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 Pro Tools (2026)
FL Studio is best for beat making and electronic music production; Pro Tools is best for professional recording studios and post-production audio. FL Studio starts at $99 one-time (Fruity Edition) and Pro Tools at $9.99/mo (Artist).
$99once
Avid
Pro Tools
Professional DAW for recording, editing, and mixing used across the music and post-production industry.
VST3not supportedAUnot supportedAAXsupportedCLAPnot supportedWINsupportedMACsupportedLNXnot supported
| FL Studio | Pro Tools | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | beat making and electronic music production | professional recording studios and post-production audio |
| Starting price | $99 one-time (Fruity Edition) | $9.99/mo (Artist) |
| Free version | No | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | — |
| Formats | Standalone, VST3, AU, CLAP | Standalone, AAX |
| 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) | Pro Tools Intro free tier for beginners, Tiered subscriptions: Artist, Studio, Ultimate, Industry-standard AAX plugin ecosystem, Advanced post-production/video scoring (Ultimate) |
| Developer | Image-Line | Avid |
Questions people ask
FL Studio starts at $99 one-time (Fruity Edition); Pro Tools starts at $9.99/mo (Artist).
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).
Pro Tools Intro free tier for beginners, Tiered subscriptions: Artist, Studio, Ultimate, Industry-standard AAX plugin ecosystem, Advanced post-production/video scoring (Ultimate).