Cakewalk Sonar vs Steinberg Cubase
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
Cakewalk Sonar is a digital audio workstation for Windows offering multitrack recording, MIDI editing, and mixing, built as the direct successor to the now-retired Cakewalk by BandLab (which stopped allowing activations at the end of 2025). It ships with a fully functional free tier alongside a paid BandLab membership that unlocks advanced mixing and sound-library features.
Cubase is a full-featured digital audio workstation used by composers, producers, and engineers for recording, editing, mixing, and mastering music. It offers a comprehensive set of tools for MIDI sequencing, audio editing, and virtual instrument integration. The software supports advanced features such as VST3 plug‑ins, score editing, and surround sound, making it suitable for both studio production and film scoring. Cubase runs on Windows and macOS, providing a stable platform for high‑end audio projects.
- Free tier is a genuinely complete DAW, not a stripped demo
- Direct, actively maintained successor to the well-known Cakewalk by BandLab
- Deep MIDI editing tools rival paid competitors
- Large built-in sample and loop library through BandLab Sounds
- Extensive MIDI and audio editing tools
- Robust VST3 and virtual instrument support
- Professional score editor for notation
- High‑quality built‑in effects and channel strips
- Windows only, with no Mac version available
- Requires Windows 11 or higher, locking out older machines
- BandLab membership pricing for the premium tier is not published upfront
- Existing Cakewalk by BandLab users had to migrate after the December 2025 end-of-life
- Steep learning curve for beginners
- Only available on Windows and macOS
- Higher price point compared to some competitors
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The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataIf you need a free, Windows‑only DAW with solid MIDI tools, go with Cakewalk Sonar; for a professional, cross‑platform suite with advanced scoring and surround mixing, choose Steinberg Cubase.
Key differences
- •Pricing model: Cakewalk Sonar offers a freemium tier, while Cubase requires a one‑time purchase.
- •Platform support: Sonar runs only on Windows 11+, whereas Cubase runs on Windows and macOS.
- •Score editing: Cubase includes a full‑featured Score Editor; Sonar does not mention notation tools.
- •Surround mixing: Cubase supports up to 7.1 channels; Sonar’s mix features are limited to stereo.
- •Support channels: Sonar provides community help, Cubase adds email, phone, and knowledge‑base support.
Pricing & value
Sonar’s free tier provides a complete DAW; Cubase requires a paid license.
Ease of use / learning curve
Sonar is positioned for home studio musicians; Cubase is noted for a steep learning curve.
Features & depth
Cubase adds surround mixing, advanced automation, and a professional Score Editor absent in Sonar.
Integrations & ecosystem
Both support VST/VST3 plugins; Sonar adds BandLab Sounds, Cubase adds Steinberg Cloud and native instruments.
Collaboration
Sonar integrates with BandLab Sounds library for loop sharing; Cubase only mentions cloud sync, not a shared library.
Scalability
Cubase’s surround mixing and advanced routing scale to larger productions; Sonar is limited to stereo mixing.
Support
Cubase offers email, phone, and knowledge base; Sonar only provides help center and community forum.
Choose Cakewalk Sonar if…
Windows‑only home studio producers who need a free, fully functional DAW.
Choose Steinberg Cubase if…
Professional producers or composers needing cross‑platform, advanced scoring and surround capabilities.
Common questions
What is the cost to start producing with each DAW?
Sonar can be used for free (freemium); Cubase requires a one‑time purchase.
Can I run the software on macOS?
Sonar runs only on Windows 11 or higher; Cubase runs on both Windows and macOS.
Do either of them include built‑in notation tools?
Cubase includes a full‑featured Score Editor; Sonar does not list any notation capability.