AIVA vs Soundraw (2026): Which Is Better?
Winner
Soundraw is the better pick for most people as of October 2026, rated 4.1/5 versus 3.8/5 for AIVA. Only AIVA has a free plan. AIVA is the better choice for composers who want an editable MIDI starting point.
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Compiled from BestAI's full reviews of AIVA and Soundraw, using the same ratings, pricing and test notes. See our review methodology.
AIVA vs Soundraw: side-by-side
| Criterion | AIVA | Soundraw |
|---|---|---|
| BestAI rating | 3.8/5 | 4.1/5 |
| Starting price | €11/mo | $5.99/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | No |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Paid |
| Ease of use | 3.9/5 | 4.4/5 |
| Features | 4.1/5 | 3.9/5 |
| Output quality | 3.9/5 | 3.8/5 |
| Value for money | 3.3/5 | 4.4/5 |
| Platforms | Web | API, Web |
| API access | No | Yes |
| Best for | Composers who want an editable MIDI starting point | Video and podcast creators needing safe background music |
| Company | AIVA | Soundraw |
Strengths and weaknesses
AIVA
- Exports MIDI, so the composition can be edited in a DAW
- Genuinely free tier at three downloads a month
- Orchestral and soundtrack output the song-generators do not target
- Student and school discounts offered on request
- Copyright stays with AIVA on both the Free and €11 Standard plans
- Owning your own output costs €33 a month, which is the real entry price
- Priced in euros, so Indian buyers take a conversion cost
- Download caps are low below Pro: three and fifteen a month
Soundraw
- Worldwide perpetual licence with no copyright claims, stated plainly
- Keep 100% of royalties and distribute to streaming platforms
- $5.99 Creator plan gives unlimited MP3 downloads
- Stems and WAV available from $12.59
- The price ladder is confusing: the $5.99 plan has more downloads than the $10.49 one
- Instrumental only, so no use if you want songs with vocals
- No permanent free tier, only a trial
- Output is competent rather than distinctive
Key features
AIVA
- MIDI export alongside MP3 and WAV
- 300 downloads a month on Pro
- Copyright assignment to the user on the Pro tier
- Free tier with no credit card
Soundraw
- Mood, genre and length controls with structure editing
- Worldwide perpetual commercial licence on every plan
- WAV and stem export from the Artist Pro tier
- API access on Enterprise
Which should you choose?
Choose AIVA if you need:
- Composers who want an editable MIDI starting point
- Soundtrack and orchestral work rather than songs
- Anyone willing to pay Pro to own the output outright
- A free plan (paid plans from €11/mo)
Choose Soundraw if you need:
- Video and podcast creators needing safe background music
- Anyone who needs to monetise content without copyright risk
- Game developers wanting loopable instrumental beds
- No free plan needed (from $5.99/mo)
Frequently asked questions
Is AIVA better than Soundraw?+
For most people, Soundraw comes out ahead: BestAI rates it 4.1/5 against 3.8/5 for AIVA. AIVA is still the better fit for composers who want an editable MIDI starting point.
Which is cheaper, AIVA or Soundraw?+
Soundraw is cheaper, starting at $5.99/mo versus €11/mo for AIVA. Only AIVA has a free plan.
Do AIVA and Soundraw have free plans?+
AIVA has a free plan (three downloads a month in MP3 and MIDI, with the copyright owned by AIVA rather than you). Soundraw has no free plan.
What is the main difference between AIVA and Soundraw?+
AIVA is best for composers who want an editable MIDI starting point, and its standout strength is exports MIDI, so the composition can be edited in a DAW. Soundraw is best for video and podcast creators needing safe background music, with worldwide perpetual licence with no copyright claims, stated plainly as its biggest advantage.