These seem to be the most popular DAWs, in no particular order.

Ableton Live 11
Logic Pro
Studio One 5/6
Bitwig Studio 4
Audacity
Pro Tools
Garage Band
Steinberg Cubase Pro 10
FL Studio 20
REAPER

Other forums I have seen that have people producing music that is not always for profit seem to like Alberton, Logic Pro, Studio One, and Cubase.

Pro Tools is the industry standard for hire recording studios. It is most likely the best for live drum tracking. It is not necessarily well received for the sort of creative processes we use here on this forum.

I have tried most of the major DAWs. They all do a pretty good job. I could live with any of them but some are just a bit more intuitive to me. Quality results can be obtained with any of the DAWs on the above list.

Whatever DAW produces the results you are looking for with the least amount of work is the one to use if you can justify the cost.

Not all of us are doing the same thing with the DAW we use. I, for example, don't record live instruments nearly so much any longer. I do not use my DAW to try to produce top-quality recordings. If I need a top-quality recording I go to a professional studio and let the experts deal with the issues.

I understand why someone would not like to change to a new DAW even if it was better. Learning new software takes work and can be frustrating.

One of the reasons I use Studio One is that it is pretty similar to Sonar and was easy to transition to for me.

Certain forums are pretty famous for being adamant about certain products.

There is always the Fender-Gibson discussion. Ford Chevy, you know the drill.

I tend to be open-minded enough to try new things. I have also found products I will likely never change from. Anderson guitars for example. Not so many people even know Tom Anderson exist must less have ever played one.

As I have said before, the cost issue is becoming more of a problem every year.

Reaper is most likely the best value for a small amount of money. Cakewalk for free is a no-brainer.

Trying to convince everyone that some particular DAW is the end-all-be-all is typical internet nonsense.

Buy what is useful to you.

Billy

“Amazing! I’ll be working with Jaco Pastorius, Charlie Parker, Art Tatum, and Buddy Rich, and you’re telling me it’s not that great of a gig?
“Well…” Saint Peter, hesitated, “God’s got this girlfriend who thinks she can sing…”