If you're reading this, you're likely familiar with BandLab—a popular app for music creation, collaboration, and sharing. It’s an easy tool for beginner and experienced musicians, with a lot of great features, but BandLab is not the best choice for every project. Especially if you’re an experienced artist and/or looking to distribute your music.

Recording Music Online: The Pros and Cons of BandLab

BandLab is fantastic for remote collaboration. You can invite others to work on your project in real-time, share files, and even offer feedback or edits. It’s free to use, and the cloud-based system allows you to work from anywhere with an internet connection. This makes it super convenient for musicians on the go or those collaborating remotely. 

But while BandLab is user-friendly, it doesn't offer the advanced features you’ll find in professional DAWs like Ableton Live, Logic Pro, or FL Studio. The audio editing and MIDI capabilities are basic, and you are limited from producing high-quality, polished tracks.

Plus, BandLab’s cloud-based nature means you need a reliable internet connection to work smoothly. Traveling without stable Wi-Fi or using BandLab on lower-end devices can cause lag and performance issues—especially when working on larger projects with multiple tracks. 

If you're a casual creator, a beginner, or someone who wants to collaborate remotely without any major costs, BandLab is a solid choice. It’s free, accessible, and offers a decent toolset to start making music. But if you’re aiming for professional-level production, recording in person is a better option.

Recording Music In Person: Why the Studio Still Matters

While BandLab allows you to export your projects in MP3 and other formats, its export options aren’t made for high-end mastering. It doesn’t support third-party VST plugins, so you’re stuck using BandLab’s built-in effects and tools. This can be frustrating for more experienced producers who prefer certain plugins for their sound.

Even though BandLab offers some mixing tools, they don’t compare to the robust features found in desktop DAWs. Fine-tuning mixes to a professional standard on BandLab can be very challenging.

In-person studio recording addresses these issues. You can access top-tier equipment, specialized software, and the support of experienced engineers to guide the recording process. Whether you’re looking for high-quality exports, specific plugins, or a more refined mixing experience, a recording studio provides everything you need to elevate your sound. 

Plus, recording in person is a crucial experience for every musician—especially as you grow in your career and aim for a professional-level sound. 

The Best of Both Worlds

Of course, you don’t have to choose one over the other. You can use BandLab for remote collaboration and home demos, then book a studio session for the final stages of your project. Platforms like StudioBook make it easier than ever to find and book recording studios, wherever you are.

When you're traveling or don’t have access to a full recording setup, BandLab can be a convenient option. But if you want to sound your best in final tracks, booking a studio session is the way to go. 

If your goal is to make music for distribution, BandLab might not be enough to get the streams and sales you want. Whether you choose BandLab or a recording studio, knowing when to use each one will make a huge difference in your music journey. 

BandLab vs. Professional Studios

If you have no budget and are brand new to music, BandLab may be your best bet for recording. Use it to experiment with sound and learn your preferred style. Write some rough drafts of songs and even test them out by sharing on the platform. 

If you’re ready to invest in music for distribution, you should book a recording studio. Studios are better for managing large music projects and polishing your sound. It’s much harder to make money on BandLab-quality recordings than professional ones. Find a studio with the equipment you need to make sellable music.

Read more about making money in the music industry and let us know what you think.