Our verdict: Ableton Live is built around launching and combining clips in real time, which makes it a favorite for electronic producers and live performers. The 30-day trial unlocks the full Suite edition. Intro is affordable at $99 but limited to 16 tracks, and the complete Suite costs $749.
About Ableton Live
Ableton Live is developed by Ableton in Berlin. Besides the classic Arrangement View timeline, it has Session View, a grid of clips you can trigger in any order, which suits sketching ideas and performing on stage. Live 12 comes in three editions: Intro ($99, 16 tracks), Standard ($439) and Suite ($749, with Max for Live and the full sound library).
The trial runs Live 12 Suite with every feature for 30 days. It needs a free Ableton account to activate, but no credit card. After the trial you can still open Live Sets made in it, but you can no longer save or export until you buy any edition.
What it does well
- Session View. Trigger loops and clips in a grid to sketch songs or perform live without stopping playback.
- Warping. Time-stretches audio to the project tempo in real time, so loops and samples stay in sync.
- Instruments and effects. Built-in synths, samplers and effects; the amount depends on the edition.
- Max for Live. Suite includes Max for Live for building and loading custom devices.
- Ableton Link. Syncs tempo with other apps and devices over a local network.
Who it is for
Good fit
Electronic music producers, DJs and live performers who work with loops and clips.
Look elsewhere
Users on older PCs: Live 12 needs a CPU with AVX2 support and 8 GB of RAM.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Full Suite features during the trial
- Unique Session View for ideas and performance
- Excellent audio warping
- No card needed for the trial
Cons
- No saving or exporting after 30 days
- Intro edition limited to 16 tracks
- Suite is expensive at $749
How to install Ableton Live
Downloading needs the form on the official trial page, which delivers a ZIP archive (about 4.5 GB). Extract it and run the installer. When Live opens, click Start your free trial and sign in to or create a free Ableton account; no payment details are asked.
Questions about Ableton Live
Is Ableton Live free?
No. The trial gives you Live 12 Suite free for 30 days with a free Ableton account and no card. After that, saving and exporting are disabled until you buy Intro ($99), Standard ($439) or Suite ($749).
What is the difference between Intro, Standard and Suite?
Intro has 16 tracks and fewer instruments and effects. Standard has unlimited tracks and more devices. Suite adds all instruments, the full sound library and Max for Live.
Can I install Live on two computers?
Yes. Ableton's license policy allows one user to install Live on up to two of their computers.
