Logic Pro X For Windows/PC – 6 Amazing Alternatives

Logic Pro For Windows Alternatives

Logic Pro X quickly rose in popularity when it was branded commonly as, “Apple’s professional version of GarageBand.” You probably landed on this article wondering, “is there a Logic Pro X for Windows?”

The short answer is that Logic Pro X is Apple only. Because of this, the only possible way to use Logic Pro X with Windows would be by using a virtual emulator of sorts.

Note: We don’t recommend doing this as there can be bugged or malicious software potentially. It’s also quite a hassle to go this route.

What I recommend instead is using one of the Logic Pro X alternatives below. These DAWs will be similar to Logic Pro X and they will also be fully compatible with Windows/PCs.

Here’s a quick look at our favorite alternatives to Logic Pro X for Windows 7,8, &, 10.

  • Cubase – Overall best alternative
  • Reaper – Closest visually as well as workflow
  • Fl Studio – Similar plugin functionality
  • Ableton Live – Best for live music
  • Cakewalk – Best free alternative ( Limited)

Below, you can find some links to the above products:

IMAGE PRODUCT DETAILS CHECK PRICE 
Editors Pickcubase pro Cubase
  • Personal favorite
  • Extremely powerful DAW
  • Comes with over 3,000 instrument sounds
  • 256 channels
  • Similar workflow to Logic Pro once adjusted
SWEETWATER
Runner Upableton live Ableton Live
  • Best For Playing Live
  • One of the easier DAWs to learn
  • Powerful looping capabilities
  • Comes with free VST software
SWEETWATER
Alternativefl studio Fl Studio
  • Extremely popular for hip hop/edm
  • Great community
  • Tons of free VST software
SWEETWATER

How We Graded The Best Alternatives For Logic Pro X For Windows

Alternatives to Logic Pro X Windows

First things first, functionality and workflow will always be the most important when working with any DAW.

With this being said, we decided on 5 DAWs that allow you to do everything that you can do with Logic Pro X.

In terms of the visual aesthetic and workflow, Reaper is the closest alternative for Logic Pro X. If you’re not completely against using a DAW that looks different than Logic Pro X but has provided for an incredible workflow, I recommend trying out Cubase.

If you already own a MIDI controller for Logic Pro, fear not, it should be fully compatible with the options below as well.

How To Download Logic Pro X For PC/Windows

As mentioned above, Logic Pro X is created by Apple and it is not compatible with Windows. The only way that you can do this is by downloading an emulator or simulator to act as Apple.

This can be dangerous and I personally don’t recommend doing this as it more of a pain than just going with an alternative. After a few weeks of working on another DAW, you will notice that you can do basically the same things, you just have to get comfortable.

Should you choose to really want to go the emulator route, which again, we don’t recommend, you will need a moderately fast computer.

You will then be prompted to download an emulator such as Virtual Box. While we don’t recommend doing this due to the hassle and potential virus issues, you would need some sort of emulator.

Best Logic Pro X Alternatives For PC/Windows

Without further ado, let’s get into some great alternatives for Windows. If you’re currently using GarageBand and looking to upgrade to Logic Pro X, I recommend checking out our guide to GarageBand Alternatives for Windows as well.

1) Cubase – Best Overall Alternative

Personal Favorite
Cubase Pro 12
4.5

Cubase is my personal favorite DAW when it comes to recording in your bedroom/studio. The workflow and ease of use in unrivaled, outside of Ableton.

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While Cubase is one of the main DAWs, it doesn’t seem to always get the attention as much as others such as FL Studio or Ableton Live.

Cubase provides producers with an incredible workflow experience as well as countless features that make your life easier when making music.

As far as user experience goes, Cubase has a great online community that is super helpful via forums and on Youtube.

Cubase also provides producers with a super clean interface that is user friendly. I will say that most producers who use Cubase typically swear by it. While it can be expensive, it is upgraded regularly and it is an incredible product.

2) Ableton Live – Best For Live Music

Ableton Live 11
4.0

Ableton Live is my go-to DAW for live music. If you have strong desire to gig or play live, I would recommend Ableton Live.

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Ableton is an extremely popular DAW this is hands down the best for live performance. What makes is Ableton so popular is the fact that it is easy to use.

While all DAWs are similar in a sense, Ableton seems to have the most tutorials available for users on Youtube.

Because of this, it works as a great alternative to Logic Pro X.

As far as community goes, Ableton Live has an incredibly active community that is always helpful to users. Logic Pro X is also known for having a great community to lean on when you need help.

This is one of the reasons why I think Ableton is so great. With so many producers using Ableton, you can pretty much always find answers to problems.

3) Reaper – Feels Very Similar To Logic Pro X

Reaper
4.0

Reaper is a fantastic budget option for producers of all levels. One of the best things about Reaper is that it has a fantastic community.

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Reaper is the most cost-effective alternative. While it can be tricky to learn at first, it only costs what you afford per month. You can even pay only $1 should you choose.

4) FL Studio

Best Garageband Alternative
Fl Studio Pro
4.0

Fl Studio Pro is the closest to Garageband when it comes to looks and feel/interface. This is also a professional DAW that is extremely popular, especially for hip-hop.

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The above video shows you a producers honest thoughts on FL Studio.

Fl Studio has risen in popularity over the years after starting as more of a budget option. FL Studio gives producers optimal control and can be used as an alternative to Logic Pro X.

When it comes to hip hop production, FL Studio is one of the most popular DAWs currently. FL Studio provides producers with some pretty good VSTs for FL Studio right out of the box.

I would say that FL Studio is probably the least similar to Logic Pro X out of these options. With that being said, it works with Windows and it is very popular and worth the mention.

5) Pro Tools

Pro Tools
4.0

Pro Tools has been one of the most popular DAWs for the last 15 years. If you're looking for a solid alternative to Logic Pro, this is worth a glance.

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Pro Tools was widely considered the most professional DAW for years. As the years went by, it’s still remained to be one of the top DAWs, but it’s not a clear-cut number one anymore.

With this being said, Pro Tools still works as an excellent alternative to Logic.

Free Alternatives To Logic Pro X

If you’re looking for a few free options for Logic Pro X, we’ve put together this small list for you. While these options aren’t typically as powerful or as good of products overall, they are free.

Cakewalk By BandLab – Best Free Alternative

Cakewalk has quite the story as it was once an expensive DAW. Since going through company changes, Cakewalk is now free and just as powerful as it once was.

You will need Windows 7 or higher and I would recommend a moderately fast PC overall for the best user experience.

Should you be familiar with Logic Pro X, but be wanting to try something free before purchasing, this is a great option.

Wrapping Up

While you can technically get Logic Pro X for Windows, we recommend just learning a new DAW and not having to do deal with the hassle of doing so.

Should you choose the alternative route for Logic Pro X for Windows, we are confident in the ones that we have displayed for you.

Our current favorite is Cubase for overall performance followed by Reaper as Reaper will look and feel very similar to Logic Pro X.

3 comments
  1. Thanks for this article, was helpful.
    I am interested in working with MIDI, have been for years. My work is more arranging for choral and accompaniment to produce music scores. My favorite application is not being produced anymore (Musicator).
    I am now trying to do recording music and write arrangements for cultural instrumentation here in the Pacific region. My latest “try” has been to make a MIDI sample of a bamboo pipe sound (the pipes are struck) and then use that sample for MIDI instrument. Logic Pro has an easy way to do, but I was wondering if you know if any of the Windows applications mentioned can be used to make a MIDI sample of an audio recording of an instrument sound?
    I will continue researching (don’t want to be lazy), but if you perhaps could point me in the right direction I’d appreciate it.

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