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Pro Tools
What it is
Pro Tools is a digital audio workstation for recording, editing, and mixing audio on macOS and Windows. It combines MIDI sequencing, virtual instruments, samples, and arrangement tools for music production with recording features such as loop recording, playlist comping, punch-in recording, and support for up to 256 simultaneous audio inputs. Editing includes Elastic Audio, clip gain, pitch manipulation, audio-to-MIDI conversion, and Slip, Grid, Shuffle, and Spot modes. Mixing tools include automation, routing, folder tracks, plugins, and spatial rendering for Dolby Atmos and Audio Vivid. Studio and Ultimate add video tracks and timecode for scoring, dialogue editing, and sound-to-picture work. The free Intro plan lists up to eight audio, instrument, and MIDI tracks. Artist costs $9.99 a month, Studio costs $34.99 a month, and Ultimate costs $99 a month. Avid specifies 16 GB RAM, 15 GB of installation space, and an internet connection for installation and activation. Community support is available; direct support cases or calls require an active support contract, subscription, or Avid Support Code.
For and against
For
- Free Intro plan is available.
- Supports up to 256 simultaneous audio inputs.
- Includes MIDI tools, virtual instruments, and samples.
- Studio and Ultimate include video tracks and timecode.
- Supports spatial rendering for Dolby Atmos and Audio Vivid.
Against
- Requires 16 GB RAM.
- Installation requires 15 GB of free space.
- Internet connection required for installation and activation.
- Direct support cases or calls require eligible support access.
The verdict
Pro Tools offers recording, editing, and mixing capabilities across a free tier and three paid plans. Compare track limits and video needs by plan, and note the stated system requirements and support conditions.
Who it suits
Pro Tools suits music creators who need recording, editing, MIDI, and mixing tools, as well as audio post users working with video and timecode in Studio or Ultimate.
Plans and prices
Intro
Up to 8 audio tracks · Up to 8 instrument tracks · Up to 8 MIDI tracks
Read 23 Sep 2026 · avid.com
Pro Tools Artist
32 audio tracks · 64 MIDI tracks · 110+ instruments and effects
Read 16 Sep 2026 · avid.com
Pro Tools Studio
512 audio tracks · 1,024 MIDI tracks · 130+ instruments and effects · Immersive mixing
Read 16 Sep 2026 · avid.com
Pro Tools Ultimate
2,048 audio tracks · 1,024 MIDI tracks · 130+ instruments and effects · 64 video tracks and editing
Read 16 Sep 2026 · avid.com
Pro Tools Intro
Free forever
Read 29 Sep 2026 · avid.com
Artist
32 audio tracks · 64 MIDI tracks · 110+ instruments and effects
Read 29 Sep 2026 · avid.com
Studio
512 audio tracks · 1,024 MIDI tracks · 130+ instruments and effects · immersive mixing
Read 29 Sep 2026 · avid.com
Ultimate
2,048 audio tracks · 1,024 MIDI tracks · 130+ instruments and effects · immersive mixing
Read 29 Sep 2026 · avid.com
Pro Tools Studio Perpetual License Upgrade
For owners of Pro Tools 12 or later with an expired or soon-to-expire 1-Year Software Updates + Support Plan · Includes 1 year of software updates and Standard support
Read 29 Sep 2026 · avid.com
On the record
- Affected Offerings
- Four Pro Tools offerings were identified as changing price.kb.avid.com · read 27 Sep 2026
- Annual Monthly Sales
- New annual-paid-monthly subscriptions have not been sold since January 1, 2023.kb.avid.com · read 27 Sep 2026
- ARA 2 integrations
- ARA 2 integrations include plugins from Acon Digital, Celemony, iZotope, Steinberg, Synchro Arts, Sound Radix, and Waves.avid.com · read 29 Sep 2026
- Artist Pricing
- Artist pricing is listed as $9.99 monthly, $99 annual, and $69 for a perpetual upgrade plan.kb.avid.com · read 27 Sep 2026
- Audio post
- Studio and Ultimate include video tracks and timecode for frame-accurate scoring, dialogue editing, and sound-to-picture work.avid.com · read 29 Sep 2026
- Cloud collaboration
- Yeskb.avid.com · read 23 Sep 2026
- Editing
- Editing tools include Slip, Grid, Shuffle, and Spot modes, Elastic Audio, clip gain, pitch manipulation, and audio-to-MIDI conversion.avid.com · read 29 Sep 2026
- Studio Education Pricing
- Studio Education pricing is listed as $99 annual, $9.99 annual-paid-monthly, and $99 perpetual upgrade.kb.avid.com · read 27 Sep 2026
- Ultimate Education Price
- Ultimate Education annual paid annual subscription pricing is listed as $299.kb.avid.com · read 27 Sep 2026
- Included plugins
- Customers with active subscriptions and perpetual upgrade plans receive Melodyne essential, RX 11 Spectral Editor, Acoustica Essentials, DynAssist Lite, RePitch Elements, SpectraLayers Go, and WaveLab Go.avid.com · read 29 Sep 2026
- Intended users
- Avid describes Pro Tools as a workstation trusted by studios, producers, and artists, with workflows spanning music production and audio post.avid.com · read 29 Sep 2026
- MIDI sequencing
- Yeskb.avid.com · read 23 Sep 2026
- Mixing
- The workstation includes automation, flexible routing, folder tracks, mixing plugins, and spatial rendering for Dolby Atmos and Audio Vivid.avid.com · read 29 Sep 2026
- Multitrack editing
- Yeskb.avid.com · read 23 Sep 2026
- Music production
- It provides MIDI tools, virtual instruments, samples, and arrangement features for music production.avid.com · read 29 Sep 2026
- Noise reduction
- Yeskb.avid.com · read 23 Sep 2026
- Other Price Changes
- The page says no other Pro Tools subscription or perpetual license prices are changing.kb.avid.com · read 27 Sep 2026
- Upgrade Plan Use
- Perpetual Upgrade Plans renew existing perpetual licenses or update expired perpetual licenses.kb.avid.com · read 27 Sep 2026
