Free FL Studio alternatives

FL Studio is a digital audio workstation used by music producers, especially for beat making and electronic music. The full version is a paid licence, which is a barrier for beginners. LMMS is an open-source beat maker and synth tool with a similar pattern-based workflow, while Waveform Free is a free DAW for recording and arranging.

Best free alternative to FL Studio: LMMS. Pattern-based beat making with synths, a sampler and MIDI support.

  1. LMMS

    You get: Pattern-based beat making with synths, a sampler and MIDI support.

    You miss: FL Studio's piano roll workflow, Edison audio editor and bundled plugin set.

    Get LMMSLMMS vs FL Studio

  2. Waveform Free

    You get: Multitrack recording, MIDI editing and a built-in set of effects and instruments.

    You miss: FL Studio's step sequencer, pattern workflow and bundled instrument library.

    Get Waveform FreeWaveform Free vs FL Studio

Side by side

OptionWhat you getWhat you miss
LMMSPattern-based beat making with synths, a sampler and MIDI support.FL Studio's piano roll workflow, Edison audio editor and bundled plugin set.
Waveform FreeMultitrack recording, MIDI editing and a built-in set of effects and instruments.FL Studio's step sequencer, pattern workflow and bundled instrument library.

Questions people ask

What is the best free alternative to FL Studio?

LMMS. Pattern-based beat making with synths, a sampler and MIDI support.

Is there a free version of FL Studio?

Not a full one, but LMMS and Waveform Free are free and cover most of what FL Studio does.

What do you miss with a free FL Studio alternative?

FL Studio's piano roll workflow, Edison audio editor and bundled plugin set.