FL Studio vs Studio One: Which DAW Is Best For You? 2024

Are you trying to decide between FL Studio and Studio One for your DAW?

Choosing a DAW can be overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be!

In this article, we'll look at the pros and cons of both FL Studio and Studio One so that you can make an informed decision that best suits your needs.

Read on to learn more about what each one has to offer and how they compare against each other.

FL Studio vs Studio One: Which DAW Is Best For You? 2024

What We Know About FL Studio

FL studio

FL Studio was developed by the Belgian company, Image-Line. It is used for music production, composition, and recording.

FL Studio features a graphical user interface with a pattern-based music sequencer and support for VST (Virtual Studio Technology) plugins.

FL Studio offers a range of features and tools for music creation, including the ability to record, edit, and mix audio, as well as virtual instruments, synthesizers, and a variety of effects.

It also includes a range of pre-sets, templates, and samples to help users get started with their music production.

FL Studio is available in several different editions, including a free demo version, a Producer Edition, and a Signature Bundle.

The Producer Edition includes all of the features of the demo version, as well as additional tools and plugins, while the Signature Bundle includes everything in the Producer Edition, as well as additional content and features.

FL Studio is available for Windows and MacOS. It supports a variety of file formats, including WAV, MP3, OGG, and MIDI.

It is popular with electronic music producers, as well as a wide range of other musicians and music creators.

FL Studio Price: $99-$899

FL Studio Specs: 

  • Operating system: Windows
  • Processor: 2 GHz or higher
  • Minimum RAM: 1 GB
  • Recommended RAM: 4 GB or more
  • Disk space: 1 GB
  • Minimum screen resolution: 1024 x 600
  • Supported file formats: Audio: WAV, MP3, Ogg Vorbis, FLAC; MIDI: MIDI, SMF

FL Studio Official Site / Where To Download:  FL Studio Official Website


What We Know About Studio One

STUDIO ONE

Made by

Studio One was made by Presonus, a company that specializes in music production software and hardware.

What it does

Studio One allows users to record, edit, and produce music and audio. It offers a wide range of features, including a powerful audio engine, virtual instruments, and an intuitive user interface.

Who it is for

Studio One is suitable for a variety of users, including musicians, producers, and audio engineers. It is widely used in professional recording studios and is also a popular choice for home studios.

Studio One is known for its ease of use, making it accessible for those new to music production, while still offering advanced features for more experienced users.

Studio One Price: $99-$499

Specs: 

  • Studio One works on Windows and macOS
  • Offers audio recording, editing, mixing, and virtual instruments/effects
  • Supports WAV, AIFF, MP3, and MIDI
  • Includes virtual instruments such as Impact XT and Sample One XT
  • Features a range of audio and MIDI editing tools, including the Scratch Pad for quickly trying out ideas
  • Includes the VST2 and VST3 plug-in formats for use with third-party virtual instruments and effects
  • Integrates with PreSonus' Notion software for scoring and notation
  • Available in several versions: Studio One Free, Studio One Prime, Studio One Artist, and Studio One Professional
  • Minimum system requirements for Studio One on Windows:
    • Intel Core 2 Duo processor or higher
    • 4 GB RAM
    • 30 GB free hard drive space
    • Windows 7 64-bit or higher
    • ASIO-compatible audio interface or built-in sound card
  • Minimum system requirements for Studio One on macOS:
    • Intel Core 2 Duo processor or higher
    • 4 GB RAM
    • 30 GB free hard drive space
    • macOS 10.11 (El Capitan) or higher
    • Core Audio-compatible audio interface or built-in sound card

Studio One Official Site / Where To Download:  Studio One Official Website


FL Studio vs Studio One: What's The Difference?

Price

FL Studio: The full version of FL Studio costs $199. However, there is a cheaper “Fruity Edition” available for $99 which does not include some of the advanced features of the full version.

Studio One: The full version of Studio One costs $399. However, there is a cheaper “Artist” version available for $99 which does not include some of the advanced features of the full version.

Ease of Use

FL Studio: Many users find FL Studio to be fairly easy to use, especially for those familiar with digital audio workstations (DAWs). The interface is intuitive and there are plenty of online resources and tutorials available to help users get started.

Studio One: Some users find Studio One to be more user-friendly than other DAWs, with a more streamlined interface and helpful features like the “Scratch Pad” for trying out ideas quickly.

However, others may find it more difficult to learn due to its more advanced capabilities.

Features

FL Studio: FL Studio offers a wide range of features for music production, including sequencing, arranging, mixing, and editing audio. It also includes a variety of virtual instruments and effects.

Studio One: Studio One offers a comprehensive set of features for music production, including sequencing, arranging, mixing, and editing audio. It also includes a range of virtual instruments and effects, as well as advanced capabilities like automatic delay compensation and integration with PreSonus hardware.

Best for Music Producers

FL Studio: Many music producers find FL Studio to be a reliable and powerful tool for creating and producing music.

Its wide range of features and virtual instruments make it a good choice for both electronic and traditional music production.

Studio One: Studio One is also a popular choice among music producers, with its advanced capabilities and integration with PreSonus hardware. Its intuitive interface and helpful features make it a good choice for those looking for a streamlined workflow.

Best for Singers

FL Studio: While FL Studio can be used for recording vocals, it may not be the best choice for singers due to its focus on music production rather than vocals.

Studio One: Studio One offers a variety of features specifically designed for recording vocals, including a built-in vocal processor and automatic pitch correction. This makes it a better choice for singers looking to record and produce their own vocals.

Best for Engineers

FL Studio: FL Studio offers a variety of features for audio engineering, including mixing and editing capabilities. However, some engineers may prefer a more specialized DAW with advanced audio engineering capabilities.

Studio One: Studio One is a popular choice among audio engineers due to its advanced mixing and editing capabilities, as well as integration with PreSonus hardware.

It also offers features like automatic delay compensation, making it a good choice for those working on complex projects.

Best for Classrooms

FL Studio: FL Studio may not be the best choice for classrooms due to its higher price point and focus on music production rather than audio engineering.

Studio One: Studio One is a good choice for classrooms due to its user-friendly interface and comprehensive set of features for music production and audio engineering. Its lower price point compared to other professional DAWs also makes it more accessible for educational settings.


If you found this comparison useful, but are still undecided on what tool is best for you, you might want to check out my other FL Studio comparison articles. A DAW isn't a small investment, so take your time and make sure you are getting the best bang for your buck!

About Author

Arielle P

Arielle P

Songwriter | Music Producer | Engineer.

With a background in music production and a strong passion for education, Arielle is dedicated to helping emerging artists navigate the music industry. She has worked with a diverse range of artists, from indie rock bands to well-known hip-hop and grime artists. Arielle's unique approach to teaching focuses on empowering artists to take control of their brand, ensuring they retain creative ownership throughout their journey. In her free time, she enjoys experimenting with new sounds in her home studio and sharing her insights through music production tutorials and workshops.

📧 Email Arielle