GarageBand vs Logic Pro
Logic Pro scores 7.4 to GarageBand's 6.1 among the music production apps (DAWs) we rate, and is the better pick for 1 of the 4 kinds of buyer below.
Logic Pro wins, 7.4 to 6.1
GarageBand is free from Apple on both Mac and iOS, with nothing to buy; Logic Pro is bought once on Mac, or through a $12.99 monthly plan with the same features. Both include an AI session player, Drummer in GarageBand and its own player in Logic Pro, plus a score editor and loop library. Logic Pro adds AI stem splitting and surround mixing with a Surround Panner, neither of which GarageBand offers.
Pick GarageBand if if you want the same core tools for free.
Pick Logic Pro if if you want AI stem splitting and surround mixing too.
Best for
Who each one suits, decided on the criteria that matter to that buyer and the checked facts where the two differ.
- Splits a song into stems with AI: Logic Pro yes, GarageBand no
- Surround or Atmos mixing: Logic Pro yes, GarageBand no
- Hardware and apps it connects to: 6 integrations against 3 integrations
- Free plan: GarageBand yes, Logic Pro no
- Cheapest plan you can make music in, monthly: $0 against $12.99
How they score
Both are scored the same way, against the other music production apps (DAWs) we rate, from facts on each vendor's own pages. GarageBand leads on 2 of 4 criteria.
Where they differ
Every point where the two vendors' published facts disagree, with a link to where each fact was read. "Not published" means the vendor does not say either way.
Published by only one of them
Where they match (8)
Pricing, plan by plan
Every plan each vendor publishes, monthly and yearly where both are offered.
GarageBand
Logic Pro
For everything else about each tool, read the full GarageBand review and Logic Pro review.
GarageBand vs Logic Pro: common questions
Which is better, GarageBand or Logic Pro?
Logic Pro scores 7.4 and GarageBand 6.1 out of 10 among the music production apps (DAWs) we rate. Logic Pro is ahead on what it adds beyond the basics. GarageBand is ahead on workflow and output and pricing.
Is GarageBand or Logic Pro cheaper?
GarageBand's cheapest paid plan is Free and Logic Pro's is $199.99 one-time (Mac). Compare what each plan includes below before going on price alone.
Do GarageBand and Logic Pro have a free plan?
GarageBand does and Logic Pro does not.
What can GarageBand do that Logic Pro cannot?
On the facts both vendors publish: free plan.
What can Logic Pro do that GarageBand cannot?
On the facts both vendors publish: splits a song into stems with AI and surround or Atmos mixing.
