Our verdict: Cakewalk Sonar keeps the classic Cakewalk DAW free on Windows, with unlimited audio and MIDI tracks and pro mixing tools. The free tier needs a BandLab account and periodic online activation, and some modules and plugins are reserved for paid Membership.
About Cakewalk Sonar
Cakewalk Sonar replaces Cakewalk by BandLab, whose activations stopped being renewed at the end of 2025. BandLab now offers Sonar in two tiers: a free tier with the core DAW and a paid BandLab Membership that unlocks extra plugins, ProChannel modules and content.
The free tier includes multitrack recording with take lanes and comping, the Piano Roll and Step Sequencer, AudioSnap, VocalSync timing alignment, Mix Recall scenes, the integrated XSampler and a per-channel spectrum analyzer. It is installed through Cakewalk Product Center, and old Cakewalk by BandLab projects open in Sonar.
What it does well
- Unlimited tracks. No limit on audio or instrument tracks, with take lanes and comping for recording.
- ProChannel. Console strip with EQ and compression on every track; the free tier gets a limited set of modules.
- VocalSync and AudioSnap. Align double-tracked vocals and quantize audio to the grid.
- MIDI editing. Multi-track Piano Roll, articulation maps and a built-in Step Sequencer.
- Mix Recall. Save alternate mix scenes and switch between them for comparison.
Who it is for
Good fit
Windows musicians who want a traditional full-featured DAW for recording and mixing without buying one.
Look elsewhere
Mac users, and anyone who does not want to create a BandLab account or keep the DAW activated online.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Full DAW with unlimited tracks for free
- Strong audio recording and comping tools
- Opens old Cakewalk by BandLab projects
- High-DPI, scalable interface
Cons
- Requires a BandLab account and periodic activation
- Some ProChannel modules, plugins and BandLab Sounds are limited without Membership
- Windows only
How to install Cakewalk Sonar
Download Cakewalk Product Center from cakewalk.com, sign in with a free BandLab account and install Cakewalk Sonar from there. Activation must be renewed periodically; offline activation is available in Product Center. Use an ASIO driver for your audio interface to get low latency.
Questions about Cakewalk Sonar
Is Cakewalk Sonar free?
Yes, there is a free tier with the core DAW and an indefinite license. BandLab Membership is an optional paid upgrade for premium plugins and features.
Is Cakewalk by BandLab still available?
No. Its activations stopped being renewed at the end of 2025, and BandLab points users to Cakewalk Sonar instead. Old projects open in Sonar.
Can I use Cakewalk Sonar offline?
Yes, once activated. It needs to go online periodically to renew activation, or you can use offline activation in Cakewalk Product Center.
