Avid Pro Tools
Avid Pro Tools Pricing
When it comes to professional audio production, Avid Pro Tools stands out as a top choice for musicians, sound engineers, and studios worldwide. Renowned for its high-quality sound capabilities and robust editing tools, Pro Tools is designed to meet the needs of users at every level.
Whether you’re a beginner seeking basic features or a seasoned professional in need of advanced editing and mixing, Avid Pro Tools pricing has a plan to fit your workflow.
The Pro Tools price is structured to provide flexibility with several subscription options—monthly and annual—or a one-time purchase via a perpetual license. Starting with an affordable Artist plan and scaling up to the feature-packed Ultimate plan, Pro Tools offers pricing options that cater to different budgets and requirements.
In this review, we’ll explore each Pro Tools package in detail to help you understand which option best suits your audio production needs.
Avid Pro Tools Plans
Pro Tools Artist
- 32 audio and 64 MIDI tracks
- 100+ instruments and effects
- Inner Circle and Sonic Drops
Pro Tools Studio
- 512 audio and 1 video track
- 120+ instruments and effects
- Immersive mixing support
Pro Tools Ultimate
- 2,048 audio/64 video tracks
- Full audio post workflows
- Immersive mixing support
Table of Contents
Avid Pro Tools Pricing Review: Complete Breakdown
Avid Pro Tools is a leading digital audio workstation (DAW) known for its robust music production tools, used widely by musicians, producers, and sound engineers worldwide. It offers several pricing tiers, catering to everyone from casual creators to industry professionals.
This Avid Pro Tools pricing review covers each plan in detail, including available features, subscription costs, and additional benefits, along with information on free versions and trials.
Pricing Plans Overview
Pro Tools has three main subscription plans: Pro Tools Artist, Pro Tools Studio, and Pro Tools Ultimate. Each plan is available with either monthly or annual billing, and discounts are offered for students and teachers.
Additionally, there’s a Pro Tools Intro version, a free DAW offering basic tools for newcomers.
1. Pro Tools Artist
Pro Tools Artist is the most affordable plan, designed for individuals just starting with music production or looking to create on a smaller scale. It offers essential features to get started in Pro Tools’ ecosystem.
Monthly Cost: $9.99 USD
Annual Cost: $99 USD (saving 17% compared to monthly payments)
Key Features:
- Tracks: 32 audio and 64 MIDI tracks, ideal for creating simpler projects
- Plugins and Instruments: Over 100 plugins and effects, including sounds from Inner Circle and Sonic Drops
- Support: Standard support
- Access: Monthly or annual payment options, with two months free for upfront annual subscribers
Pro Tools Artist is well-suited for hobbyists or beginners who want access to Pro Tools’ basic tools, including a significant collection of plugins and effects.
2. Pro Tools Studio
Pro Tools Studio is designed for serious music artists, producers, and engineers who need more advanced capabilities and higher track counts.
Monthly Cost: $34.99 USD
Annual Cost: $299 USD (saving 29% over monthly billing)
Key Features:
- Tracks: 512 audio and 1 video track, plus immersive mixing support
- Plugins and Effects: Over 120 plugins and effects, including Sonic Drop content for ongoing inspiration
- Additional Integrations: Dolby Atmos mixing and iZotope RX 11 Spectral Editor
- Support: Standard support, with Inner Circle rewards for annual subscribers
Pro Tools Studio’s advanced features and larger track counts are ideal for users looking to create professional-quality recordings, mix Dolby Atmos audio, or work on more complex projects.
3. Pro Tools Ultimate
Pro Tools Ultimate provides the most comprehensive feature set for professional audio and music post-production work. It’s geared toward studios and users managing large-scale audio projects.
Monthly Cost: $99 USD
Annual Cost: $599 USD (saving 50% with an annual subscription)
Key Features:
- Tracks: 2,048 audio and 64 video tracks, along with full audio post workflows
- Mixing Support: Extensive immersive audio mixing, including Dolby Atmos
- Advanced Plugins and Effects: Full suite of over 120 instruments and plugins
- Support: Enhanced support options, Inner Circle rewards for annual subscribers
Pro Tools Ultimate offers complete functionality for high-level projects, supporting audio and video tracks for larger sessions and post-production requirements.
Pro Tools Intro: Free Version
For those looking to explore Pro Tools without commitment, Pro Tools Intro is a free DAW that provides essential audio and MIDI production tools. It includes 36 plugins and effects, ideal for casual creators or those curious about the Pro Tools workflow.
Although limited compared to the paid plans, Pro Tools Intro provides a strong introduction to the Pro Tools environment.
Avid Pro Tools Free Trial
Pro Tools also offers a 30-day free trial for Pro Tools Ultimate, allowing users to explore the software’s full capabilities without immediate payment. To access the trial:
- Visit the Pro Tools Ultimate trial page on Avid’s website.
- Sign in or create an Avid account.
- Link your iLok account to store the trial license.
- Download the Pro Tools Ultimate trial installer.
This trial period gives users a risk-free chance to test the full feature set, including advanced plugins, post-production tools, and high track limits.
Education Discounts
Students and educators can benefit from discounted annual plans for Pro Tools Studio and Pro Tools Ultimate:
- Pro Tools Studio for EDU: $99 USD/year
- Pro Tools Ultimate for EDU: $299 USD/year
These plans require academic verification and include the same features as their respective standard versions, making Pro Tools more accessible for educational use.
Key Add-Ons and Extras
Pro Tools subscribers gain access to a few unique resources:
- Inner Circle Rewards: Available with annual subscriptions, this includes over $3,000 worth of plugins, sound libraries, and training resources.
- Sonic Drop: A feature that delivers exclusive samples, loops, and instrument presets on a regular basis, available with all subscription tiers.
- Support and Updates: All Pro Tools subscriptions include standard support, while users on Pro Tools Ultimate benefit from priority access to customer support.
Billing and Payment Options
All Pro Tools subscriptions are available on monthly or annual billing cycles. Annual subscriptions provide a cost-saving option by discounting the overall price. Payment can be made via credit card, and users can manage billing information through their Avid accounts.
Pro Tools also provides flexible options for renewing or upgrading subscriptions within user accounts.
Subscription Management
Users can easily manage their Pro Tools subscriptions through their Avid account. Options include:
- Upgrading: Move to a higher plan if you require more features or track counts.
- Renewing: Ensure uninterrupted access by setting up automatic renewal.
- Cancelling: Cancel the subscription at any time before the next billing cycle. Note that cancellation will end access after the current billing period concludes.
iLok Licensing
Pro Tools licenses require iLok for activation. Users can choose between cloud-based iLok authorization (which requires a constant internet connection) or a physical iLok key.
Pro Tools Pricing Summary
Avid Pro Tools offers flexible plans suited to different types of users:
- Pro Tools Artist: $9.99/month or $99/year – For beginners and hobbyists.
- Pro Tools Studio: $34.99/month or $299/year – For advanced users and professionals.
- Pro Tools Ultimate: $99/month or $599/year – For high-level production and post-production needs.
- Pro Tools Intro: Free – A basic DAW for casual users.
- Educational Plans: $99/year for Pro Tools Studio, $299/year for Pro Tools Ultimate – For students and teachers with verification.
Each plan provides a comprehensive toolset tailored to its user base, from basic music creation tools in Pro Tools Artist to full audio post workflows in Pro Tools Ultimate.
With its flexible subscription model, free version, and student discounts, Avid Pro Tools pricing offers valuable options for users at every skill level.
Pro Tools, developed by Avid, offers various pricing options to cater to different user needs. The cost depends on the version and subscription model chosen:
- Pro Tools Artist: Designed for beginners and hobbyists, this version is available at $9.99 per month or $99 per year.
- Pro Tools Studio: Aimed at professionals requiring advanced features, it is priced at $34.99 per month or $299 per year.
- Pro Tools Ultimate: This comprehensive suite is available for $99 per month or $599 per year.
These subscription plans provide access to the latest updates and support. Additionally, Avid offers perpetual licenses for Pro Tools Studio and Pro Tools Ultimate, which involve a one-time payment for the software, with optional annual support and update plans.
Avid Pro Tools provides flexible licensing options, with both subscription-based and one-time purchase choices.
Subscription Licenses offer monthly or annual plans, allowing users to access the latest features and support as long as the subscription is active. This model is ideal for those seeking flexibility with lower upfront costs.
Perpetual Licenses, available as a one-time purchase, give users permanent access to Pro Tools software. This license includes one year of updates and support, with the option to renew annually. Perpetual licenses are a popular choice for professionals who want long-term access without recurring fees.
Though Avid leans toward subscriptions, perpetual licenses can still be found through select resellers like B&H Photo Video. This dual approach ensures Pro Tools meets the needs of both subscription users and those preferring a one-time investment.
Yes, Avid offers Pro Tools Intro, a free version of their renowned digital audio workstation (DAW). Pro Tools Intro provides essential audio and MIDI tools suitable for beginners and those new to music production. It includes up to eight audio tracks, basic editing features, and a selection of plugins and virtual instruments. This version allows users to familiarize themselves with the Pro Tools environment without any financial commitment.
For more advanced features and higher track counts, Avid offers paid versions such as Pro Tools Artist, Pro Tools Studio, and Pro Tools Ultimate, each with increasing capabilities to meet the needs of professional audio producers.
Avid offers both free and paid versions of its Pro Tools digital audio workstation (DAW) to cater to a wide range of users:
Free Version:
- Pro Tools Intro: This free version provides essential audio and MIDI tools suitable for beginners. It includes up to eight audio tracks, basic editing features, and a selection of plugins and virtual instruments. Pro Tools Intro allows users to familiarize themselves with the Pro Tools environment without any financial commitment.
Paid Versions:
- Pro Tools Artist: Designed for aspiring musicians and producers, this version offers more tracks and plugins than the free version. It is available through monthly or annual subscriptions.
- Pro Tools Studio: Aimed at professionals, this version provides advanced features, higher track counts, and additional plugins. It is also available via subscription plans.
- Pro Tools Ultimate: This top-tier version includes comprehensive tools for high-end audio production, including immersive audio capabilities. It is available through subscription and perpetual license options.
In summary, Avid\’s Pro Tools is available in both free and paid versions, allowing users to choose the option that best fits their needs and budget.
An Avid Pro Tools perpetual license is a one-time purchase that grants indefinite use of a specific version of Pro Tools. This model is ideal for users who prefer ownership over ongoing subscription fees. Perpetual licenses are available for Pro Tools Studio and Pro Tools Ultimate.
The cost for Pro Tools Studio perpetual license is approximately $599, while Pro Tools Ultimate is priced higher due to its advanced features.
To access future updates and support, perpetual license holders can purchase an annual support and update plan.
