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Max vs Pure Data: catalog facts
Max	Pure Data
Paid A 30-day full-featured trial is available; continued use requires a purchase.	Free Free and open source.
macOS	Windows, macOS, Linux
Visual patching for audio, video, and data Supports MIDI controllers and hardware prototyping	Visual patching with no text code needed Real-time audio processing for performance and installations
Requires a purchase after the 30-day trial A free account is required to start the trial	Patching has a steep learning curve The official site uses a bot-protection challenge that some browser plugins break
Downloadable app	Downloadable app
Closed source	Open source
License not stated	License not stated
Account needed	No account needed
Not stated if it works offline	Works offline
Official website Full listing and sources Checked October 8, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 24, 2026

Catalog facts only. Anything “not stated” is unconfirmed. Check full listings for details.