Side by side
Max vs Sound Particles
Both stand on sound design software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free trial MacWindows
Max brings audio, audiovisual, hardware-prototyping, and code-generation tools into a visual patching environment. The trial offers full feature access, while ongoing use requires a subscription or permanent license.
Visit Max Free trial MacWindows
Sound Particles offers a tiered workstation for spatial audio, with feature limits that vary by plan. A trial is available, and eligible education users may apply for education pricing or qualify for free non-commercial Artist use.
Visit Sound ParticlesThe facts
| Max | Sound Particles | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | A free trial | A free trial |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Mac, Windows | Mac, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Max Subscription: $120 a year | Artist — Standard Subscription: $9.95 a month |
| Plans published | 3 | 6 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | cycling74.com | soundparticles.com |
| On sound design software | #13 of 32 | #17 of 32 |
Max: what it does well
- Build synthesizers and manipulate samples.
- Jitter provides real-time video and graphics tools.
- Connects to development boards and their controls.
- Package Manager offers over 50 add-ons.
- 30-day trial unlocks all features.
What to know first
- No free plan.
- Subscription authorizes three computers, but only one runs Max at a time.
- Major upgrades to the permanent license are sold separately.
Sound Particles: what it does well
- Works across formats from stereo to 7.1.4.
- AI assistant helps set up and adjust projects.
- Professional and Enterprise include batch processing.
- Runs on macOS and Windows.
- Qualifying users may get Artist free for non-commercial use.
What to know first
- No free plan is listed.
- Artist is limited to 100 particles.
- Artist allows up to six mic channels.
Alternatives to Max Alternatives to Sound Particles The whole list