Talking about the primary differences, Soundtrap is available only in 57 countries, and you get to access it in 6 languages, whereas GarageBand’s specific features are not available in every country, and you can access it in 34 languages. If you want to collaborate with musicians or share any track, then Soundtrap makes it easy, but for sharing projects made on GarageBand, you need to do it via iCloud. Also, in order to use Soundtrap, then you need to pay for the subscription when the free trials are over. But, on the other hand, GarageBand offers a freemium service.
So, if you want to know more distinguishing features about both these platforms, then dive in. We are about to discuss the main differences between these two platforms – Soundtrap Vs. GarageBand.
In This Article:
Compatibility
If any app is compatible with more than one device or platform, then it increases the shareability and also makes the communication process quite flexible.
Soundtrap is available for iOS, Android as well as desktop users. you get the best use of the software while using it on your PC, and all you need is 20 megabits per second of internet speed.
GarageBand is compatible with only Apple devices, being an Apple product. You can use the app on both Mac as well as iPhone/iPad. However, you get the flexibility of use while accessing the app through mobile or tablet.
Features and functions
Any DAW tool should have features and functions that can enhance the audio production experience. They should be able to assist you through your creative idea execution, and that requires proper features.
Soundtrap comes with all the features that GarageBand has, and based on the version that you are using, the features and functions can increase in numbers too. In Soundtrap, you can conduct unlimited projects, and you don’t even have to worry about losing them after completion because they get automatically stored in the cloud. So, you can work as much as you want on any project without losing the progress. Create any kind of music with 22000 loops and 900 software instruments and sounds. You also get an Antares Auto-Tune feature. Soundtrap is providing you with enough aspects to enhance your potential in developing music.
GarageBand, when compared with the soundtrack, has a lesser number of instruments and effects, and you cannot even expand the number of software instruments and plugins. However, you have all the basic tools that can serve the recording and editing purpose. The features are enough to get you going, but if you want more functioning tools to get you going, then you need to switch to Soundtrap.
Ease of using the application
When you are choosing a DAW, it is very important to check the ease of use. The more flexible the application, the more smooth will be your musical journey. Even if you are a professional or just a beginner, how you operate an application reflects a lot on the outcome.
When we come to Soundtrap, it has a very similar layout, like Spotify. It has complex features but grants you the ease of use. You can easily use the layout to work on a new project and get it rolling in minutes. If you are using the application version, then the internal process would seem seamless. You can easily record, construct, and edit audio files.
In comparison to Soundtrap, GarageBand has a more simple layout. It is the best option for any beginner who has no experience in recording or editing audio files. There is a Quick Help feature that supports anybody who wishes to understand how the application works. Also, you can work on several projects by going to the templates and features that GarageBand provides you. So, the time consumption also reduces.
Professionalism
If you are intended to create a high profile audio, then both the applications GarageBand and Soundtrap are not suitable for that. They are not meant for industry orientation.
Coming to the features, Soundtrap has tools that can create music that is nearest to professional life, and you can also modify it, in the long run, to make it entirely industrial-like. You can also try to make pro-level recordings and the app also comes with tons of loops to help you out. Thus, you get efficient and effective editing features that are next to a professional developer’s outcome.
GarageBand is not quite intended to create professional audio. It has basic recording features where you can master the art of mixing and editing. It is just a stepping stone towards the industry standard application. However, here, you can learn new skills or revive your previous skills to create viable recordings, even though it might not be the entire professional type.
Expandability
DAW provides you the ability to record with more than one instrument or vocal, and this feature is called expandability. To get such an advantage, you have to choose the application wisely.
With Soundtrap, you get enough expandability; with a number of interfaces and instruments, you can also pair the Soundtrap with a Windows interface, which has a good support of ASIO or WASAPI. Soundtrap also supports MacOS core audio options. So, you get multiple channels and instruments to apply to any project, and all these are easy to set up and make all your sessions impeccable in themselves. However, if you are working on the mobile version, then you might get a limited interface, but there are certain interfaces that particularly work on phones and tablets rather than on computers. So, choose wisely.
GarageBand, in comparison to Soundtrap, also has good expandability and is easy to use with any kind of external device and interface. However, you have to check whether the interface that you are choosing is compatible with Apple devices you are using. In the case of mobile applications, you can use the microphone or guitar interface that can be easily connected to your iPhone or iPad. So you can record on the go without any hassle.
Pricing of the DAW
Based on the budget, you need to opt for either a free or paid tool for music editing and composing. There are many free as well as paid tools available in the market, but it doesn’t always mean you need to go for a paid one. If a free tool is serving your purpose, then why spend any extra dime?
Soundtrap comes at a price, being a paid subscription service. The monthly and yearly charges vary.
- Music Makers: $9.99/month
- Music Maker Supreme: $14.99/month
- Storytellers: $14.99/month
- Complete: $17.99/month
GarageBand comes for free. However, there is also a premium version titled Logic, which is a paid subscription of $200. So, when compared with Soundtrap, Garageband is quite cheap and also ideal for beginners or musicians who are looking for all-in-one features software for recording and editing
Can you sell songs made on GarageBand or Soundtrap?
Yes, you can sell songs made on both GarageBand and Soundtrap. Garageband is legally allowed to publish and sell the songs made on this platform. However, in Soundtrap, there are certain limitations, and you need to abide by them.
Are the loops in Garageband and Soundtrap Royalty-free?
Yes, based on the statement made by GarageBand and Soundtrap, the loops are royalty-free. In the case of GarageBand, you can use the loops for any musical project. However, in the case of Soundtrap, you cannot distribute these loops commercially; you must add your own music.
Final Verdict
Both the platforms, GarageBand and Soundtrap, have pros and cons. Now, based on your requirements and occupation, either as a musician, podcaster, or audio engineer, you need to choose or upgrade the tools.
