Checked September 2026
Serato
Serato Studio review
DAWsFree version
Beat-making software with real-time Stems separation and a built-in sample deck. Best for beatmakers who want stems separation and sample chopping in one app. Price: $149 one-time.
Key features
- Real-time Stems separation
- Sample Deck with chopping/flipping
- Drum Sequencer
- 190+ instruments
- 42 built-in effects
Pros
- Free tier available to try the core workflow
- Hosts VST3/AU plugins for expandability
- Stems tech useful for remix/edit work
Cons
- Free plan is feature-limited (1 audio track, 4 scenes)
- Full unlock requires a one-time purchase or subscription
Serato Studio alternatives
- $99once
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 Find your way to make music, from a spark of an idea to a finished track.
VST3supportedAUsupportedAAXnot supportedCLAPnot supportedWINsupportedMACsupportedLNXnot supported- FREEpaid $9.99+
Avid
Pro Tools
Professional DAW for recording, editing, and mixing used across the music and post-production industry.
VST3not supportedAUnot supportedAAXsupportedCLAPnot supportedWINsupportedMACsupportedLNXnot supported
Sources: serato.com, serato.com