Libre music composition software.
Publisher’s description
What is Helio?
Helio by Peter Rudenko is open-source Windows software in the audio editors & daw category. It ranks 29th by popularity among audio editors & daw in this catalogue. It is written in C++. Besides Windows, it is available for Linux.
Installation and requirements
The publisher provides Portable and EXE (Inno Setup) installers for 64-bit, 32-bit and Any CPU Windows. The main installer is 3.3 MB. Installation asks for administrator rights. A silent install is possible with the installer’s documented switches.
Updates and version history
The current version is 3.17, released on May 7, 2026. The version history goes back to September 14, 2024: 3 releases, all linked to the official files. That is about 1.8 releases a year.
Popularity and file types
The source code on GitHub (helio-fm/helio-sequencer) has 3,573 stars. Similar programs include Audacity, MuseScore and LMMS.
Project description on GitHub: “Libre music sequencer for desktop and mobile platforms”
Pros / Cons
Pros
- Open source: the code can be inspected and built by anyone
- Documented silent install
- Small download (3.3 MB)
- Also runs on Linux
Cons
- Installation needs administrator rights
In short: Helio is an open-source audio editors & daw tool for 64-bit, 32-bit and Any CPU PCs. Administrators can deploy it unattended.
Is Helio safe to download?
- The file is served by ci.helio.fm, the publisher’s own domain
- The download link uses HTTPS
- A SHA256 hash is published, so you can verify the file:
EC947A0138F469031490F49DCF2D96D30364126F40F75503992853C2F68D85F9· Open the VirusTotal report for this hash - The link answered when we last checked it (October 22, 2026)
- The source code is public
- ExeAtlas does not host, wrap or modify installers
Related guide: How to check a file’s SHA256 hash on Windows
Recent versions
All 3 versions ›3 versions over 2 years · about 1.8 a year
| Version | Date | Size | Files |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.17Latest | May 7, 2026 | 5.7 MB | 32-bit ZIP64-bit ZIPAny CPU EXE (Inno Setup) |
| 3.16 | May 24, 2025 | — | 32-bit ZIP64-bit ZIPAny CPU EXE (Inno Setup) |
| 3.14 | September 14, 2024 | — | 32-bit EXE (Inno Setup)32-bit ZIP64-bit EXE (Inno Setup)64-bit ZIP |
Install from the command line
Silent install ›winget install --id HelioFM.HelioSequencer -ehelio-3.17.exe /VERYSILENT /SUPPRESSMSGBOXES /NORESTART /SP-Related guide: How to use winget: install and update apps
Also for other systems
brew install --cask helioflatpak install flathub fm.helio.WorkstationInformation
- Publisher
- Peter Rudenko
- Category
- Audio editors & DAW
- Licence
- - GNU GPL v3 © Peter Rudenko and contributors. - App icon by Valery Davletbaev, distributed under CC-BY. - Other icons from various free icon fonts are licensed under SIL Open Font License and CC-BY. - Built-in metronome sounds are recorded by Ludwig Peter Müller, CC0.
- Price
- Free
- Source code
- github.com/helio-fm/helio-sequencer
- Written in
- C++
- Content rating
- All ages
- Requires
- Windows 11 / 10
- Architecture
- 64-bit, 32-bit, Any CPU
- Installer
- Portable, EXE (Inno Setup)
- Other platforms
- Linux
- Version
- 3.17
- Released
- May 7, 2026
- Added to the catalogue
- November 14, 2024
- Versions listed
- 3
- Updates / year
- 1.8
- GitHub stars
- 3,573
- GitHub forks
- 145
- Website
- helio.fm
- winget ID
- HelioFM.HelioSequencer
Ratings and reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to rate it.
Alternatives to Helio
See all ›-
Open source2.8M ↓ -
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LMMS1.2.2LMMS is a free cross-platform alternative to commercial programs like FL Studio®, which allow you to produce music with your computer.Open source21.4K ↓ -
REAPER7.83REAPER is a digital audio production application, offering full multitrack audio and MIDI recording, processing, editing, mixing and mastering toolset.Proprietary132.5K ↓ -
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MIDI2LR6.3.1.0MIDI2LR is an application that translates MIDI Control Change commands into Lightroom actions.Open source3.8K ↓ -
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Frequently asked questions
Is Helio free?
Yes. Helio is open-source software under the - GNU GPL v3 © Peter Rudenko and contributors. - App icon by Valery Davletbaev, distributed under CC-BY. - Other icons from various free icon fonts are licensed under SIL Open Font License and CC-BY. - Built-in metronome sounds are recorded by Ludwig Peter Müller, CC0. licence.
Is Helio safe to download?
The download comes from ci.helio.fm, which belongs to the publisher; ExeAtlas does not host or change the file. Compare its SHA256 hash with the one shown here, or open the VirusTotal report for that hash.
How do I install Helio with winget?
Open PowerShell or Windows Terminal and run the winget command shown on this page. winget downloads the official installer and checks its SHA256 hash before running it.
Can Helio be installed silently?
Yes. The silent install page lists the exact command for each installer.
Does Helio run on ARM (Windows on Arm)?
The installer is architecture-neutral.
Where can I download an older version of Helio?
The versions page lists all 3 versions with links to their official installer files, back to September 14, 2024.
What are alternatives to Helio?
Audacity, MuseScore, LMMS, REAPER and Bespoke Synth. The alternatives page compares them.
