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Comparison · Digital audio workstations

Cubase vs Logic Pro: which is better in 2026?

Cubase89.5#4 in best digital audio workstationsLogic Pro92.0#2 in best digital audio workstations

Logic Pro ranks higher in our list of digital audio workstations (#2 against #4, score 92.0 against 89.5), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need.

How we rank Share

  • 89.5
    Editorial score
    92.0
  • 2
    Platforms
    2
  • No
    Free to use
    No
  • No
    Open source
    No

Which should you choose?

Choose Cubase if you want

Composing and mixing on Windows or macOS.

A full DAW for Windows and macOS in paid editions, with a free trial. Pro costs several times Elements, and iPad work runs in separate apps, so Logic Pro is the closer fit for a single Mac and iPad workflow.

Choose Logic Pro if you want

Songwriting on Mac and iPad.

A complete Mac and iPad DAW with instruments, beat-making tools and chord detection, sold once on the App Store. It has no Windows or Linux version.

The main differences

  • Only Cubase runs on Windows.
  • Cubase is paid; Logic Pro is one-time purchase.

Side by side

CubaseLogic Pro
Score89.592.0
Rank in list#4 of 10#2 of 10
PricePaidPaid editions from Elements to Pro; free trialOne-time purchaseOne-time purchase on the Mac App Store; also part of Apple Creator Studio
Free to useNoNo
Open sourceNoNo
PlatformsWindowsmacOSWindows, macOSmacOSiPadOSmacOS, iPadOS
Made bySteinberg Media Technologies GmbHApple
Best forComposing and mixing on Windows or macOSSongwriting on Mac and iPad
Strengths
  • Full composition, recording and mixing workflows
  • Dolby Atmos support in the Pro edition
  • Free trial before buying
  • Mac and iPad apps from one vendor
  • One-time purchase on the Mac App Store
Limits
  • Pro costs several times the price of Elements
  • iPad work uses separate apps, such as Cubasis
  • Mac and iPad only, with no Windows version
LinksVisit site Visit site

Questions about Cubase vs Logic Pro

Is Logic Pro better than Cubase?
Logic Pro ranks higher in our list of digital audio workstations (#2 against #4, score 92.0 against 89.5), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need. Cubase is best for: composing and mixing on Windows or macOS. Logic Pro is best for: songwriting on Mac and iPad.
Which is cheaper, Cubase or Logic Pro?
Cubase: Paid editions from Elements to Pro; free trial. Logic Pro: One-time purchase on the Mac App Store; also part of Apple Creator Studio.
Do Cubase and Logic Pro run on the same platforms?
Cubase supports Windows, macOS. Logic Pro supports macOS, iPadOS.

Choosing between the two

Learning Center
1:17Beginner · 4 min readHow to decide between two good optionsSettle a close call by sorting it by how hard it is to undo, setting a deadline, scoring the criteria as a tie-breaker and writing down why you chose.1:20Beginner · 6 min readHow to compare products fairly: what to keep in mindDefine the job, cap the must-haves, compare like with like, count total cost over one period and weigh the criteria. Includes a worked example.

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