GarageBand isn’t compatible with Android, but several apps like it will work with the operating system. You can still find a solid option for a free or paid digital audio workstation on the android platform.
I’m Donovan, and I love to write, record and produce music. I have a lot of experience working with various music creation apps and software and have researched which are good alternatives to GarageBand.
This post will give you a list of apps like GarageBand for Android. I’ll highlight some important features and tools that each of these provides and tell you why you might want to consider using them for your music creation pursuits.
Let’s jump in.
Contents
Free Apps Like GarageBand for Android
One of the best features of GarageBand is that it’s free. Here is a list of apps with similar music production tools that are also free and will work for Android devices.
1. FL Studio Mobile
FL Studio Mobile is one of the top free apps like GarageBand for Android. This is a slimmed-down version of FL Studio, which is one of the top DAWs on the market and a favorite option for many musicians and producers I know.
With the free version, you get access to over 50 different software instruments, an effective and easy-to-use multi-track editor, and many other features. It has an intuitive interface, much like GarageBand, and is fully capable of recording and mixing all your musical ideas.
I also like all of the effects that you get with FL Studio Mobile, which include compression, parametric EQ, and some sweet reverb. You can also export all of the songs you create to standard formats for quick and easy sharing.
To expand the features of the workstation, you can plug in any external equipment you have, such as MIDI controllers or instruments. The interface also works on a number of different displays so you can fine-tune your workflow.
2. Walk Band
If you are looking for an app for Android that looks very similar to GarageBand from an interface perspective, be sure to check out Walk Band. This is another easy-to-use app that gives you many music creation tools and features at your fingertips.
I like the tap keyboard and drum set features in Walk Band. You can start playing music or laying down beats quickly with these, and you don’t need much musical experience to unlock the potential.
A multi-track mixer is another nice touch, and it allows you to keep your recordings organized as you put a mix together or lay down multiple tracks in a project. This is very similar to GarageBand in feel and function.
Walk Band does have in-app purchases that allow you to get more features and instruments, but you can still accomplish quite a bit with the free version. Whether you are new to recording or just trying to get some quick demos in the box, this is a good choice to explore.
3. Caustic 3
If you like using synthesizers, then you’ll love everything that Caustic 3 has to offer. This is a fun and entertaining music creation platform for Android that allows you to create your own synthesizer rack with up to 14 different machines.
There are a ton of different sounds you can produce with the various synths the app provides. Whether you have a lot of experience with keyboards or are just learning, this gives you a great way to practice or produce cool music.
You also get many different effects to tweak your synth recordings however you want to. And the mixing and mastering features give you more control over the finished product so you can share it with your friends or other musicians.
The free version of Caustic 3 does have a few limitations, mainly in how many tracks you are allowed to export. So if you want full access to everything the app has, you’ll need to pay for the full version.
Paid Apps Like GarageBand for Android
There are also a few good paid apps like GarageBand for Android, and these can give you more capabilities and features than the free apps.
4. J4T Multitrack Recorder
The J4T Multitrack Recorder is an excellent app for singer-songwriters using Android devices. This one has a simple but effective design that allows you to get your ideas recorded so you can keep the songs coming at a steady pace.
The idea behind the app is to streamline the recording process so you can capture new songs without much effort. The result is an easy-to-use multitrack recorder that is fun and easy to work with, no matter how much experience you have in the studio.
J4T doesn’t have as many features as some other paid apps, but it still makes the list here, thanks to its easy-to-use interface. If you are a songwriter, you know how important it is to capture the magic when it strikes, and this app can help you do just that.
You can connect external devices to the app, but compatibility depends on what Android device you have. If you are looking to buy a new mic or interface, it’s a good idea to check with the app developer to see if it’s compatible before purchase.
5. Audio Evolution Mobile Studio
Another solid paid option for Android similar to GarageBand is Audio Evolution Mobile Studio. This app will give you a complete mobile recording studio on your Android device and comes packed with features you can use to your creative advantage.
The developers claim that the app is the most powerful multi-track audio and MIDI recording studio on Android, and from what I can tell, they are probably right. You get access to over 250 USB audio and MIDI interfaces and virtual instruments.
This app has more features than GarageBand, so it can be a good step up for anyone who has been recording for a while and wants to up their game to the next level. The mixing features are excellent, and you can produce full albums if you want to.
I also like how many effects come with the app. You can use these to beef up your recordings, so they stand out from the pack or just learn the differences between them. The app costs $9.99, but I think it is totally worth it.
Final Thoughts
Just because you can’t use GarageBand on Android devices doesn’t mean you are limited in your musical recording and production capabilities. All of the alternatives mentioned in this post are worth exploring and will give you tools and features to help your songs shine.
Everyone has different preferences regarding what platform or app they like to use for music creation. It’s a good idea to explore a few of the various free options to see what works best for you!
Do you know of any apps like GarageBand for Android that I didn’t mention in this post? Let me know in the comments below.
