Image-Line
FL Studio
From first idea to final track, you've got the speed, sounds, and tools to get it done.
VST3supportedAUsupportedAAXnot supportedCLAPsupportedWINsupportedMACsupportedLNXnot supported
Checked September 2026
FL Studio vs Ableton Live 12 (2026)
FL Studio is best for beat making and electronic music production; Ableton Live 12 is best for live performance and loop-based electronic music production. FL Studio starts at $99 one-time (Fruity Edition) and Ableton Live 12 at $99 one-time (Intro).
$99once
Find your way to make music, from a spark of an idea to a finished track.
VST3supportedAUsupportedAAXnot supportedCLAPnot supportedWINsupportedMACsupportedLNXnot supported
| FL Studio | Ableton Live 12 | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | beat making and electronic music production | live performance and loop-based electronic music production |
| Starting price | $99 one-time (Fruity Edition) | $99 one-time (Intro) |
| Free version | No | No |
| Free trial | Yes | Yes |
| Formats | Standalone, VST3, AU, CLAP | Standalone, VST3, AU |
| OS | Windows, macOS | Windows, macOS |
| Key features | Unlimited free trial with full export, Lifetime free updates on any paid edition, One license for Windows and macOS, Piano roll with advanced MIDI editing, Stem separation (higher editions) | Session View for live performance/looping, Max for Live (Suite only), Meld and Roar built-in devices (Live 12), Sound Similarity Search |
| Developer | Image-Line | Ableton |
Questions people ask
FL Studio starts at $99 one-time (Fruity Edition); Ableton Live 12 starts at $99 one-time (Intro).
Unlimited free trial with full export, Lifetime free updates on any paid edition, One license for Windows and macOS, Piano roll with advanced MIDI editing, Stem separation (higher editions).
Session View for live performance/looping, Max for Live (Suite only), Meld and Roar built-in devices (Live 12), Sound Similarity Search.