1. Fl Studio For Mac Free Download
2. Apps Like Fl Studio For Android

This list of free software for audio lists notable free and open source software for use by sound engineers, audio producers, and those involved in sound recording and reproduction.

Audio analysis[edit]

Converters[edit]

DJ software[edit]

Popular open source Alternatives to FL Studio for Linux, Mac, Windows, Android, BSD and more. Explore 11 apps like FL Studio, all suggested and ranked by the AlternativeTo user community. LMMS is a free cross-platform alternative to commercial programs like FL Studio. Popular open source Alternatives to FL Studio for Linux, Mac, Windows. Audacity is a free and advanced level of an open source digital recording system for the multiple operating systems like Linux, Windows and Mac OS X operating systems. Audacity is an open source utility designed to help you record and edit audio files on your Mac. The program is packed with a wide range of sound editing options, supports various audio and video formats, and gives you access to high-quality output. Open-source production software with a bevy of built-in samples and instruments. The LMMS project is the work of a volunteer development team committed to making an open-source, cross-platform music production suite. Aptana Studio is an 'open source development tool for the open web' which, in practice, means it's more of an advanced IDE specializing in web development. Based on the open source Eclipse project, Aptana Studio features tools for assisting in HTML and CSS authoring, including code coloring and completion, debugging, and outlining of documents. Open source FL Studio alternatives LMMS 0.4.5 Available for: windows mac linux unix java Linux Multimedia Studio (LMMS) is a free DAW (digital audio workstation) created for Linux & Windows.

Modular systems[edit]

Distributions and other platforms[edit]

Various projects have formed to integrate the existing free software audio packages.

Players[edit]

Programming languages[edit]

Many computer music programming languages are implemented in free software. See also the comparison of audio synthesis environments.

Radio broadcasting[edit]

See also streaming below.

Recording and editing[edit]

The following packages are digital audio editors.

Softsynths[edit]

Streaming[edit]

These programs are for use with streaming audio.

Technologies[edit]

Trackers[edit]

These music sequencer programs allow users to arrange notes (pitch-shifted sound samples) on a timeline: see tracker (music software).

Other[edit]

See also[edit]

Are you a Windows user who’s been tempted by talk of GarageBand? There are great Windows compatible programs and apps which can do as much, if not more. Here are the best alternatives to Apple’s music production software that you can run on your PC.

1. LMMS

Open-source production software with a bevy of built-in samples and instruments.

The LMMS project is the work of a volunteer development team committed to making an open-source, cross-platform music production suite. It is a flexible and powerful tool that will get you up and running in no time at all. All at the bargain price of free.

LMMS sports a good variety of software instruments. Samples and effects are pre-loaded, which allows you to get up and running straight away. The interface could be clearer. Even then, it’s easy to use the instruments and make beats by experimenting.

Synthesizers are played via musical typing, mapping the computer keyboard to notes on the instrument. Drum sequencing is made easy with a visual mapping tool. While live recording isn’t possible, LMMS comes loaded with an impressive array of samples. External samples are also supported. So if you are using your phone to make recordings5 Feature-Rich iPhone Voice Recorder Apps5 Feature-Rich iPhone Voice Recorder AppsThese iPhone voice recorder apps provide much more functionality than the built-in Voice Memos. Try one of them for better syncing, editing, and more.Read More, you can import them into LMMS and use them.

Building tracks piece by piece is where LMMS shines, and Fruityloops/FL Studio users will find it very familiar. LMMS has an online forum with an active community and a yearly “Best of LMMS” competition!

Download: LMMS for Windows | macOS | Linux (Free)

2. Mixcraft 8 Home

Loop-based software that’s a great first step for budding music producers.

One of GarageBand’s most popular features is its large and diverse library of loops. Users can quickly and easily build a song that sounds good, simply by layering loops of different instruments over one another in a way that sounds pleasing to them. It might be something of a shortcut, but it’s a great way for the uninitiated to dip their toe in the waters of digital music production.

Mixcraft offers a comparable broad selection of loops in an intuitive environment that makes it easy to get up to speed quickly. On top of this, live recording is also possible making this a real direct competitor to GarageBand.

The caveat is that the home edition is limited to just 16 tracks and a reduced set of instruments and samples. Mixcraft 8 Home is perfect for musicians just starting out, though the reduced feature set might be something you outgrow in time.

Download:Mixcraft 8 Home ($40)

3. Music Maker Jam

An entertaining but limited music production app.

While there are certainly plenty of musicians who use GarageBand as a tool, many users enjoy the software as a fun way to play around with music. If you’re more interested in that sort of experience rather than full-on music production, Music Maker Jam will have you creating no time.

Unlike the other software covered here, Music Maker Jam is an app that you can download from the Windows App Store. It is also available for Android and iOS, joining an ever increasing list of music making tools for smartphones8 Music Maker iPhone Apps to Create Music Anywhere8 Music Maker iPhone Apps to Create Music AnywhereNeed a music maker app for your iPhone? These iOS music production apps let you create tunes anywhere.Read More.

The workflow begins by selecting loops by genre, before transferring them into an arrangement to create a song. BPM and volume levels can be tweaked on the fly, and FX applied as you see fit.

Compared to others on this list, the app is limited in what you can do. More a fun way to share music with friends than a fully fledged DAW, it has some unique features aimed at casual musicians. The ability to record vocal tracks over quickly built loops make it perfect for budding MCs and singers.

Star DJs and musicians contribute sound packs to the app, along with stems from popular tunes for users to remix. Winners of remix competitions and trending songs feature on the official Music Maker Jam YouTube channel.

Download:Music Maker Jam (Free, with In-App Purchases)

4. Stagelight

Intuitive and straightforward software on multiple platforms.

Much like Music Maker Jam, Stagelight comes in the form of an Android app for music creation10 Android Apps for Musicians to Record, Tune, and More10 Android Apps for Musicians to Record, Tune, and MoreIf you're a musician, you need these apps on your Android device. They help you record, remix, tune, and more.Read More alongside Mac and Windows programs.

Stagelight takes a slightly different approach to digital music production than other similar packages, with a focus on the interface typically known as a live mode. It’s a way of testing out different loops and audio clips together to see what meshes well, used by some electronic artists in their live performances.

The free version has the same unlimited tracks as the upgraded “Unlock” versions and some limitations. The drum machine and instruments are cut back basic versions, and you get fewer effects and presets overall.

Stagelight brings a unique way of working to the table, and the free version will be more than enough for many users.

Download:Stagelight (Free, with Paid Upgrades)

5. FL Studio

Broad package suitable for all experience levels that benefit from a clean and straightforward design.

Now in its 20th year, FL Studio is one of the most widely used digital audio workstations available. It’s an excellent intermediate choice for anyone who might have cut their teeth on a free audio editorThe Best Free Audio Editing SoftwareThe Best Free Audio Editing SoftwareEditing audio can be a daunting task. However, here are some great audio editing software to help you overcome any challenges.Read More like GarageBand, but now wants a package with a bit more depth.

FL Studio sets itself apart from other comparable software in the way that it balances broad functionality with a very straightforward workflow. Whether you want to tweak the specifics of a synth or customize your recording technique to suit the sort of instrumentation and style you’re going for, you’re given plenty of options that make it easy to personalize your experience.

Another major selling point for FL Studio is simply that it’s fun to use. Experimenting with beats using its pattern feature is fast and responsive. making it easy for you to get the results that you want without any unnecessary hassle.

FL-Studio is easy to pick up and trusted by thousands and is likely the best value product you are going to find at this price.

Download: FL Studio for Windows | macOS ($89 with free trial)

6. Reaper

Complex production software that works particularly well with live instrumentation.

There are plenty of apps and programs out there that attempt to make music creation approachable for anyone. But the highest levels of production require complex software. Reaper is a package that gives the expert user a lot of options. Though, it won’t hold your hand through the process. A certain level of knowledge is assumed when you open up the program.

The advantage that Reaper has over the big names in the field of digital audio workstations is its price. Whereas competitors like Cubase, Ableton and Pro Tools typically cost hundreds of dollars, the basic license for Reaper is just $60 for personal use.

While Reaper has an impressive library of VST effects, they require a high level of skill to use. Reaper is also lacking in VST instruments that work “straight out of the box”. Use of external VSTs gets around this problem, but if you already have this knowledge you likely aren’t looking for some simple GarageBand funHow to Use GarageBand: A Step-By-Step GuideHow to Use GarageBand: A Step-By-Step GuideGarageBand is a powerful audio recording and editing software for Mac, but getting started is tough. This tutorial will show you how to use GarageBand.Read More anyway!

This is professional-grade equipment for musicians looking to get real work done, and it does an excellent job if you’re willing to learn the ropes.

Download:Reaper ($60 with free trial)

Music Production on Windows Is Possible

Fl Studio For Mac Free Download

There are many great options for Windows users who like the idea of GarageBand. Something on this list will appeal to any budding musician. If you need more options, we’ve looked at the best free music software for audiophiles.

And if you need a new computer for audio work, check out the best computers for music productionThe 8 Best Computers for Music ProductionThe 8 Best Computers for Music ProductionYou don't have to own a studio to find best computer for music production. Here are some of the best PCs for every budget.Read More.

Explore more about: Audio Editor, GarageBand, Music Production, Record Audio.

Apps Like Fl Studio For Android

1. Please date all articles. Hardware and software change so fast, it is irresponsible not to indicate date of initial publication and any subsequent updates.

2. Good on you for giving an honest description of Reaper. I hear so many people who give it crap for being 'Not truly professional', but the only basis for that argument is its low price. Other people give it crap for being hard to use, but like you said, it's a professional tool, not a toy. Garageband is a toy, although quite a fun one and can be incredibly useful.

   I'd also like to add that Reason Essentials should definitely be added to this list. It's a phenomenal piece of software (essentially a stripped down version of Reason, which is definitely a 'professional tool'), and it now comes with support for VST Plugins! And at only $69, too! Not to mention it's got that fun vibe that people love Garageband for.

3. I think garageband is an awesome app that I have used so far.

4. Does anyone know of a music software that combines creating rhythms with a simple notation as well. Like the old Percussion Studio but better quality sound?

   • have you heard of soundation???

5. There's a great program with a bit of a cost called Reason. You can buy an 'Essentials' version costing around $100 or the proper version costing around $300. Its one of the best programs in my opinion to have and it's even used by many professional DJs.

6. try out mixcraft! it's really something :)

   • I use Mixcraft and it is AWESOME! Real user friendly and produces great tunes!

7. Anyone know a program that can tune an intrument after a recording? I'm thinking about making Viola Covers on youtube and I'm trying to find a good program to use.

   • As a fellow violist, I would suggest practice ;)

   • practice!

   • Practice....and Melodyne :)

   • Auto-Tune or Melodyne.

8. Studio One Free is a great program, I used it for my music course last year instead of using a mac.

   • How good is it compared to garageband? is it as easy to use with as many options as garageband?

     • It's been a while since I've used it, but from what I can remember, if you're mostly planning to do MIDI stuff like create songs with a MIDI controller then its fine, but if you plan to do stuff with loops, the only loops it gives you are all synth loops which sound pretty crap compared to some of the garageband loops

9. Some other options
   sunvox
   audacity
   adobe audition / cool edit pro
   lsdj via an emulator such as retorarch

   • Audacity is more of an editor, and less of a production tool. It's a cool concept of how it's all modular and you can install whatever plugins you want tho.

10. I got a copy of Ableton for free with a little MIDI controller, and I have really come to appreciate it.
    Looks like they might have a free trial as well.

    • HI Paddy,
      can you please tell me what MIDI controller you bought. I am looking to buy one and if ableton comes free it will be worth it.

      • Rahul, Its any of the Novation products such as the launchpad or launchkey

11. I'd recommend taking a look at Tracktion, it's cross platform and extremely powerful, while still easy to use. I backed it years ago when it was a beta and it's come a long way.

12. What about Cakewalk?

13. You missed Caustic

14. Thank you very much for this much needed rundown of the pros and cons of the various Windows alternatives to Garageband.