Logic Pro Vs. Pro Tools | Which DAW Is The Best?

With the advancement of technology, creating music is easier than ever. Instead of traveling to costly recording studios, professionals, hobbyists, and enthusiasts alike can have an entire virtual studio on their computer. Over the years, digital software has replaced analog gear and has become the industry standard for audio processing.

Among the ever-expanding world of software programs, Apple’s Logic Pro and Avid’s Pro Tools stand out as two of the most popular digital audio workstations (DAWs) worldwide. With numerous tools, plugins, and sound libraries, both of these DAWs are excellent choices for musicians, producers, and audio engineers. However, each comes with unique perks and features that, based on your goals and workflow, can lead one to triumph over the other.

Without further ado, let’s take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of both of these DAWs so you can find out which one is a better choice for you.

System Support And Pricing

Developed by Apple, it is no surprise that Logic Pro is exclusive for users within the Apple ecosystem. So, If you’re on Windows, Logic Pro automatically slips out of your options list.

On the other hand, if you have a Mac computer, Logic Pro should definitely be one of the main DAWs you consider installing. Its integration with MacOS and Apple hardware creates a smooth and seamless experience that other DAWs might fall short of.

For a long time, Logic was a Mac-only program. But recently, Apple revealed Logic Pro for iPad, which comes as a subscription-based DAW. The iPad version can be an excellent introduction for beginners in music. Moreover, the iPad can be a great companion device for those who already have Logic on their computer and want a secondary device to keep working on their projects when traveling.

Avid offers Pro Tools both for Windows and MacOS users. So long as you have a capable computer running either of those operating systems, you should be able to install Pro Tools.

In the case of hardware and software support, both of these are compatible with most of the stuff on the market. There are plenty of pieces of equipment you need in your studio. Besides, you’ll eventually want to dive into the world of third-party VSTs and plugins to expand your digital arsenal and focus on your craft more seriously. Rest assured that either of these DAWs is a solid choice supporting digital and physical expansions for your studio environment.

When it comes to pricing, Apple and Avid have entirely different approaches. Logic Pro comes as a one-time purchase of $200 (or 270 Canadian dollars), and that is it. All the content, stock plugins, Apple Loops, and future updates are yours once you pay the initial fee.

On the other hand, Pro Tools comes as a subscription-based program with three different tiers. Each of these tiers offers different tools and features within the DAW. So, if you’re not using some advanced features, you can skip that and spend less money on a lower-tier plan.

Pro Tools Artist comes at $9.99/month or $99 for a year if you pay upfront. Next is Pro Tools Studio, which costs $39.99/month ($299/Year). Lastly, Pro Tools Flex/Ultimate comes at a whopping $99.99/month or $999 for a year.

If you’re not a full-time professional producer with daily clients, it's not reasonable to drill a hole in your pocket for Pro Tool’s full features. Logic Pro definitely wins here as the DAW that offers the most bang for the buck.

The Learning Curve

Learning music production is an ongoing process that has no end. Even after years, there are things that I have to look up from time to time or new tips and tricks that I learn from other professional producers. That being said, the learning curve for Logic Pro users is definitely less steep than that of Pro Tools.

After all, one of the primary aspects that make Logic so popular around the globe is its user-friendly interface. Especially if you’re already in the Apple ecosystem and coming from GarageBand, your transition to Logic Pro will be smooth as butter. Logic is essentially a beefed-up version of GarageBand with a lot more tools, loops, plugins, and other features.

Everything is labeled and looks straightforward when you open a new project in Logic, making it easier to boot it up and start making musing right off the bat.

Although Pro Tools also has templates to make things easier, being user-friendly is certainly not a priority for this program. Opening a new project in Pro Tools from scratch leaves you a blank sheet. It’s up to you to figure out how to operate basic tasks, which can be intimidating and time-consuming for beginners.

Working with Logic Pro will help you learn music production quicker, especially if you’re coming from GarageBand.

Included Content

Logic Pro comes with an abundance of awesome stock plugins, a vast library of loops, and many virtual instruments and presets that almost no other DAW can rival. The plugins cover all of the fundamental categories you’d need to produce industry-standard songs.

You can find anything from emulated vintage EQs to tape delays and reverbs within Logic’s long list of stuck plugins.

For Pro Tools, it vastly depends on your subscription plan. Some higher-tier subscriptions come with many world-famous third-party plugins, such as Melodyne. But at the end of the day, what Logic Pro offers as a whole package is unbeatable, especially considering the price.

Genre And Niche

Pro Tools is heavily an audio-focused platform. It is perfect for you’re recording acoustic drums and guitar amps for creating classic rock or country music. Pro Tools is paramount on the Nashville scene.

On the other hand, Logic Pro shines best if you’re working on alternative or pop music and have more electronic and digital elements in your formula.

Compared to Pro Tools, Logic Pro is significantly more program-friendly, making it easy for producers and songwriters to write automations and program different parameters intuitively. This gives Logic Pro users a lot of room for creativity that otherwise would be absent in a DAW like Pro Tools.

Final Verdict: Which DAW Is For You?

You can’t really pick one and say it objectively dominates the other in music production. Both Logic Pro and Pro Tools are extremely popular among music producers of all sorts.

If you’re a songwriter and want a program that can help you record and play around with your ideas without hassle, I recommend Logic Pro. On the other hand, if you’re more interested in the behind-the-scene stuff and want to pursue audio engineering, Pro Tools can be a more industry-standard option. However, that does not mean either will let you down should you use them for other purposes.

I primarily use Logic for my songs, though I also have some experience working with Pro Tools. If you want to kick things off with Logic but don’t know where to start, I suggest downloading my Free 6 Pillars To Learn Logic Pro Faster guidebook.