Best free option: Waveform Free (Strong). Switching saves about $179 USD one-time.
$179 USDone-time
$239 CAD
Every pick below has a free version.
2 alternatives
Covers most of the same work, with trade-offs noted on each card.
Best for a free DAW with unlimited tracks
Runs on Windows, macOS and Linux. Free with a Tracktion account. FL Studio projects (.flp) do not open. Free version: Free with no track limit. Paid feature expansions add Multi Channel, Launcher, DJ Mix Tools and Pro Video.
Best for a free FL Studio-style beat workflow
Free and open source on Windows, macOS and Linux. Imports basic FL Studio project data from .flp files. The stable release is 1.2.2 from 2020; 1.3 is in alpha.
Sponsor this page: $149 for 30 days. Sponsors appear above the ranking, labeled; the ranking itself is not for sale.
How each alternative covers what people use FL Studio for. Numbers link to editor notes.
| Feature | Waveform Free | LMMS |
|---|---|---|
| Production | ||
| Step sequencer and pattern workflow | PartialNote 1Step clips for drum patterns | YesNote 2Beat and bassline editor |
| Piano roll | Yes | Yes |
| Recording | ||
| Audio recording and audio clips | Yes | PartialNote 3Built for sequencing; live audio recording is limited |
| Mixing | ||
| Mixer with built-in effects | YesNote 414 audio effects and 8 MIDI effects plus plug-in hosting | PartialNote 5FX mixer with built-in and LADSPA effects |
| Sounds | ||
| Included synths and samplers | PartialNote 6Four built-in instruments; sound packs are paid | PartialNote 7Built-in synths and samplers; fewer than FL Studio's |
| Plug-ins | ||
| VST, VST3, AU and CLAP plug-in hosting | YesNote 8VST, VST3 and Audio Units; CLAP is not listed | PartialNote 9VST instruments; VST effects only on Linux and Windows |
| Parity score | 83% | 67% |
Not covered by any free alternative yet: Included synths and samplers. See all feature gaps
Can each alternative open and save FL Studio files?
| Format | Waveform Free | LMMS |
|---|---|---|
| .flp | NoNote 1FL Studio projects do not open | Opens onlyNote 2Imports FL Studio projects with notes and patterns; plug-ins and automation may not carry overPartial fidelity |
| .wav | Opens and savesFull fidelity | Opens and savesFull fidelity |
| .mid | Opens and savesFull fidelity | Opens and savesNote 3MIDI import and export; instrument assignments need setupPartial fidelity |
| .mp3 | Opens and savesFull fidelity | Opens onlyNote 4Imports MP3 samples; the stable release exports WAV and OGGPartial fidelity |
Switching saves about $179 USD / $239 CAD one-time. Prices checked .
Based on FL Studio Producer Edition, one-time purchase. Price source.
Last verified . Ranking: tier first, then the published score.
Something wrong or out of date? Report outdated info.
FL Studio is a product of Image-Line, named here for comparison only. Platforms listed for FL Studio: Windows, macOS.