You can’t use GarageBand on a Chromebook because the app only works with Apple devices. But you can find some good alternatives that will work and allow you to create, record, and produce music quickly and easily.
I’m Donovan, and I’ve been making music for most of my life. I have used many of the most common music production apps and software available and have researched and talked to other producers to find the alternatives you’ll see here.
This post will provide you with some GarageBand alternatives for Chromebook. I’ll give you a quick look into what each of these alternatives can do and how they can help you create and record music.
Let’s get rolling.
Contents
Key Takeaways
- GarageBand is only available on Apple devices, so you can’t download the app on a Chromebook.
- Several solid GarageBand alternatives available for Chromebook provide similar tools and functions.
- No matter what option you choose, make sure it’s compatible with your device before attempting to download it.
Is There a GarageBand for Chromebook?
GarageBand only works on Apple devices like a Mac, iPhone, or iPad. That means you can’t download the app on a Chromebook. But there are other options you can explore which provide similar functions and features to the app.
Every audio production app or software is slightly different from one another. But they are all relatively similar in the basic tools they give you and how they work. So even though you can’t use GarageBand with a Chromebook, you can still create and record music easily on it.
Can You Use a Chromebook for Music Production?
Chromebooks are a solid tool to use for music production. They are functional devices that can help you accomplish many different tasks, music making being one of them. I know many musicians who really like working with them.
Another nice thing about using a Chromebook for music production is that they are very affordable. If you are just starting to get into music production, you know how expensive equipment can be, so it’s great to have cheaper items in the mix.
Best Free GarageBand Alternatives for Chromebook
Here are all the best GarageBand alternatives for Chromebook that are free to download. Each of these is a good option for anyone with a Chromebook who wants to make music or is on a budget.
1. Walk Band
Walk Band is one of the best free GarageBand alternatives for Chromebook. This option looks a lot like GarageBand in feel and function, so it’s a good choice for anyone who has already used the app on Apple devices and is looking for something similar on Chromebook.
You have access to a number of software instruments in Walk Band, so you don’t need to use external devices if you don’t have any. This makes getting started with music production a breeze, and it’s an excellent way for beginners to get more experience.
Walk Band also provides you with a multitrack mixer that you can use to lay down different tracks and start making a full recording. It has an intuitive interface you can control without much technical experience.
2. Band Lab
BandLab is another excellent free GarageBand alternative that you can use on Chromebook. This one isn’t as similar in appearance as GarageBand, but it’s still easy to use and gives you all the tools you need for music production.
The multi-track editor within this one is probably my favorite aspect of the app. It allows you to edit and record very easily, even if you don’t have much experience or background with this. It’s simple but still very effective.
BandLab is also a great choice for anyone who likes to make beats. The app has a sampler and looper that lets you create your own beats in a matter of minutes. It’s really fun to use this feature, and you’ll be laying down sweet tracks once you unlock its full potential.
3. Audacity
Audacity is an online editor that gives you the power of music production right in your Chromebook browser. This is a pretty bare-bones option, but it still provides you with the tools you need to start making music.
This one is also good for anyone making basic recordings, such as for podcasts or audiobooks where you don’t need a ton of production tools. It has an editor, and you can adjust some EQ and other parameters in your mix.
Audacity also has an easy-to-use editing window that you can quickly get the hang of for whatever project you are working on. You can work on multiple tracks at once and create a song or solid podcast easily.
Best Paid GarageBand Alternatives for Chromebook
There are also a few paid alternatives to GarageBand for Chromebook that you might want to check out. Paid version will typically give you more tools and features, opening up more possibilities for what you can do with your music.
1. FL Studio Mobile
FL Studio is a favorite music production app for many of the best producers I know, and the FL Studio Mobile option is a nice alternative to GarageBand on Chromebook. It costs $14.99 but will give you powerful music production capabilities.
If you want a fully functioning studio right on your Chromebook, this is the option to choose. You get high-quality synthesizers and other software instruments to start making and recording music. The drum kits are also pretty sweet.
I also like the editor and mixer on FL Studio Mobile. It gives you the ability to quickly and easily edit all of your tracks to keep things organized and efficient in your workflow.
2. Sountrap
Soundtrap is another good alternative to GarageBand for Chromebook, and Spotify created it. It’s a great tool to use if you plan on making and sharing music with other friends or musicians online, and it’s really easy to use.
There are in-app purchases that unlock the app’s full potential, which is why it makes the paid list here. There are a lot of different loops to choose from for recording or making beats, and the editing process is straightforward and simple.
There are also a bunch of sampled instruments to explore within the app. You’ll need to pay to unlock all of them, but much like GarageBand, you get enough of these on the first download to have plenty to work with.
What is the Google Equivalent of GarageBand?
In my opinion, the Google equivalent of GarageBand is Walk Band. Not only does this app look a bit like GarageBand, but it also is just about as easy to use. You don’t need much experience with production to start making music here.
Walk Band isn’t specifically marketed as an equivalent to GarageBand, so there are other apps out there for Chromebook that you might like to use. You can explore any of the free or paid options in this post.
Final Thoughts
All of the apps you see on this list are solid alternatives to GarageBand for Chromebook. They provide you with plenty of tools to start making music quickly, and you don’t need to be an expert audio engineer to begin recording.
It’s always a good idea to explore a few different apps to find out what you like to use. This can help with your workflow and make you a better producer and musician. Don’t let the software you choose limit your creativity!
Do you know of any other GarageBand alternatives for Chromebook that I didn’t mention here? Let me know in the comments below.
