18 rules in 6 groups, worth 100 points in all. They were set before any product was scored and apply the same way to all 8.
Version 1, published 9 Oct 2026
In short
Each rule is a yes-or-no fact, a list (such as the systems with an app) or a number with published thresholds, read from the vendor's own pages.
A fact the vendor does not publish earns nothing. A feature in beta or preview does not count.
The list follows the points. A tie goes to the lower price on "cheapest edition with no track limit", then to the name.
Music-production software for individuals that runs on Windows. Apple-only apps, hardware-locked systems, notation-only and live-performance-only tools are left out. A line that reads "on at least one edition" counts editions sold or given away to individuals, including limited ones; editions for schools only are not counted.
Recording and editing 28 points
Rule
What it takes
Points
100 or more tracks
At least one edition allows 100 or more audio tracks in one project, or the vendor states there is no limit, in its edition comparison or manual. An edition that caps audio tracks below 100 does not count.
10
Take comping
You can record several takes of the same part and build one final take from the best sections inside the program, on at least one edition.
5
Built-in time-stretch
Audio clips can be stretched or pitch-shifted to the project tempo inside the program, with no extra purchase, on at least one edition.
5
Audio to MIDI
The program can convert recorded audio (melody, harmony or drums) into MIDI notes on at least one edition, and the vendor's manual or feature page says so.
4
Video track
You can import a video file and play it in sync with the project to score to picture, on at least one edition.
4
Mixing and control 13 points
Rule
What it takes
Points
Surround mixing
On at least one edition you can mix to a surround bus of 5.1 or wider, or to Dolby Atmos, with a built-in surround panner or renderer. A separately purchased plugin does not count.
5
MPE support
The vendor documents recording, editing and playing back MIDI Polyphonic Expression (MPE) per-note data for MPE controllers, on at least one edition.
4
Scripting or extension API
The vendor publishes documentation for a scripting language or extension API, offered with the program, that users can use to add actions or tools. Max for Live and ReaScript count; unofficial community scripts do not.
4
Plugins 11 points
Rule
What it takes
Points
VST3 plugins
The Windows version loads third-party VST3 plugins, and the vendor's page or manual says so.
8
CLAP plugins
The Windows version loads third-party CLAP plugins, and the vendor's page or manual says so. Support still in beta does not count.
3
Systems 6 points
Rule
What it takes
Points
Other desktop systems
An official build for each system, in addition to Windows. Each one earns 3 points.
6
Licence and updates 22 points
Rule
What it takes
Points
Buy once, keep forever
At least one edition can be bought for a one-time price and used with no further payment, as the vendor's store or terms state.
6
Update policy
What the vendor states about updates after a one-time purchase. lifetime: all future updates are free, including free open-source releases (6 points). period: free updates for a stated time or version range, such as 12 months or all releases of the current major version (3). paid: later versions cost extra, or the product is subscription only (1).
6
Open source
The source code of the program is public under an open-source licence.
4
Works offline after activation
The vendor documents that the program runs without an internet connection, after an activation step at most.
3
Free trial of a paid edition
A free trial or evaluation of a paid edition of the full program lasts at least 14 days or has no time limit. A free edition alone does not count.
3
Price 20 points
Rule
What it takes
Points
Free edition
A free edition (not a trial) that can record and save projects, with no time limit, for personal use.
8
Cheapest edition with no track limit
The cheapest edition that meets the "100 or more tracks" line, for one person at its regular price in US dollars before tax: the one-time price, or 12 months of a subscription. A personal-use or discounted licence counts when the vendor offers it to any individual who qualifies; student, school, upgrade and crossgrade prices do not. A free product that meets the line counts as $0. $0 earns 12 points, $100 or less 9, $200 or less 7, $300 or less 5, $450 or less 2.