# Live Reviews 2026. Verified Reviews, Pros & Cons | Capterra > Is Live the right Audio Editing solution for you? Explore 126 verified user reviews from people in industries like yours to make a confident choice. Source: https://www.capterra.com/p/186429/Live/reviews --- Live 4.8 (126) [View alternatives](https://www.capterra.com/p/186429/Live/alternatives/) Provider data verified by our Software Research team, and reviews moderated by our Reviews Verification team. [Learn more](https://www.capterra.com/our-story/) * * * Last updated December 15th, 2025 # Reviews of Live Ease of use 4.1 Customer Service 4.5 ## Pros and Cons in Reviews Michael Z OwnerMusic, Self-employedUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “This support for students was pivotal to me switching as I received a 50% discount to help kickstart my career.“ April 15, 2026 Michael Z OwnerMusic, Self-employedUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “I haven't come across too many cons with Live besides crashes - however that may be my computer instead of the service.“ April 15, 2026 Michael Z OwnerMusic, Self-employedUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “To this day I use Live to record for fun and professionally for myself and other clients.“ April 15, 2026 MD Mitchell D Sales AssociateMusic, 51 - 200 employeesUsed the software for: 6-12 months. “It can be overly complex at times when compared to it's peers such as logic, because ableton tends to be a little to complex or technical for casual users“ January 15, 2025 MD Mitchell D Sales AssociateMusic, 51 - 200 employeesUsed the software for: 6-12 months. “Live was amazing for producing beat driven music and heavy drum and synth instrumentals, I feel it's primary use is as a DJ software“ January 15, 2025 Jade G Creative DirectorDesign, Self-employedUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “The interface isn't great, and depending on your sample structures the requirements on disk and memory are a bit overblown.“ November 8, 2023 AB Ashley B Education DesignE-Learning, Self-employedUsed the software for: Less than 6 months. “I think it caters to a variety of different user skills, which is a plus.“ October 25, 2025 MS Michael S StudentEducation Management, 501 - 1,000 employeesUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “VST integration can be hard sometimes“ January 4, 2024 ## Showing most helpful reviews Showing 1-25 of 126 Reviews Sort by: Most Helpful Rating Company Size Reviewer's Role Length of Use Frequency of Use Bryce C. Music Producer Music Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Very High-Tier D.A.W" February 18, 2026 5.0 9/10 experience. Overall an amazing DAW, and would absolutely recommend it to others who are learning music production, and audio design. Pros When it comes to audio editing, Ableton is one of the top of the line. It is a great value of money and quality for the price you pay. Cons Occasional has a bug or recording issue here and there, but overall works well. Security could be better, since you can just give people your account and they download it, essentially pirating the software. Switched from [Soundtrap](https://www.capterra.com/p/209734/Soundtrap/) Ableton works and runs much more professionally and has a smoother workflow. Much better features as well when it comes to plug-in capability. Review Source MD Mitchell D. Sales Associate Music Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "Perfect for creating EDM and DJ beats" January 15, 2025 4.0 overall my experience was positive and enjoyable, I felt it helped me learn the DJ styles of DAW and I will absolutely return to it when making that type of music Pros Live was amazing for producing beat driven music and heavy drum and synth instrumentals, I feel it's primary use is as a DJ software Cons It can be overly complex at times when compared to it's peers such as logic, because ableton tends to be a little to complex or technical for casual users Switched from [Pro Tools](https://www.capterra.com/p/214607/Pro-Tools/) Live was much cheaper and had easier integration with plug ins Review Source SAB Sid Ahmed B. Music Producer Music Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Ableton Live - Review" October 4, 2021 3.0 Pros The Partnerships of Ableton with a lot of Companies that manufacture equipment related to music production Cons the fille of ASD are everywhere in my pc if you make it in one folder or in the temp that will be great and need a bypass to hear the song before and after effect in one click no need to close it one by one or need to make a groupe Review Source Michael Z. Owner Music Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Ableton Live helped launch my career!" April 15, 2026 5.0 The value of Live was extremely important for me as I was able to use a 3-month free trial before purchasing as a student. This support for students was pivotal to me switching as I received a 50% discount to help kickstart my career. Overall, Live has excellent quality free plugins to help you learn recording techniques, editing techniques, and gain confidence in the world of music production. To this day I use Live to record for fun and professionally for myself and other clients. Pros I love Live's workflow and intuitive structure. I am very structured and plan oriented person, so I required a DAW that made me feel focused and supported. Over my 5+ years producing on Live, I have always felt this way. Cons I haven't come across too many cons with Live besides crashes - however that may be my computer instead of the service. Review Source Daria J. Marketing Associate Marketing and Advertising Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "One of my favorite DAW's" August 27, 2024 5.0 This is my to go DAW to experiment with many different sounds in real time. Also great tool for live performances,I am using it for years and it delivers the fastest sound processing experience in no time and minimal latency.2 work flows give the best overview of the song and option to try many different arrangements before recording the final one. Pros Very versatile software that offers many good quality internal tools, VST instruments included, as well as audio editing options. Cons The warping modes gets changed with every update making it tough for user especially if you already got used to the workflow. Same with the software interface. File manager gets worse and worse with each update.Now it is hard to find files that belong to the same project and if you export any loops to external drive Live won't find it and it appears as "file offline". Switched from [Cubase](https://www.capterra.com/p/214601/Cubase/) Too complicated interface, too slow, doesn't support all the VST instruments and plugins, too expensive. Review Source Wesley G. Self-Employed Music Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Live 11 update made this my default digital audio workstation" March 17, 2021 5.0 Pros For most producing, arranging, mixing, and mastering tasks, Ableton Studio's stock plugins and software infrastructure make for an effective, efficient music creation environment. What makes this program invaluable, though, is its endless possibilities for sound design (especially with new randomization features built in to each track) and, perhaps obviously, its optimization for live performance. As a solo musician and producer, being able to create complex tracks on the spot is deeply liberating, and no other DAW (digital audio workstation) that I've used allows for this (although, I've read other DAWs are beginning to implement more live-looping and tempo syncing features). Cons It takes a little work to organize 3rd party plugins, but Ableton Live gives you multiple ways to approach this, which is more than some DAWs provide. Alternatives considered [Studio One](https://www.capterra.com/p/214600/Studio-One/) Reason for choosing Live Live performance capabilities and large stock sound/plugin library Review Source AR ALAN R. producer Music Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "BIG MAN THINGS" October 12, 2025 5.0 enjoyable. great fun if this is your sort of thing.As i mentioned i have now been useing ablton for over eight years so that should speak for itself Pros sound quality I found to be realistic the programme software isnt so hard to understand i have now been useing ableton for over eight years introduced from a friend of a friend at the time and i have been at it eversince. Cons the sampler i found not to be the quality sampler i expected or maybe im asking to much for what i payed because you get this brilliant software.haveing so much ideas but needing a sampler were i think it should be included Review Source Brett C. Producer Music Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Live for the electronica!" August 21, 2025 4.0 Its just awesome for making any kind of electronic music and is my cover for that genre. I found out not so much for recording and mixing of recorded name music, but still good. I love using it with my APC40 MKII controller, takes it to another level! Pros This DAW is great for all kinds of music production, especially great for electronic music making in which it excels at. Cons It tends to have high CPU impact when your project gets large, especially when using many plugins and audio samples. Review Source TC Tyler C. Owner DJ Producer Sound Tech Music Used the software for: 2+ years ### "10 years with Live and still going " July 2, 2025 5.0 I have been using Ableton for over 10 years now. They have done a great job with every aspect of their DAW. Their onboard FX are getting better every year as well. I am using external plug ins less and less Pros Innovation on every update. So much more user friendly than other DAWs I went to school for. I love having the ability to play live as well, it opens up a whole new world of live performance. Cons I really can’t think of anything negative with Live. Everything we ask for always seems to come through on the next version. Review Source JCS JEAN CLAUDE S. tutor Music Used the software for: 2+ years ### "best digital audio workstation" March 10, 2025 5.0 EXCELLENT truly genius for live performances but even the sequencer area is pretty cool just got for it Pros EVERYTHING ease of use functionality all Cons NOTHING i like everything excellent customer support very friendly and always helpful always listening to us artists and providing for us all Review Source VR Verified Reviewer Associate Pastor Non-Profit Organization Management Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Perfect solution for Tracks in Worship" January 23, 2025 5.0 Pros I use this mainly for live band settings. The flexibility to make everything sound the way you want is great. The 2 different views are perfect. Cons Extremely steep learning curve - however you can learn a lot on Youtube. Review Source JH Jordan H. Producer Media Production Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Ableton is amazing. so unique" January 17, 2025 5.0 it has been excellent. I use it a lot for private music production and it is great Pros Music production is so simple on here, whilst working on a crisp workflow Cons not a lot i dont like about the program. Review Source RH Ruth H. Music producer Music Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Excellent software for music production" December 1, 2022 5.0 The main benefit I have received from the software is it reliability. If I am in a hurry with a project, I can count on this software to work, even if I am introducing new plug-ins. Pros I am very impressed with the number of tasks I can do in the software without any glitches. I’ve used other music production software, and had crashes because I do unique instrument recording. This software is extremely reliable and flexible and offers for more options for a creative musician, or a music producer than others. It also plays nicely with third party plug-ins. Easy install. Instructions are readily available because it is so popular. Cons There was a bit of a learning curve coming to this software. I was a logic user who composes classical music. I wasn’t familiar with the layout, but in a short period of time I adjusted, and I’m very happy with the software. The other con is that it’s pricing is very high. Review Source MH Marlon H. Retired Disable Music Used the software for: 2+ years ### "ABLETON LIVE great for beginners " April 6, 2022 5.0 i love working in LIVE it takes a little getting use to but just spend time in the tutorials going through all the features Pros super user friendly i also like the way you can go into preferences and change the look and color or you work view both session and arrangement view Cons well again this software needs a step by step book with pictures , configurations, more of a 1. 2.3. approach Review Source BH Bridgett H. Owner Entertainment Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Average producer/dj Ableton Live Review" May 18, 2023 5.0 I use ableton for quick remix edits and to master my dj mixes as well as compose songs. Pros Ableton has made producing and remixing super easy and fast for me. I has allowed me to quickly write my ideas in steps and arrange them into full songs. Cons My least favorite thing about ableton live is the initial learning curve. Most DAW has a linear view and a piano roll that is parallel to the layout. Although I love the Ableton pattern view, it can be a little intimidating at first-glance. Review Source MS Michael S. Free Lancer Computer Software Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Ableton Live Suit 10 Review " April 6, 2021 5.0 Ableton Live is one of the best relevant choice of music production workstation software. this software's interface is astonishing & allows you an easier & faster workflow. whether you are the using built in plugins or supported VST plugins, Recorded Wave files or Midi files, this workstation provides the best it can be. it is a professional mastering software that gives you all the tools of mixing & mastering your mixdown to perfection. Pros Ableton Live is a professional‏ music creation station & a professional mastering software. Ableton gives you all the tools and ability of making your music, editing, mixing & professionally master your music. whenever its electronic music or authentic recorded live music, Ableton gives you all the features of turning your workstation to a professional one. Ableton's interface is outstanding & cannot be compared with any other software, the interface and the way of working allows you to work as fast and accurate as it gets. time stretching ability is most essential, effective and convenient in Ableton. choosing of exporting Mp3 or Wave files makes is a great advantage in Ableton 10. ‏ ‏‏ Cons The interface of Ableton is different from other interfaces & it takes time to get used to. once I gained little experience‏, things got much more faster & I have managed to finish projects more easily than ever before. Review Source Frederic D. Music Producer Music Used the software for: 2+ years ### "For me the best daw" June 4, 2020 5.0 It is just great! been using it for more then a decade now... and do have alot of "Ableton" made releases already on Beatport, Spotify, and all other streaming and download platforms. Pros I like how the interface works so inspiring! Ableton just offers such a great workflow! I still use it in a linear way, and do not realy make use of the clips. With the "suite" version you get all the instruments & loads of samples. The vst support also works flawless. Cons in case of mixing software such as "cubase" is bit more tight. But I do not realy have alot of issues with it. Reason for choosing Live The workflow is better for me Review Source RR Robert R. CEO Marketing and Advertising Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Ableton LIVE. The only DAW you need in the studio!" September 13, 2022 5.0 Pros I like how simple and easy to use it is and the efficiency of the workflow. Cons It is still a little pricey at close to $1000 for the full Suite and LIVE plug-ins and Live packs. Reason for choosing Live It’s the best available DAW in terms of performance, intuitive interface and workflow. Review Source Jaderson P. Producer Music Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Perfect for producing and creating live sets!" January 22, 2021 5.0 In fact, it is an indispensable tool for music, organic or electronic producers. For me it helps me a lot in "inbox" production I use samples and vst's. Because it's simple to use, I create my music faster! Pros Simple and organized interface, it is a very intuitive DAW, both in the session view and in the arrangement session. It has fantastic native instruments, synthesizers, wavetable instruments, compressors and equalizers! Perfect!!! Cons So far I haven't had a lot of problems, the only thing I identified as a failure is that in the clip view, when I use the "beats" mode, there is no way to automate the transient envelope (0 to 100). Review Source KS Kyler S. Production Assistant Religious Institutions Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Best DAW Software For Any Situation" November 10, 2020 5.0 Ableton Live has completely changed my approach to recording and live performance. the possibilities are endless and the results are always exactly what you want them to be. Pros Ableton is the most versatile DAW I have ever used, whether it's only for tracks, or adding midi in/out cues anything I've ever wanted to do in a live worship environment has never been easier. Cons Their is a slight learning curve with Ableton due to how creative and custom you can be with inputs and outputs, but once the workflow is nailed down it becomes second natures. It can also sometimes be overwhelming with just how much you can do with Ableton. Reason for choosing Live Live's layout and features are a lot more clean than other DAW's arrangement and session views. Review Source VR Verified Reviewer Producer Entertainment Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Why would anyone use anything else?" May 29, 2019 5.0 The best music software ever made. Pros Everything. The workflow is perfect. Everything is right in front of you and once you spend a little time with it, it will just keep showing you more and more. As far a production software goes, there is nothing better. Cons It has become pretty heavy on the CPU usage but I'm sure 90% of that is because of my computers. Review Source SG Shep G. Music Lead Music Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Great DAW" May 7, 2021 5.0 Ableton helps my make short work of week to week projects. The pitch and tempo shifting capabilities, the customization of sounds with Mac for Live effects, and the simple bus routing make it a joy to use. Pros The overall customizability of Ableton is amazing. Especially, when used in combination with Max for Live plugins. It’s almost like working with a modular setup. Cons Comping multiple takes is a clunky process in Ableton, compared to something like Logic (my old go-to DAW). Review Source MG Mac G. Artist Music Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "The perfect DAW for live situations." February 9, 2023 5.0 Pros Ableton Live is unique, I really like its user interface and its very original composition system, totally adapted with its tools, for live situations in concert, radio, showcase. its ergonomics satisfies me enormously. Cons The negative point that I noted is the mixer! its design, although innovative and original, can be improved because it does not facilitate mixing. the faders are very small and imprecise. if this is corrected in future versions it will satisfy me very much. Review Source AL Alessandro L. Energy Manager Pharmaceuticals Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Easy software for effective audio project" November 16, 2022 5.0 My experience with Live is absolutely positive and has allowed me to learn a lot about computer production Pros Ableton Live is a powerful daw, with many features already available with the intro version. It is a home recording studio where a lot can be produced with little. Cons There are no aspects that in my experience can be classified as weaknesses. More likely the difficulties may arise due to personal lack of training and education in some areas (e.g. Max for live) Review Source TJ Tanya J. Songwriter Music Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "For any recording solution, Live is your software!" March 3, 2020 5.0 I am not a pc experience user but i easily start using Live for my demo recording sessions and i love it! Pros I tend to write a lot of songs, and have to make demos of it, which sometimes we have to in our industry to remember what the melody or how did the song go. That's where Live comes into play for always, its flexible, musical software you can get for production, recording, mixing, mastering and live performance. A very straight forward, easy to use DAW you can get out there compared to the others i have seen my brother used in the past. Cons For now i can't really say anything I don't like about the software as I started out only using this so far, but with my experience of it, i surely love using it. Review Source Similar Products Featured