Avid Pro Tools is the industry standard when it comes to audio engineering software. It can be found in local music stores, but comparing the cost and finding the best deal is a lot easier online. If you’re in the market for Avid Pro Tools 12, the latest and best from the audio engineering software giant, avail yourself of our convenient breakdown of the 14 best places to buy it online. Whether you’re in the market for the full package, just need an upgrade, are only looking for a perpetual license or are searching for a Pro Tools student discount, one of the following online retailers is sure to have what you need.
Want to know where to buy Pro Tools? Check out these places for your best options.
1. Avid
The path of least resistance may be to purchase Pro Tools 12 directly from Avid. One advantage of buying a subscription through the site is you can opt for monthly payments that make it a little more flexible.
Current pricing via the Avid website is as follows:
- Upgrade Plan (Download) with Monthly Billing: $24.92/month
- Pro Tools 12 with Upgrade Plan (Download or Shipped Product): $899
- Pro Tools 12 for Education with Upgrade: $299
Make sure to check Avid’s Special Offers section, as these products occasionally go on sale.
2. Guitar Center
With its stellar reputation and low price guarantee, Guitar Center is a good online supplier for all things Pro Tools.
Current pricing via the Guitar Center website is as follows:
- Pro Tools 12 with Upgrade Subscription: $899
- Pro Tools 12 Annual Subscription: $299
- Upgrade to Pro Tools 12 with Subscription: $199
You can download Pro Tools via the Guitar Center site, or you can add it to your cart and pick it up from your local store. Guitar Center routinely has sales, coupon codes and other offers, so if you’re patient, you can score a great deal.
3. Amazon
You can buy just about anything from Amazon, and Pro Tools 12 is no exception. The massive online retailer offers this product through its independent sellers, so you can scout around for special deals with time and patience.
Currently, prices for popular Pro Tools 12 products on Amazon are as follows:
- Pro Tools 11/12 with Mbox: $699 + $29.99 shipping
- Pro Tools 12 (Student) with Subscription: $535.13
Amazon is a great option for its reliability and excellent customer support. However, you will notice that you can typically buy Pro Tools 12 directly from most Amazon sellers.
4. Sweetwater
Since 1979, Sweetwater has been a leading source of audio equipment and other musical supplies. Their website’s been in operation since 1995, so they’re clearly doing something right.
Current prices for Pro Tools 12 products from Sweetwater are as follows; free shipping is available to the lower 48 states, and orders placed by 3 p.m. ship the same day:
- Pro Tools 12 Software with Subscription (Box or Download): $899
- Pro Tools 12 Software with Subscription – Student (Box or Download): $299
- Pro Tools 12 Upgrade and Support Plan: $199
5. Musician’s Friend
There are lots of perks to buying Pro Tools from Musician’s Friend. The site ships all standard ground orders for free, and coupon codes are regularly available. Also, they have a price match guarantee for 45 days after purchase.
Current prices for Pro Tool 12 from Musician’s Friend are all conveniently located on the store’s official Pro Tools page. Pro Tools 12 plus Subscription is $899. An annual subscription is $299, and an upgrade is $199.
6. Alto Music
Don’t let the confusing design of this site throw you off. There are some great deals to be had on Pro Tools 12 if you’re willing to wade through them. The retailer also offers flexible financing, free shipping and exceptional customer support.
Current prices for Pro Tools 12 products from Alto Music include:
- Pro Tools 12 with MBox 3 Pro: $689.99 (regularly $749.99)
Based on that offer alone, we can confidently say that it’s well worth it to check this site if you’re comparing the cost of various versions of this software.
7. B & H Photo, Video & Audio
B & H has been around since 1979, so they know their stuff. Free expedited shipping is available, so if you decide to order the box version of Pro Tools, you’ll get it quickly.
Currently, the site isn’t offering any deals on Pro Tools 12. However, promo codes are regularly available. You can quickly download the latest versions of Pro Tools via the site or sign up for a subscription.
Prices at the moment are as follows:
- Pro Tools 12 with Upgrade Plan: $899
- Pro Tools 12 with Upgrade Plan (Student): $299
- Pro Tools 12 Subscription Plan: $199
8. Full Compass
For more than 40 years, Full Compass has been a top supplier of professional audio, video, lighting and musical equipment. They offer free shipping on all Pro Tool products, but you can download upgrades and subscriptions too.
List prices are currently posted on the site. However, products go on sale occasionally, and site-wide coupon codes are often available.
Current prices for Pro Tools 12 products from Full Compass are as follows:
- Pro Tools 12 with Perpetual License: $899
- Pro Tools 12 Annual Subscription: $299
- Pro Tools 12 with Perpetual License (Pro Tools Student Discount): $299
9. East Coast Music
Based in Richmond, Virginia, and founded in 2004, East Coast Music is a worthwhile option to consider while looking for Pro Tools products. All orders $50 and up ship for free, and many can be downloaded right from the site too.
Current prices for Pro Tools 12 products from East Coast music are as follows; please note that a special deal is currently happening:
- Pro Tools 12 with Upgrade Plan: $899
- Pro Tools 12 Upgrade Plan Only: $199 — regularly $299
- Pro Tools 12 Upgrade Plan (Student): $99
10. VideoGuys.com
If you’re wondering where to buy Pro Tools products and like supporting small businesses, check out this site. This family owned and operated company has been in business for more than three decades. Free shipping is standard, and many products can be directly downloaded from the online store.
Current prices for various Pro Tools 12 products from VideoGuys.com are as follows:
- Pro Tools 12 Software with Subscription: $899
- Pro Tools 12 Subscription Only: $299
- Pro Tools 12 Upgrade: $99 (Student), $199 (Standard)
<42>11. Studica
If you are a student looking for Pro Tools products, this site is worth checking out. They specialize in academic technology products, and they tend to have special offers fairly regularly. Right now, for instance, there’s a coupon code for $5 off orders of $100 or more.
Current prices for Pro Tools 12 products from Studica are as follows:
- Pro Tools 12 with Annual Subscription: $99 (regularly $299)
Incredibly, you can get the Pro Tools 12 software and perpetual license for less than $100. You can, that is, if you act quickly.
12. eBay
When shopping for Avid Pro Tools products, eBay is always worth a look. Many retailers, including ones listed here, maintain eBay stores. Also, of course, everyday people often sell their used Pro Tools products on the site.
Because listings change constantly, we won’t link directly to any listings for Pro Tools 12 products. However, a quick search reveals that you can get Avid Pro Tools 12, 11 and 10 with activation and support for $329.99.
13. Bonanza.com
Think of Bonanza.com like a smaller version of eBay. Like the online giant, it’s an online marketplace where people can sell new and used products.
Pro Tools 12 products aren’t always available on Bonanza.com, but it’s well worth it to take a quick look while comparing the cost of this product. At the moment, for instance, the site is offering Pro Tools 12 with subscription and activation card for $492.03, which is a pretty good deal. Shipping is free in the U.S. too, so you don’t have to worry about extra fees.
14. Craigslist
If you don’t have your heart set on downloading Pro Tools products online and want to find the lowest price possible, Craigslist may be worth a look. As with anything you look for on Craigslist, however, it all depends on whether or not someone locally has Pro Tools 12 products they’re trying to unload.
Also, proceed with caution when purchasing Pro Tools 12 items from Craigslist. What seems like a great deal may be a bust if everything you need isn’t included. After buying things like an iLok dongle and whatnot, you may end up paying the same or more as you would from one of the sites listed above.
The Bottom Line on Buying Pro Tools Audio Engineering Software Online
When buying anything, whether online or in a brick-and-mortar store, it always pays to shop around. It’s easy to do that online even if you’re looking for high-end audio engineering software like Pro Tools. If you’re not in a huge rush and are determined to get the lowest price possible, start tracking prices for Pro Tools 12 from the online retailers highlighted above. Don’t forget to check coupon code sites for special promo codes too. With a little patience, persistence and luck, you can find the Pro Tools products you need for truly amazing prices.
Philip had the founding vision for Audio Assemble, previously known as Pro Tools Tutorial. In 2008 Philip began recording and producing songs and had a hard time finding free and accurate information on Pro Tools software. From there the website was born. Philip currently works as a Software Engineer for Amazon and handles the editorial strategy as well as much of the technical aspects of Audio Assemble’s website.