Which operating system is best for music-making in 2026 ?

[akira2]

I'll try linux with bitwig
article:
https://musictech.com/guides/essential- ... g-in-2026/

[j_e_g]

Windows for audio (the combo of Wavosaur and Adobe Audition is formidable), Linux for everything else (but a long-term major distro such as Debian or Mint, and don't update it except to the next long-term version. And put /home on a separate partition in case you need to reinstall due to regressions).

[BBFG#]

Personally don't think it exists yet.
Especially with all the power posturing of MS and Apple where the majority of our system works circularly for their domination.
Repeatedly said is Linux is not an OS, but a kernal. And those distributions built on it currently offer the greatest flexibility and freedom in customization.
So my current use is Windows for the online noncreative, Linux for real creation and self expression.

But really, I use Windows so infrequently now unless it's the Win7 tied to my music hardware. Most online use is really Android.

[XorXisT]

Macos for music & stuff.

So far my music experience is less frustrated with macos than windows.

This can change in the future, but for now, macos it is.

[audiojunkie]

I'll try linux with bitwig
https://musictech.com/guides/essential- ... g-in-2026/

Nice article!




"I’m told I lie constantly when I say Linux is great — which is wild, because I’m apparently “misleading” you with things like: it boots, it runs my audio workflow, it stays stable, it gets updates, and it keeps existing despite being declared dead every year since forever. Also yes, it’s “too hard,” “too niche,” “no devs will ever care,” and “Linus complained once,” so clearly I must be fabricating my entire operating system out of pure delusion."
-----The Delusional Linux Advocate

[Zeisner]

Windows and MacOS. Linux is still stuck in the alpha stage, too unstable and slow.

[audiojunkie]

Windows and MacOS. Linux is still stuck in the alpha stage, too unstable and slow.

Rock solid for me. It works flawlessly.




"I’m told I lie constantly when I say Linux is great — which is wild, because I’m apparently “misleading” you with things like: it boots, it runs my audio workflow, it stays stable, it gets updates, and it keeps existing despite being declared dead every year since forever. Also yes, it’s “too hard,” “too niche,” “no devs will ever care,” and “Linus complained once,” so clearly I must be fabricating my entire operating system out of pure delusion."
-----The Delusional Linux Advocate

[vurt]

the one you have in front of you.

[BBFG#]

The one you're not aware is even there.

[BertKoor]

[mcbpete]

This one - It even has its own dedicated 'music' button

[Zeisner]

This one - It even has its own dedicated 'music' button

But can it run Delay Lama?

[kvotchin]

MacOS excels in this department. Not what I use, but I’ll freely admit it has some advantages over, say, Windows. And certainly Linux.

[Seafire Mk2]

Workbench

[AsPeeXXXVIII]

MacOS excels in this department. Not what I use, but I’ll freely admit it has some advantages over, say, Windows. And certainly Linux.

Hate to admit it, but I can't help but agree.