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Sonic Pi
What it is
Sonic Pi is a free, open-source tool for composing and performing music with code. Users can work with algorithms, live loops, synths, samples, and effects, and the project presents music-making as a way to learn coding alongside music. It is described as suitable for computing and music lessons, as well as for professional musicians and DJs, and as accessible to blind and partially sighted people. Sonic Pi runs in a browser on computers, tablets, and phones without installation; Chrome, Safari, Edge, and Firefox are listed. A downloadable app runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux and works offline. The app supports gamepad input, MIDI, OSC, Ableton Link and Link Audio, plus low-latency audio through ASIO, Core Audio, and PipeWire. The web edition offers stereo audio but lacks low-latency interface audio, OSC, and Ableton Link; MIDI input and output are unavailable in Safari. The project says it has been in development since 2012 and has more than 200 contributors.
For and against
For
- Free and open source
- Browser version needs no installation
- Desktop app works offline
- Supports gamepad, MIDI, OSC, and Ableton Link
- Described as accessible to blind and partially sighted people
Against
- Web version lacks low-latency interface audio
- Web version lacks OSC and Ableton Link
- MIDI input and output are unavailable in Safari
The verdict
Sonic Pi offers both a no-install browser version and an offline desktop app for music creation and performance with code. The web version has fewer audio and connectivity options than the desktop app.
Who it suits
Sonic Pi suits learners exploring coding through music, as well as musicians and DJs who want to compose or perform with code. Its browser version and stated accessibility may also suit users who want to use it without installing software.
Plans and prices
Sonic Pi
Free and open source · browser version and downloadable app
Read 4 Oct 2026 · sonic-pi.net
On the record
- Accessibility
- The site describes Sonic Pi as accessible for blind and partially sighted people.sonic-pi.net · read 4 Oct 2026
- Audience
- The site describes it as suitable for professional musicians and DJs, composition and performance, and computing and music lessons.sonic-pi.net · read 4 Oct 2026
- Browser version
- The browser version runs on computers, tablets, and phones without installation; the site lists Chrome, Safari, Edge, and Firefox.sonic-pi.net · read 4 Oct 2026
- Desktop app
- The downloadable app runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux and works offline without a network connection.sonic-pi.net · read 4 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- The app supports gamepad input, MIDI, OSC, Ableton Link and Link Audio, and low-latency audio through ASIO, Core Audio, and PipeWire interfaces.sonic-pi.net · read 4 Oct 2026
- Learning
- The site describes Sonic Pi as a way to learn coding and music together by making music, including for computing and music lessons.sonic-pi.net · read 4 Oct 2026
- Music and code
- It lets users compose and perform music with algorithms and code, including live loops, synths, samples, and effects.sonic-pi.net · read 4 Oct 2026
- Open source
- Sonic Pi is free and open source, made by over 200 contributors, and has been in development since 2012.sonic-pi.net · read 4 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- Sonic Pi is a code-based music creation and performance tool.sonic-pi.net · read 4 Oct 2026
- Security
- The site says Windows installers are signed MSI installers.sonic-pi.net · read 4 Oct 2026
- Support
- The site says development and maintenance are supported by individual contributions through Patreon and GitHub Sponsors.sonic-pi.net · read 4 Oct 2026
- Web limits
- The site says the web version has stereo audio, lacks low-latency interface audio, OSC, and Ableton Link, and MIDI in/out is unavailable in Safari.sonic-pi.net · read 4 Oct 2026
