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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 Waveform Free (2026)
FL Studio is best for beat making and electronic music production; Waveform Free is best for musicians wanting an unlimited free DAW with no track/time restrictions. FL Studio starts at $99 one-time (Fruity Edition) and Waveform Free at Free.
$99once
Fully featured, completely unlimited free DAW for all music creators.
VST3supportedAUsupportedAAXnot supportedCLAPnot supportedWINsupportedMACsupportedLNXsupported
| FL Studio | Waveform Free | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | beat making and electronic music production | musicians wanting an unlimited free DAW with no track/time restrictions |
| Starting price | $99 one-time (Fruity Edition) | Free |
| Free version | No | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | — |
| Formats | Standalone, VST3, AU, CLAP | Standalone, VST, VST3, AU |
| OS | Windows, macOS | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| 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) | Unlimited tracks and audio/MIDI recording, 14 built-in audio effects plus MIDI/utility plugins, 4 built-in instruments including a sampler and rompler, Flexible routing and export, Sample/plugin browser with tagging |
| Developer | Image-Line | Tracktion |
Questions people ask
FL Studio starts at $99 one-time (Fruity Edition); Waveform Free 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).
Unlimited tracks and audio/MIDI recording, 14 built-in audio effects plus MIDI/utility plugins, 4 built-in instruments including a sampler and rompler, Flexible routing and export, Sample/plugin browser with tagging.