Based on 16 reviews and ratings
Based on 8 reviews and ratings
Highlights
Ableton Live and Cubase are digital audio workstations (DAWs), designed to help musicians and sound designers create audio. Cubase has a traditional timeline-based approach to its interface. Ableton Live, by contrast, is optimized for creators interested in iterating on looping audio samples. Both products are primarily used by small businesses, likely because independent artists and freelancers are more likely to be creating custom audio tracks. Medium-to-large companies are more likely to purchase stock music or work with contractors for their marketing and internal audio needs.
Features
Although both Ableton Live and Cubase are capable of producing professional-level music and audio tracks, their layout and key features set them apart from each other.
Cubase is focused on track-based audio design, and is usually easier for new users to learn. It supports video import, making it a popular tool for musicians creating video scores. It has a lower price point than Ableton Live, making it somewhat more attractive for budget-focused users. Some users also prefer Cubase’s traditional window-based interface and organization, especially for multi-monitor setups.
Ableton Live, by contrast, shines in loop-based music composition. Its workflow is optimized for creating looping audio samples and then experimenting and iterating on them, making it especially popular with live DJs and electronic music producers. Experienced users praise Ableton Live’s many shortcut tools for helping them optimize their workflow. Some users also find its tab-based interface more intuitive and less cluttered than window-based alternatives.
Limitations
Ableton Live and Cubase aren’t perfect, however. Each product has important limitations to consider before purchasing.
Ableton Live may be popular with experienced DAW users, but users new to the field may be intimidated by its layout and extensive functionality. Some users find Ableton Live’s audio recording function to be tedious, especially when recording multiple takes. It’s also slightly pricier than Cubase.
Cubase, on the other hand, may be frustrating for some experienced users. Its shortcuts and workflow are optimized for linear editing as opposed to loop-based creative experimentation. Cubase can also be taxing on computer resources, and users may experience sudden slowdowns and unexpected bugs.
Pricing
Cubase uses a tiered one-time licensing model for pricing. Cubase Elements is $99.99 and includes basic functionality and a selection of virtual instruments and effects. Cubase Artist is $309.99 and includes more instruments and effects, increases the number of tracks per project, and includes additional features such as tools for merging multiple takes of an audio recording. Cubase Pro is $559.99 includes additional effects, unlimited tracks per project, and additional tools for pitch correction and recording studio setup. For first-time purchasers, Cubase Artist and Cubase Pro also require a USB-eLicenser for an additional $27.99.
Ableton Live uses a tiered one-time licensing model as well, with an optional 6-month payment plan. Ableton Live Intro is $99.00, includes a basic set of stock sounds, software instruments, and audio effects, and supports 16 tracks and 8 input channels per project. Ableton Live Standard is $449.00 and includes an expanded library of sounds, instruments, and effects, as well as supporting unlimited tracks and 256 input channels. Ableton Live Suite is $749.00 and greatly expands the available library of sounds, instruments, and effects, as well as adding tools for live performances and custom-built digital instruments.
Provided by the TrustRadius Research Team
Published on September 15, 2020
Attribute Ratings
- Ableton Live is rated higher in 1 area: Likelihood to Recommend
- Cubase is rated higher in 1 area: Support Rating
Likelihood to Recommend
Ableton Live
Cubase
Support Rating
Ableton Live
Cubase
Likelihood to Recommend
Ableton Live
Cubase
Pros
Ableton Live
- Session View: This is the biggest advantage of Ableton. It provides you this view in which you can create different tracks for the same part of the song. For example:- If you are making the chorus of the song, you can save one thread. Now if you want to try and listen to a different drum set in a new thread, you can simply do that and listen to the new track while preserving the older one. Once you are satisfied with what you're listening, simple record the same in arrangement view and you are done. You can switch to the arrangement view and listen to the final song.
- Pre-installed instruments and loops:- Ableton's library which is included with the software itself while you purchase it is amazing. I bet you will ever need third-party plugins for it. It comes loaded with hundreds of loops and number of instruments which are completely professional and free to use.
- Amazing Graphical User Interface:- Even if you're a beginner in this field, Ableton can be learned within a few hours. The basic functionality of this software is very easy to understand and use. Of course, advanced stuff comes with practice but the basic functioning can be learned and within a few hours you are producing your own music.
Cubase
- The user interface is very accessible and easy to operate
- Cubase will run fine on most PCs with regular hardware
- VSTs are easy to manage and install
- Audio routing within the mixer is very simple

Cons
Ableton Live
- Version 10 chews up all my CPU but prior versions didn't
- Midi channel automation isn't intuitive, have to make an instrument group
- New version install should overwrite older versions
Cubase
- Some documentation is confusing and may be different than the version you have
- Finding how to set up more complex audio environments can be cumbersome
- Audio library can be a little confusing
Pricing Details
Ableton Live
General
Free Trial
—Free/Freemium Version
—Premium Consulting/Integration Services
—Entry-level set up fee?
Starting Price
Ableton Live Editions & Modules
Edition
Live 10 Intro | $79 |
---|---|
Live 10 Standard | $359 |
Live 10 Suite | $599 |
Live 11 Intro | $99 |
Live 11 Standard | $449 |
Live 11 Suite | $749 |
Live 10 Intro - Push | $799 |
Live 10 Standard - Push | $1,078 |
Live 10 Suite - Push | $1,278 |
Live 10 Standard - Students & Teachers | $269 |
Live 10 Suite - Students & Teachers | $449 |
Push + Live 10 Standard - Students & Teachers | $1,068 |
Push + Live 10 Suite - Students & Teachers | $1,248 |
Max for Live | $159 |
Max for Live - Crossgrade | $79 |
- none
Additional Pricing Details
—Cubase
General
Free Trial
—Free/Freemium Version
—Premium Consulting/Integration Services
—Entry-level set up fee?
Starting Price
Cubase Editions & Modules
Edition
Starting Price | $579.90 |
---|
- none
Additional Pricing Details
—Support Rating
Ableton Live
Cubase
Alternatives Considered
Ableton Live
Cubase
Return on Investment
Ableton Live
- Ableton Live allows me to rapidly sequence multitrack music as needed, without getting stuck at any step of the process.
- Ableton Live also allows me to quickly export or upload to SoundCloud for easy sharing. This is a big time-saver.
- The only negative ROI I can think of is the cost. There are competitors like Reaper that are much more affordable and have many of the same features.
Cubase
- Using Cubase over something like Protools means that new users are more likely to be successful during training and due to this, decrease training time.
- More trained staff means that we are able to complete more projects faster instead of waiting for a more skilled staff member to become available.
- Implementation on-site for on-site recording has been very reliable and has decreased the amount of failed recordings during events.
