AI MIDI Generators Compared
How MIDI Agent stacks up against 15 competitors
Most "AI music generators" either output audio-only or use algorithmic approaches rather than true AI. This analysis reveals which tools actually export editable MIDI and use genuine neural network AI.
The AI music generation space has exploded over the past two years. Tools like Suno and Udio regularly make headlines for generating full songs with vocals, while established players like AIVA and newcomers like ChordChord compete for composers' attention.
For a deep dive into MIDI Agent specifically, see the AI MIDI Generator page.
But for producers working in DAWs, there's a crucial question that often gets overlooked: which of these tools actually output editable MIDI? And of those, how many use genuine machine learning versus algorithmic generation marketed as "AI"?
We analyzed 15 tools across the AI music landscape—from web-based audio generators to DAW plugins—to understand what each actually offers. The results reveal a surprisingly fragmented market where the most hyped tools often lack the features professional producers need most.
Quick Comparison Matrix
Before diving into individual reviews, here's a high-level view of where each tool stands. We evaluated six key criteria: MIDI export capability, whether the tool uses genuine AI/ML (versus algorithmic generation), DAW plugin availability, support for bringing your own API keys (BYOK), local LLM compatibility, and pricing.
Of the 15 tools analyzed, only 7 export actual MIDI files. Even fewer use genuine neural network AI for generation.
| Tool | MIDI Export | True AI/ML | DAW Plugin | BYOK Support | Local LLMs | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MIDI Agent You are here | Yes | Yes | Yes | $49 one-time or $20/month Pro | ||
| Suno | Limited | Yes | No | Free (limited) / $10-30/month | ||
| Udio | No | Yes | No | Free (limited) / $10-30/month | ||
| AIVA | Yes | Yes | No | Free / €11-33/month | ||
| Scaler 3 | Yes | No | Yes | $99 one-time | ||
| Captain Plugins Epic | Yes | No | Yes | $79-99 one-time | ||
| Magenta Studio | Yes | Yes | Limited | Free / Open Source | ||
| Hookpad (Aria AI) | Yes | Yes | No | $7.99/month + $14.99/month Aria add-on | ||
| ChordChord | Yes | Yes | No | $9.99 trial, then $27/month | ||
| Lemonaide | Yes | Yes | Limited | $9.99/month + $4.99-9.99/month per artist model | ||
| Soundraw | No | Yes | No | $11-99/month | ||
| Mubert | No | Limited | No | Free (limited) / $14-199/month | ||
| Boomy | Limited | Limited | No | Free (limited) / $9.99-29.99/month | ||
| LANDR Composer | Yes | Limited | Yes | $149 one-time or LANDR subscription (~$8.25/month) | ||
| Amper Music | No | No | No | N/A - Discontinued |
Audio Generators vs MIDI Generators
One pattern that emerged from this analysis: the most-discussed AI music tools (Suno, Udio, Soundraw) are audio generators, not MIDI generators. This distinction matters enormously for professional workflows.
Audio generators produce finished tracks—useful for content creators who need background music, but limiting for producers who want to tweak individual notes, change instruments, or integrate AI-generated ideas into larger compositions.
Audio Generators
Create finished tracks you can't meaningfully edit at the note level.
- Fixed audio output - can't change notes
- Locked to generated sounds/instruments
- Can't adjust timing, velocity, or pitch per note
Examples: Suno, Udio, Soundraw, Mubert
MIDI Generators
Produce raw musical data you can fully edit and customize.
- Full note-level editing in your DAW
- Assign to any instrument or sound
- Control velocity, timing, and expression
Examples: MIDI Agent, AIVA, Magenta Studio
Detailed Analysis
With the landscape mapped out, let's examine each category of tools in detail. We've grouped them by their primary delivery method: DAW plugins that integrate directly into your workflow, web-based audio generators focused on full-song creation, and professional composition tools designed for MIDI-first workflows.
DAW Plugins
For producers, DAW integration is often non-negotiable. The ability to generate MIDI directly in your session—without bouncing between browser tabs and importing files—fundamentally changes the creative workflow.
Surprisingly few tools offer this. And of those that do, most rely on algorithmic generation (music theory rules) rather than genuine machine learning. Here's how each plugin-based tool stacks up.
Technology: Algorithmic (music theory rules)
Strengths
- + Excellent music theory workstation
- + 1,000+ chord sets and presets
- + Audio/MIDI chord detection
- + Multi-lane timeline in v3
- + Works entirely offline
Limitations
- - Not actually AI - pure algorithmic generation
- - Cannot generate novel or surprising content
- - Relies on user music theory knowledge
- - No machine learning involved
Technology: Algorithmic (cloud-based)
Strengths
- + 400+ chord progressions
- + 96,000+ presets
- + Includes Chords, Melody, Deep, Beat, Play modules
- + Can host VST plugins internally
Limitations
- - Requires active internet connection
- - Not AI - algorithmic suggestions only
- - Limited official DAW support
- - Basic bass line quality
Technology: RNN/VAE (TensorFlow)
Strengths
- + Genuine neural network AI
- + Groove model trained on 15 hours of real drummers
- + Continue, Generate, Interpolate, Drumify tools
- + Free and open source
Limitations
- - Ableton Live only (Max for Live)
- - Development appears stalled
- - Melody input limited to monophonic
- - No support for other DAWs
Technology: Custom neural networks (Fairly Trained certified)
Strengths
- + Ethically trained on consented artist data
- + Fairly Trained certified
- + Artist-specific models (Kato On The Track, KXVI, DJ Pain 1)
- + Both MIDI and 48kHz audio output
Limitations
- - Standalone app only, DAW bridge required
- - Short loops only (4-8 bars)
- - Limited to hip-hop, trap, R&B, pop, soul genres
- - Royalty-free only up to 1M streams for some models
Technology: Proprietary algorithms (unverified)
Strengths
- + Unified chord, melody, bass, arpeggio generation
- + Built-in wavetable synth
- + 100+ presets
- + Part of LANDR ecosystem
Limitations
- - Absorbed original Orb Producer Suite (discontinued)
- - AI claims unverified - likely algorithmic
- - Original Orb plugins no longer receiving updates
Web-Based Audio Generators
These are the tools dominating tech headlines and social media. Suno and Udio in particular have captured imaginations with their ability to generate full songs—complete with vocals—from text prompts.
The tradeoff? Most output finished audio rather than editable MIDI. For content creators needing quick background music, this works well. For producers wanting to build on AI-generated ideas, the lack of MIDI export is a significant limitation.
Technology: Transformer + Diffusion (Bark/Chirp)
Strengths
- + Full song generation with vocals
- + Best-in-class vocal synthesis
- + MIDI export via stem extraction (Premier plan)
- + Mobile app available
Limitations
- - Web-only, no DAW plugin
- - MIDI is transcribed from audio, not native
- - Major RIAA copyright lawsuits pending
- - Credits dont roll over monthly
- - MIDI export costs 10 credits per extraction
Technology: Diffusion Transformer
Strengths
- + Founded by former Google DeepMind researchers
- + High-quality full song generation
- + Settled copyright lawsuit with Universal Music Group
Limitations
- - No MIDI export at all
- - No stem separation
- - Web-only platform
- - Downloads temporarily disabled during licensing transition
Technology: Proprietary (100% in-house training data)
Strengths
- + 100% in-house training data - strongest copyright protection
- + Excellent stem separation
- + 30+ genres supported
- + Collaborations with French Montana, Fivio Foreign, Trippie Redd
Limitations
- - No MIDI export (planned for future)
- - Web app only
- - Must modify tracks before streaming distribution
Technology: AI-powered sample recombination
Strengths
- + Adobe Premiere/After Effects extension
- + Artist compensation model
- + Good for background music
Limitations
- - Not true AI generation - recombines existing samples
- - No MIDI export (confirmed in FAQ)
- - Instrumental only, no vocals
- - Cannot distribute on streaming platforms
- - 25-minute maximum length
Technology: Proprietary (undocumented)
Strengths
- + Built-in streaming distribution to 40+ platforms
- + Keeps 80% of net revenue for creators
- + Instant track creation
Limitations
- - MIDI export status uncertain
- - History of streaming takedowns (May 2023)
- - Quality often criticized as generic
- - Web-only platform
Professional Composition Tools
This category includes web-based tools that prioritize MIDI export and compositional control. Unlike the audio generators above, these are designed for producers and composers who need editable output they can bring into their DAW.
The tradeoff here is workflow friction—you'll need to generate in a browser, download the MIDI, and import it into your project. But for many use cases, the quality and control these tools offer make that extra step worthwhile.
Technology: RNN/LSTM + Reinforcement Learning
Strengths
- + First AI recognized as composer by SACEM
- + Comprehensive MIDI export on all plans
- + 250+ musical styles
- + Trained on 20,000-30,000 classical scores
- + New Lyra transformer model (2025)
Limitations
- - Web app only, no DAW plugin
- - Instrumental only, no vocals
- - Copyright ownership requires Pro plan (€33/month)
- - Cannot generate exact same track twice
Technology: GPT-based Anticipatory Music Transformer
Strengths
- + GPT-powered composition from Carnegie Mellon/Google DeepMind
- + Trained on 50,000+ MIDI transcriptions
- + Context-aware suggestions
- + 40,000+ analyzed song database
- + Roman numeral notation support
Limitations
- - Web-only, no DAW plugin
- - Aria requires separate $14.99/month subscription
- - Total cost $22.98/month for full features
Technology: AI prompt-to-chord generation
Strengths
- + Text prompt to chord generation
- + Auto chord detection from audio/mic
- + Genre-matched drums and melodies
- + PDF chord chart export
- + Fast generation (under 10 seconds)
Limitations
- - Web-only, no plugin
- - Only 3/4 and 4/4 time signatures
- - $27/month ongoing cost
Technology: Custom neural networks (Fairly Trained certified)
Strengths
- + Ethically trained on consented artist data
- + Fairly Trained certified
- + Artist-specific models (Kato On The Track, KXVI, DJ Pain 1)
- + Both MIDI and 48kHz audio output
Limitations
- - Standalone app only, DAW bridge required
- - Short loops only (4-8 bars)
- - Limited to hip-hop, trap, R&B, pop, soul genres
- - Royalty-free only up to 1M streams for some models
Where MIDI Agent Fits In
After analyzing the landscape, a gap becomes clear: there's no shortage of AI music tools, but very few combine DAW plugin integration, genuine LLM-powered generation, and flexible pricing. Here's how MIDI Agent addresses these gaps.
Only Plugin with BYOK + Local LLMs
Connect your own OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, DeepSeek, or xAI API keys—or use local LLMs through Ollama. No other DAW plugin offers this flexibility.
True LLM Generation in VST/AU
The only tools using GPT-class language models for MIDI are web-based. MIDI Agent brings LLM power directly into your DAW workflow.
Flexible Pricing
$49 one-time for the plugin plus BYOK, or $20/month Pro with managed API access. Competitors force one model: Hookpad Aria costs $22.98/month, AIVA Pro costs €33/month.
Audio-to-MIDI Built-In
Convert audio samples to MIDI directly in the plugin. Only shared with Suno at 10 credits per extraction on their $30/month plan.
Recommendations by Use Case
The "best" tool depends entirely on what you're trying to accomplish. Here's a quick guide based on common producer workflows.
For DAW-native MIDI generation with AI
MIDI Agent is the only option combining VST/AU plugin format, genuine LLM integration, and BYOK support. Magenta Studio offers true AI but is Ableton-only and appears abandoned.
For MIDI export without AI
Scaler 3 ($99) provides excellent music theory tools with MIDI export but uses algorithms, not AI. Captain Plugins ($79-99) offers similar functionality but requires internet connectivity.
For full song generation with vocals
Suno ($10-30/month) leads with the best vocals and now offers MIDI export via stem transcription—but you're getting audio-first with MIDI as an afterthought.
For orchestral/cinematic composition
AIVA (free-€33/month) provides the most comprehensive MIDI export with deep learning composition, specifically trained on classical scores.
For copyright-safe audio
Soundraw ($11-99/month) offers the strongest copyright protection through in-house training data, but no MIDI export yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about AI MIDI generation and how these tools compare.
What is the best AI MIDI generator for DAW integration?
MIDI Agent is the only AI MIDI generator that works as a native VST3/AU plugin with true LLM support and bring-your-own-key (BYOK) flexibility. Magenta Studio also offers genuine AI but is limited to Ableton Live only.
Can Suno or Udio export MIDI files?
Suno offers MIDI export through stem extraction on their Premier plan ($30/month) at 10 credits per extraction, but this is transcribed MIDI from audio, not native MIDI generation. Udio does not support MIDI export at all.
Is Scaler 3 an AI music generator?
No. Despite marketing, Scaler 3 uses algorithmic music theory rules, not neural networks or machine learning. It's an excellent music theory tool but does not use AI for generation.
Which AI music tools support local LLMs?
MIDI Agent is the only AI music generator that supports local LLMs through Ollama and LM Studio integration, allowing completely offline AI-powered MIDI generation.
What is the difference between audio generators and MIDI generators?
Audio generators (like Suno, Udio, Soundraw) create finished audio tracks that cannot be edited at the note level. MIDI generators produce raw musical data (notes, velocities, timing) that can be loaded into any DAW, assigned to any instrument, and fully edited.
The Bottom Line
The AI music generation landscape remains surprisingly fragmented between audio generators that can't export MIDI and MIDI tools that aren't actually AI.
MIDI Agent addresses this gap directly—bringing the power of ChatGPT, Claude, and other frontier LLMs into the DAW environment where producers actually work.