Tracktion Waveform review

Waveform Free is one of the most capable no-cost DAWs for people who are not on a Mac. Tracktion describes it as fully featured and unrestricted, with no track-count limits and no trial expiry, so you can record a full band or finish a production without paying. It includes 14 audio effects, 8 MIDI effects, 11 utility plugins and 4 instruments, and it loads third-party VST, VST3 and AU plugins. Version 14.1 adds mix analysis and rebuilt export tools. If you need more, feature expansions for the free edition start at $30, or you can move to Waveform Pro, which Tracktion sells in bundles from $249 with upgrades from $149. Pro adds 38 audio effects, 10 instruments and bundled tools such as Melodyne Essential and Auto-Tune, and you can try it free for 30 days. Waveform runs on macOS, Windows and Ubuntu Linux. Its community is smaller than those of the major DAWs, so there are fewer tutorials to lean on.

Who it is for

Beginners on Windows, Mac or Linux who want a free DAW with no track limits.

Price

Waveform Free costs nothing; Waveform Pro bundles from $249, upgrades from $149, with a 30-day trial.

Waveform Pro bundles from $249, upgrade options from $149
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 8, 2026.

Key features

• Waveform Free has no track-count limits or trial expiry
• Supports VST, VST3 and AU plugins
• Paid feature expansions for Waveform Free from $30
• Waveform Pro adds 38 audio effects and 10 built-in instruments
• Pro bundles include Melodyne Essential and Auto-Tune

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Free edition with unlimited tracks
• Strength: Runs on macOS, Windows and Ubuntu Linux
• Strength: Add only the features you need with expansion packs
• Weakness: Fewer built-in instruments in the free edition, with 4 included
• Weakness: Smaller community and fewer tutorials than the biggest DAWs
• Weakness: Waveform Pro bundles cost more than REAPER

Key facts

• Free edition: Waveform Free, no track limits
• Waveform Pro: Bundles from $249
• Pro trial: 30 days, unlimited
• Platforms: macOS, Windows, Ubuntu Linux
• Built-in instruments: 4 in Free, 10 in Pro

Where it ranks

Tracktion Waveform is No. 8 in our Best DAW Software verdict.