Our verdict: Cubase is a mature DAW with some of the best MIDI and scoring tools available, used from home studios to film scoring. The 60-day trial is long and needs no card. The catch is the setup: everything goes through a Steinberg account and the Steinberg Download Assistant.
About Cubase
Cubase is developed by Steinberg in Hamburg, the company that created the VST plugin standard. Cubase 15 is sold in three editions: Elements ($99.99), Artist ($329) and Pro, the complete version with Dolby Atmos support and the full plugin set.
The trial lasts 60 days and needs a free Steinberg account but no payment details. After 60 days Cubase stops working until you buy a license; projects and settings remain, so you can continue once licensed.
What it does well
- MIDI editing. Key, drum, list and score editors with chord tools such as Chord Pads and Scale Assistant.
- Recording and comping. Record multiple takes and combine the best parts, with Retrospective Record catching MIDI you played without recording.
- Bundled instruments. Includes HALion Sonic, Groove Agent SE and sound libraries, more in higher editions.
- Mixing. Full mixer with channel strip, VST3 effects and, in Pro, Dolby Atmos mixing.
- VST3 plugins. Native support for VST3 instruments and effects from Steinberg, the creator of the standard.
Who it is for
Good fit
Composers, songwriters and producers who work heavily with MIDI, orchestration or film scoring.
Look elsewhere
Users who want a quick download and start; installation requires an account and a separate download manager.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Long 60-day trial without a card
- Top-tier MIDI and scoring tools
- Large bundled instrument library
Cons
- Stops working after the trial
- Requires an account and the Steinberg Download Assistant
- Elements edition has track and plugin limits
How to install Cubase
The trial is started from the official trial page with a Steinberg account. You then install the Steinberg Download Assistant, sign in, and download Cubase and optional sound content through it. No credit card is required.
Questions about Cubase
Is Cubase free?
No. Steinberg offers a 60-day free trial that needs a Steinberg account but no card. After 60 days you need a license: Cubase Elements costs $99.99, Artist $329, and Pro is the full edition.
Do I lose my projects when the trial ends?
No. Projects and settings stay on your computer and open again once you buy a license.
Can I install the trial next to an older Cubase?
Yes. The trial installs alongside an existing Cubase version without affecting its projects or content.
