Chromebooks have come a long way in recent years in running impressive music software and DAWs (digital audio workstations). While they used to be limited in performance and capability, the latest Chrome OS updates and hardware advances have made them into veritable music production machines.
I was thrilled to discover how far Chromebook music software has progressed. In this up-to-date guide for 2024, I’ll be counting down the 10 most perfectly designed and fully-featured DAWs and music software for Chromebook.
Top 10 Best Music Software for Chromebook
1. FL Studio for Chromebook
Out of all the DAW for chromebook, FL Studio truly stands out for its familiar workflow loved by music producers and beatmakers. As a long-time FL Studio user, I was thrilled when the powerhouse DAW became compatible with Chromebooks.
While it doesn’t yet support advanced features like plugin effects, the Chromebook version contains many tools that make FL Studio an industry standard. You still get the classic pattern-based sequencing, a mixing console, piano roll editing, automation, and over 80 software instruments.
While some producer pros may still prefer the expanded desktop version, FL Studio for Chromebook removes platform limitations so creators can work on hot new beats whenever and wherever creativity strikes.
Features:
- Signature FL Studio Workflow – Bringing the same intuitive pattern-based music sequencing to Chrome OS that made FL Studio an industry leader.
- Robust Toolset – 80+ software instruments, automation lanes, MIDI editor, mixing capabilities, effects, and more.
- Cloud Collaboration – Direct Google Drive integration enables cloud saving, backup, and sharing projects with other creators.
- Touchscreen Optimization – Fully optimized for touch laptops and tablets. Multi-touch gestures, taps, and swipes speed up workflow.
2. Soundtrap
As a Chromebook user and music educator, I was thrilled when Soundtrap became available as an online DAW optimized for Chrome OS.
Its simple but powerful collaborative features make Soundtrap an excellent choice for schools on tight budgets. Students can easily create, record, share, provide feedback, and manage larger projects across devices.
Soundtrap lowers music production barriers for individual learners with its intuitive drag-and-drop workflow. Best of all, browser-based means no downloads are required to start crafting pro-sounding songs, beats, podcasts, and more from any Chromebook.
Features:
- Intuitive Drag-and-Drop Interface – Soundtrap’s visual workflow enables easy song, beat, and podcast creation through simple drag-and-drop.
- Built-In Collaboration Tools – Perfect for schools. Students and teachers can collaborate on projects in real time from any device.
- Large Loop & FX Libraries – Includes over 150 software instruments, 12,000 loops, and hundreds of studio effects to expand your sonic palette.
- Optimized for Chromebooks – As an online DAW, Soundtrap provides the studio environment with no downloads required on Chrome OS. Just log in and create.
3. BandLab
As a Chromebook-using musician, I was thrilled to discover the free online DAW BandLab. Its intuitive interface immediately clicked with how I think about crafting music.
Layers, tracks, editing tools, and effects are elegantly arranged for streamlined creation. What’s most empowering is BandLab’s specialized Chromebook optimization – delivering a no-compromise, customizable digital audio workstation environment tailored for Chrome OS.
Between the Chromebook-specific workflow tweaks and expanded storage for music assets, BandLab liberates serious music software capabilities without installing a thing.
Features:
- Streamlined Cloud DAW – Intuitive online digital audio workstation optimized for Chrome OS without installations.
- Expansive Built-in Library – Features over 500 software instruments, 250 FX/plugins, and thousands of customizable loops.
- Specialized Chromebook Editing – Interface and tools customized for track editing from Chromebooks, including touchscreen devices.
- Active Social Community – Opportunity to collaborate and share projects with over 100 million members of the BandLab social network.
4. Flat.io
Discover the web-based Flat.io for music notation and sheet music creation needs. Its clean interface helps concentrate on composition without distractions.
With robust digital staff paper, MIDI capture, transposition tools, and easy sharing, Flat.io feels like it was designed just for Chromebooks. I can jump into the effortless music notation options from anywhere without requiring any software installs, just using my favorite writing device.
Flat.io proves that polished music apps can unleash creativity through Chromebooks thanks to the cloud.
Features:
- Online Music Notation – Robust web-based software for writing, editing, and sharing musical scores.
- Chromebook Optimization – Streamlined interface and tools designed specifically for Chrome OS.
- MIDI Input – Ability to connect keyboards and controllers to capture compositions.
- Built-in Instruments – Contains a library of realistic software instruments for playback.
5. Splash
Splash – the free music and beat-making app guaranteed to spark awesome creations directly within Chrome OS. Splash proves that Chromebooks can become serious music production machines with the right software optimization.
Available both in-browser and downloaded via the Google Play store for a lag-free performance, Splash places a full recording studio toolset optimized for making beats, recording instruments, and arranging full songs at your fingertips.
No other music software for Chromebook I’ve found makes professional music-crafting this intuitive and affordable from Chrome OS.
Features:
- Full Copyright Freedom – All music creations are 100% royalty-free and copyright-free to share anywhere.
- Completely Free App – No paid tiers, subscriptions, or distracting/disruptive ads.
- Fresh Sound Content – New sound packs with instruments, loops, and samples are added regularly to boost creativity.
- Optimized for Chromebooks – Lightweight and optimized to run fast within Chrome browser or installed.
6. JAMBL
JAMBL, which is specially designed for optimal music production within Chrome OS. JAMBL proves Chromebooks can function as recording studios and stage robust music software capabilities like MIDI editing and video scoring.
With Linux and Chrome OS support, plus intuitive uploading straight from my browser, JAMBL removes any platform barriers that might hold back beginners and hobbyists like myself.
For anyone who is curious if Chromebooks can facilitate serious audio work, JAMBL showcases streamlined, download-free music production tools that fit cleanly into Google’s ecosystem.
Features:
- 100+ Royalty-Free Loops & Samples – Large library of loops, one-shots, and instruments to explore for spurring ideas.
- Smart Looper Function – Specialized looper tool for experimenting with song sections and layers.
- Multiplayer Jam Sessions – Ability to collaborate with other musicians in real-time.
- Intuitive Sound Mixing – Streamlined controls over volume, tempo, effects, and blending of sounds across genres/instruments.
7. Amped Studio
Amped Studio delivers exactly that through its specialized Progressive Web App, delivering a complete recording studio environment optimized for internet connectivity dips or going fully offline.
Between the onboard virtual instruments and wealth of video tutorials tailored for Chromebooks, Amped Studio helps me craft polished, radio-ready mixes with the same workflow I’d create songs on a high-end desktop DAW.
Amped Studio proves Chromebooks can provide all the necessary music software for end-to-end production.
Features:
- Intuitive Music Sequencer – User-friendly drag-and-drop piano roll and waveform editing for fast song creation.
- VST Plugin Support – Ability to connect VSTs to unlock desktop-grade mixing, instruments, and effects.
- Vocal Recording & Effects – Streamlined vocal recording workflow with built-in pitch correction, reverb, delay, and more.
- Online Collaboration – Projects can be saved, transferred, and worked on jointly with other producers in real-time.
8. Soundation
I was delighted to discover the online DAW Soundation, which uplifts Chrome OS into a fully capable recording studio without cost barriers.
Its intuitive drag-and-drop audio editing and massive built-in sound library mesh perfectly with my style of music creation. While the free version brings unlimited creative potential, I subscribed to expanded storage and samples to customize my productions.
For any level of musician or podcast creator, Soundation proves that with the right browser-based optimization, Chromebooks can facilitate pro music software and empower next-level DAW capabilities.
Features:
- Intuitive Audio Editor – Drag-and-drop waveform arranging and editing for fast music creation.
- Massive Sound Library – Features over 500 instruments, 50 effects, and 10,000 loops to explore.
- Custom Sample Uploads – Ability to import audio files, including recordings.
- Fully-Featured Mixing – Robust mixing console including EQ, compression, reverb, and more to polish tracks.
9. Music Maker Jam
Music Maker Jam is an intuitive DAW for beginners dipping their toes into beat-making. Its friendly drag-and-drop interface and expansive sample library helped fast-track my learning, creation, and, most importantly – fun.
While the free version brings generous, creative features, I opted for the paid edition to access additional tools and content. Either way, Music Maker Jam brings professional music software within reach by fitting splendidly into my Chrome OS workflow.
Budding producers and podcast editors alike will enjoy unlocking their potential thanks to its elegantly designed Chromebook optimization.
Features:
- 300+ Mix Packs – Over 100,000 loops across EDM, hip hop, house, and more genres to explore.
- 8-Channel Mixer – Robust yet intuitive mixing capabilities to polish tracks before export.
- Vocal Recording – Ability to record live instruments and vocals to incorporate into beats.
- Remix Generator – Shake device to automatically create unique remixes of projects.
10. Song Maker
Google launched Song Maker – an intuitive web-based loop creator – to spotlight Music In Our Schools Month.
With its simple drag-and-drop sequencer optimized for two simultaneous loops, Song Maker encapsulates the creative musical potential waiting to be unlocked in all students when provided the right tools. Budding producers can craft catchy tunes in minutes with instant sharing to collaborate with classmates’ loops.
By fitting seamlessly into Chrome OS through Chrome Music Lab, Song Maker proves with the right approach, Chromebooks can facilitate professional-grade DAW functionality for the next generation.
Features:
- Web-Based Sequencer – No downloads required; just open in a browser to start creating loops.
- MIDI Keyboard Input – Can play melodies and harmonies in real-time via a connected MIDI controller.
- 2 Simultaneous Loops – Layer up to 2 loops with drums, bass, leads, and effects.
- Easy Sharing & Collaboration – Share links to created songs instantly for classmates to build on.
FAQs
Is a Chromebook good for making music?
Yes, Chromebooks can be great devices for music production, thanks to the growing availability of streamlined DAWs optimized specifically for Chrome OS. While Chromebooks may lack the processing power for intensive projects compared to high-end desktops, their accessibility, portability, and affordability make them solid entry-level setups for learning music production, especially with user-friendly apps.
Can you burn music on a Chromebook?
Unfortunately, Chromebooks cannot burn music files directly to physical discs like CDs or DVDs. However, some workaround options include uploading finished audio files to an external cloud storage service or transferring them to a phone, computer, or external drive that supports burning.
How can I make music on a Chromebook?
Make music on a Chromebook by utilizing browser-based or downloadable digital audio workstations (DAWs) tailor-optimized for Chrome OS, such as Soundtrap, BandLab, or FL Studio, for a fast beat and track recording, editing, mixing, and sharing.
