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

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