Note: For the most up-to-date information, check out the updated Soundtrap vs. BandLab blog post here.

GarageBand For Mac, Soundtrap and Bandlab are all similar software applications that allow you to record and edit both audio and MIDI (software instruments). They are fantastic creativity tools for the classroom and work extremely well in middle school.

You and your students can record performances, create backing tracks, compose movie soundtracks, create video game themes and record story books.

But which one is the BEST option?

Before we cover the differences between GarageBand, Soundtrap and Bandlab, let’s clarify which version of Bandlab and Soundtrap we’re talking about because there are two options. 

Wait, what? More choices to make…??

Both Bandlab and Soundtrap have “consumer” versions and EDUCATION-specific versions.  

The education versions are accessed by logging into Bandlab for Education or Soundtrap for Education (not the main website of each one, which is intended for non-education users).  The education versions of each are designed for school use and provide a private “walled garden” environment in which you and your students can work. 

You – as a teacher – set up your Soundtrap or Bandlab Education account and then invite your students to join your class. 

All references to Soundtrap and Bandlab in this article are to the education (EDU) versions.

OK, back to our comparison! 

In many ways, GarageBand, Soundtrap and Bandlab are very similar. They have a lot of the same features, such as:

• the layout of tracks
• a timeline/arrange area in the main part of the screen
• an on-screen virtual keyboard that you can use for note input
• ability to record and edit audio (singing, speaking or playing instruments)
• ability to record MIDI (virtual software instruments)
• ability to record guitars through virtual amps
• piano roll note entry and editing for MIDI instruments
• pre-made loops and sound effects in a loop library
• a copy & paste function
• the ability to transpose, change tempo, add effects 

So here’s the thing – when it comes to choosing between these 3 programs, there isn’t really a “best” option, but there ARE a number of differences (some of which may be “deal-breakers”) which can help you make a decision.

A full, in-depth comparison is beyond the scope of this article but let’s talk through some of the major differences.

Firstly – the basic question is: which devices do your students use?

The basic first question is: which devices do your students use?

• My students have Macs (desktop/laptop): GarageBand is a great option for you because it is already included on all Macs. It’s a powerful program which won’t cost you any extra money. Because it’s Mac-only it is NOT an option for PCs or Chromebooks. Mac users do also have the option of using either Soundtrap or Bandlab though because they are web-based software programs
• My students have Chromebooks, PCs or a mix of different devices: Bandlab and Soundtrap are both options here because they are web-based software programs and students log in to access their work.  GarageBand is NOT an option because it is only available for Mac
• My students have iPads: If ALL of your students have iPads, your best option is to just use the GarageBand for iOS app. Although the popular GarageBand, Soundtrap and Bandlab Lesson Plans & Teacher Tips Course is NOT designed for the iPad version of GarageBand (the instructions are for the desktop/laptop Mac version of GarageBand), many of the projects are easily adapted to the iOS app. The good news is that I also already have a separate GarageBand for iPad Course inside the Midnight Music Community. If you have a handful of students with iPads, alongside students with other devices and you’d like them all to use the same software, then Soundtrap will be the best option since you can’t access the education version of Bandlab on iPads 

[Some] Differences between Bandlab, Soundtrap and GarageBand

So how do I choose between Bandlab For Education and Soundtrap For Education (and GarageBand if that’s an option for you)? All programs have a lot to offer.  On a personal level, I like them all (!) however, there are a few features that may be deal-breakers for you:

• Cost: Bandlab (EDU) is free, GarageBand is free (with your Mac) and Soundtrap (EDU) is available via a paid subscription
• Support: both Bandlab and Soundtrap offer support for customers, however, my gut feeling is that support is better when you are a paying customer. If you are using Bandlab – which is free – that may mean allowing additional time for support replies, less frequent updates, and less ability to be “demanding” than someone who pays for the service (ie. if you are a Soundtrap user)
• Transcription: Soundtrap includes an interactive transcription feature for narration/voiceovers. Bandlab and GarageBand do not have this feature
• Notepad: Bandlab and GarageBand have a notepad area for writing lyrics or notes but Soundtrap does not
• Collaboration: Soundtrap and Bandlab have a collaboration feature that allows students to log into the same project and contribute ideas. Soundtrap allows for simultaneous editors whereas Bandlab works on a “pass the ball” collaboration setup (student 1 passes control to student 2). GarageBand does not have collaboration built-in and students would need to send files back and forth to one another
• iPads: you cannot access the Education version of Bandlab on an iPad. It is possible to use Soundtrap on iPads, but the iPad version has some feature limitations. GarageBand has both a desktop version and a native iPad app but they are not the same as one another. Older students may not find the GarageBand differences a big deal, but it can be confusing for younger students (and a lot more work for the teacher!) if you have some of your class using the desktop version and some on the iPad version
• Video import: neither Bandlab nor Soundtrap have a video import feature. I have heard rumours in the past that this feature will be coming to both products but it is not available yet. GarageBand DOES have video import, so the precise synching of audio to visuals is possible (and lots of fun!)

Phew! That was a lot. I hope it helped clarify a few things for you.

You can read more about the features of each of these programs on their websites (links below). 

Another important tip: go and search on Youtube for tutorials and walkthrough videos for each program.  You can get a sense of what they look like and how they work before you commit to a specific one.

One final thing – if you are keen to join us for the GarageBand, Soundtrap and Bandlab Lesson Plans & Teacher Tips Course and you’re not sure yet what your students will be using in class,  just pick one!  It doesn’t really matter which one you choose and the good news is that any skills you learn on one are transferable to the other programs because they work in a similar way.

Further reading:

• ​​GarageBand, Soundtrap and Bandlab Lesson Plans & Teacher Tips course information page
• GarageBand for Mac
• Bandlab for Education
• Soundtrap for Education

Interested in learning more about GarageBand, Soundtrap or Bandlab?

In the GarageBand, Soundtrap and Bandlab Lesson Plans & Teacher Tips course, we cover fundamental skills plus provide resources for 7 different units of work, including teacher information, student tutorial videos, downloadable worksheets and more.

Here’s a preview of the projects that are covered in the course:

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Looking for More Resources for Music Teachers?

Hello! I’m Katie Argyle – an Australian music technology trainer and consultant with a passion for helping music teachers through my business Midnight Music.

I’m a qualified teacher but no, I don’t currently teach in a school. I help teachers through my online professional development space – the Midnight Music Community – where there are tutorial videos, courses, links and downloadable resources.

I like to focus on easy ways to incorporate technology into what you are already doing in your music curriculum through a range of creative projects. I also run live workshops and have presented at countless conferences and other music education events.

If you want simple, effective ideas for using technology in music education, I would LOVE to help you inside the Midnight Music Community.

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