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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 GarageBand (2026)
FL Studio is best for beat making and electronic music production; GarageBand is best for beginners making music free on mac or iphone/ipad. FL Studio starts at $99 one-time (Fruity Edition) and GarageBand at Free.
$99once
Incredible music. In the key of easy.
VST3not supportedAUsupportedAAXnot supportedCLAPnot supportedWINnot supportedMACsupportedLNXnot supported+ iOS · iPadOS
| FL Studio | GarageBand | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | beat making and electronic music production | beginners making music free on mac or iphone/ipad |
| Starting price | $99 one-time (Fruity Edition) | Free |
| Free version | No | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | — |
| Formats | Standalone, VST3, AU, CLAP | Standalone, AU |
| OS | Windows, macOS | macOS, iOS, iPadOS |
| 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) | Up to 255 audio tracks, Session/virtual drummers across 6 genres, Guitar and bass amp simulation, Built-in piano and guitar lessons, Flex Time rhythm correction |
| Developer | Image-Line | Apple |
Questions people ask
FL Studio starts at $99 one-time (Fruity Edition); GarageBand starts at Free.
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).
Up to 255 audio tracks, Session/virtual drummers across 6 genres, Guitar and bass amp simulation, Built-in piano and guitar lessons, Flex Time rhythm correction.