Getting started with AI MIDI tools can feel overwhelming when you’re staring at dozens of options, each claiming to be revolutionary.
Beginners often end up either choosing expensive tools they can’t fully use or free ones that produce unusable results.
We did some digging and narrowed it down to five of the best AI MIDI generators. This guide will walk you through the strengths, limitations, and real-world performance of each tool, so you can select the right one for your skill level and budget without wasting time on overhyped disappointments.
5 Best AI MIDI Generators
| Tool | Best For | Price | Key Features | Learning Curve |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Staccato | Collaborative composition | $9.99/month | Continues your ideas naturally | Easy |
| Basic Pitch | Audio-to-MIDI conversion | Free | Perfect for hummed melodies | Very Easy |
| Lemonaide | Hip-hop/trap beats | $9.99/month | Audio + MIDI generation | Easy |
| AIVA | Complete compositions | Free/$15/month | Full orchestral arrangements | Moderate |
| AudioCipher | Creative inspiration | $99.99 one-time | Text-based idea generation | Easy |
Staccato AI Instrument™
Staccato is the most beginner-friendly option that produces usable results. The tool works by continuing your existing MIDI tracks, making it feel more like collaborating with a musical partner than starting from scratch. You can upload a simple melody or chord progression, and Staccato will suggest what comes next while matching your style and key.
Top features:
Pricing: 7-day free trial, then $9.99/month
Spotify Basic Pitch
This free tool from Spotify converts audio recordings into MIDI files with surprising accuracy. If you’ve hummed a melody into your phone or recorded a simple piano idea, Basic Pitch can turn it into editable MIDI data. It handles multiple notes playing simultaneously, making it perfect for converting chord progressions or simple arrangements.
Top features:
Pricing: Free
Lemonaide
Explicitly designed for hip-hop and trap producers, Lemonaide generates both MIDI and high-quality audio loops. The interface uses simple dropdown menus, so you don’t need music theory knowledge to get started. While the results may sound generic, they provide a solid foundation that beginners can build upon.
Top features:
Pricing: $9.99/month for 150 credits
AIVA
AIVA takes a more traditional approach, allowing you to set musical parameters such as genre, key signature, and tempo before generating complete compositions. While it has a steeper learning curve, it offers more control over the output. The free version allows you to experiment, although you won’t own the copyright to your creations.
Top features:
Pricing: Free version available, Standard plan $15/month
AudioCipher
AudioCipher takes a unique approach by converting text into MIDI patterns. Type any word or phrase, choose your key and rhythm settings, and it creates melodies or chord progressions based on the letters. While not technically AI, it offers endless inspiration through its algorithmic approach and works great for breaking creative blocks.
Top features:
Pricing: $99.99 one-time purchase
Bonus: Beatoven.ai
While the tools above focus on MIDI generation, Beatoven.ai (an AI music generator) takes a different approach by creating complete audio tracks rather than MIDI files. This makes it perfect for beginners who want finished background music without having to deal with MIDI editing or sound design.
How it works: Beatoven.ai uses text prompts to generate royalty-free background music. You simply need to provide your text prompts, and Beatoven.ai will create multiple audio options. You can select one that best suits your needs.
Here’s how to get started:
Why it’s great for beginners: Unlike MIDI tools that require additional steps to turn notes into actual sounds, Beatoven.ai delivers ready-to-use audio. This eliminates the need for virtual instruments, mixing, or sound design knowledge. The text-to-music approach also means you don’t need to understand music theory or MIDI editing.
Pricing: Start with the free plan.
Best for: Content creators, filmmakers, and podcasters who need finished background music rather than MIDI compositions to build upon.
Which AI MIDI Generator Fits Your Needs?
Choosing the right AI MIDI tool depends on your specific goals and experience level. If you’re just starting and want to build on existing musical ideas,
For beginners who prefer finished audio over MIDI files, Beatoven.ai eliminates the technical complexity. You get ready-to-use background music without needing DAW knowledge or sound design skills.
To explore Beatoven.ai, start here:
FAQs
Which AI tool is best for music?
It depends on your needs. For MIDI creation, Staccato offers the best collaboration experience, while Spotify Basic Pitch excels at converting audio to MIDI. For complete finished tracks, Beatoven.ai is ideal. Start with free options to discover your preferred workflow.
What is the best MIDI converter?
Spotify Basic Pitch is the top choice for converting audio to MIDI. It’s completely free, handles multiple instruments and chords simultaneously, works on mobile devices, and provides instant downloads without requiring account registration or technical knowledge.
Is AI good for music?
AI works well as a creative assistant for generating ideas, breaking writer’s block, and handling repetitive tasks. However, it’s not a replacement for musical creativity and often produces generic results that need human refinement to become truly compelling music.
Sreyashi Chatterjee is a SaaS content marketing consultant. When she is not writing or thinking about writing, she is watching Netflix or reading a thriller novel while sipping coffee.