About FL Studio FL Studio, FL Studio Producer Edition, one-time purchase $179 USD one-time
$239 CAD
Every pick below has a free version.
Key file formats .flp .wav .mid .mp3 Filter alternatives 2 alternatives
Windows2 macOS2 Linux2
Open source1 Free tier1
No account needed1
Tool License Platforms Status
Strong 2 tools Covers most of the same work, with trade-offs noted on each card.
1 LM
Best for a free FL Studio-style beat workflow
License: Open source
Status: Active
FLP FLP: opens only, partial fidelity. Imports FL Studio projects with notes and patterns; plug-ins and automation may not carry over WAV WAV: opens and saves, full fidelity MID MID: opens and saves, partial fidelity. MIDI import and export; instrument assignments need setup MP3 MP3: opens only, partial fidelity. Imports MP3 samples; the stable release exports WAV and OGG , 0 people switched from FL Studio to LMMS LMMS for changes 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.
2 WF
Best for a free DAW with unlimited tracks
License: Free tier
Status: Verified Oct 7, 2026 WAV WAV: opens and saves, full fidelity MID MID: opens and saves, full fidelity MP3 MP3: opens and saves, full fidelity , 0 people switched from FL Studio to Waveform Free Waveform Free for changes 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.
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Feature parity How each alternative covers what people use FL Studio for. Numbers link to editor notes.
Feature parity with FL Studio Feature LMMS Waveform Free Production Step sequencer and pattern workflow Note 1Beat and bassline editor Note 2Step clips for drum patterns Piano roll Recording Audio recording and audio clips Note 3Built for sequencing; live audio recording is limited Mixing Mixer with built-in effects Note 4FX mixer with built-in and LADSPA effects Note 514 audio effects and 8 MIDI effects plus plug-in hosting Sounds Included synths and samplers Note 6Built-in synths and samplers; fewer than FL Studio's Note 7Four built-in instruments; sound packs are paid Plug-ins VST, VST3, AU and CLAP plug-in hosting Note 8VST instruments; VST effects only on Linux and Windows Note 9VST, VST3 and Audio Units; CLAP is not listed Parity score 67% 83%
LMMS, Step sequencer and pattern workflow: Beat and bassline editor Waveform Free, Step sequencer and pattern workflow: Step clips for drum patterns LMMS, Audio recording and audio clips: Built for sequencing; live audio recording is limited LMMS, Mixer with built-in effects: FX mixer with built-in and LADSPA effects Waveform Free, Mixer with built-in effects: 14 audio effects and 8 MIDI effects plus plug-in hosting LMMS, Included synths and samplers: Built-in synths and samplers; fewer than FL Studio's Waveform Free, Included synths and samplers: Four built-in instruments; sound packs are paid LMMS, VST, VST3, AU and CLAP plug-in hosting: VST instruments; VST effects only on Linux and Windows Waveform Free, VST, VST3, AU and CLAP plug-in hosting: VST, VST3 and Audio Units; CLAP is not listed Not covered by any free alternative yet: Included synths and samplers. See all feature gaps
File formats Can each alternative open and save FL Studio files?
Opening and saving FL Studio files Format LMMS Waveform Free .flp Note 1Imports FL Studio projects with notes and patterns; plug-ins and automation may not carry over Note 2FL Studio projects do not open .wav .mid Note 3MIDI import and export; instrument assignments need setup .mp3 Note 4Imports MP3 samples; the stable release exports WAV and OGG
LMMS, .flp: Imports FL Studio projects with notes and patterns; plug-ins and automation may not carry over Waveform Free, .flp: FL Studio projects do not open LMMS, .mid: MIDI import and export; instrument assignments need setup LMMS, .mp3: Imports MP3 samples; the stable release exports WAV and OGG Switching saves about $179 USD / $239 CAD one-time. Prices checked Oct 7, 2026 .
Based on FL Studio Producer Edition, one-time purchase. Price source .
FL Studio is a product of Image-Line, named here for comparison only. Platforms listed for FL Studio: Windows, macOS.