GarageBand review

GarageBand is the first app most iPad owners should open, because it costs nothing on the US App Store and covers recording, arranging and mixing in one place. Apple's listing describes up to 32 tracks per song built from Touch Instruments, microphone or guitar recordings and Apple Loops. Live Loops turns the screen into a grid of cells you trigger like a DJ, with Remix FX for filters and stutters. Drummer adds virtual session players in acoustic, electronic and percussion styles, and Smart Strings, Smart Bass and Smart Guitar play chords and patterns for people who do not read music. Guitarists can plug in and play through virtual amps and stompboxes. Recording, mixing and export run at 24-bit resolution, and Audio Unit Extensions bring in third-party instruments. The limits show up as projects grow: 32 tracks is the ceiling, multitrack recording needs a compatible interface, and the current version requires iPadOS 27.0 or later. Projects can move to Logic Pro when you outgrow it.

Who it is for

beginners and songwriters who want a free start

Price

Free on the US App Store with no in-app purchases listed.

GarageBand Make great music anywhere Free
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 14, 2026.

Key features

• Records, arranges and mixes up to 32 tracks
• Live Loops grid with Remix FX for DJ-style performance
• Virtual session drummers that play acoustic, electronic and percussion grooves
• Smart Strings, Smart Bass and Smart Guitar with Chord Strips and autoplay
• Records third-party Audio Unit Extensions and exports at 24-bit resolution

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Free on the App Store with no in-app purchase list
• Strength: Sound Library adds free instruments, loops and sound packs
• Strength: Projects can be sent to Logic Pro via iCloud
• Weakness: Capped at 32 tracks per song
• Weakness: Multitrack recording needs a compatible third-party audio interface
• Weakness: Current version requires iPadOS 27.0 or later

Key facts

• Price: Free
• Track limit: 32 tracks
• Audio resolution: 24-bit
• Devices: iPad, iPhone

Where it ranks

GarageBand is No. 1 in our Best Music Production Apps for iPad verdict.