $19.99
11. Soundtrap by Spotify (In-Browser DAW)
Cloud based DAW accessible through desktop and mobile web browsers. Generous free plan has extensive library of loops and instruments to craft from. Great collaboration features. Ideal for beginners.
Standout Features: Browser based, drag and drop loops, collaboration
Price: Free – $16 / month
12. LMMS (Open Source Desktop DAW)
Fully featured open source DAW with a straightforward visual approach to making beats. Support for VST plugins so you can integrate instruments from other platforms. Nice starter option.
Standout Features: Completely free, song editor view
Price: Free
13. Hydrogen (Open Source Drum Machine)
Advanced drum machine and sequencer for Linux, Mac and Windows entirely free. Create and layer unlimited tracks and patterns with each leveraging per instrument effects sends. Nice export options.
Standout Features: Advanced features rivaling paid options, custom sample support
Price: Free
14. Eattern Play (Web & Mobile Drum Machine)
Minimalist but easy to use drum machine that operates in your web browser or iOS mobile device. 200 built in drum kit sounds with the ability to upload your own too. 32 step sequencer view. Great sketch pad!
Standout Features: Accessibility, web and mobile experience, customizable sounds
Price: Free
Key Considerations for New Beat Makers
If evaluating your first beat making software, keep these tips in mind:
Console Workflow
DAWs often look intimidating. Seek programs replicating real equipment workflows for easier learning.
Software Instruments
Ensure sounds, loops and instruments are included or available for easy integration.
Sequencing Workflow
The speed of idea capture is critical. Prioritize drum pads or step sequencing.
Expandability
Even starting simple, make sure easy export opportunities exist to continue work in other software.
Support Resources
Look for engaged user communities, tutorials and technical assistance to smooth out the learning curve.
Start Crafting Professional Beats Today!
I hope mapping out the landscape of the best beat making software available today helps you select the perfect addition to your studio.
Refining that initial inspiration into a full fledged, radio ready track is easier than ever thanks to these tools placing unlimited potential right at your fingertips.
Let us know if you have any other questions! We‘re always happy to offer beat making pointers to help you continue nurturing your production talents.
