4 free music and beat production apps to use instead of FL Studio by Image-Line
The best free alternative to FL Studio is LMMS. Works much like FL: patterns, piano roll and virtual instruments.
Other great options: Waveform Free, GarageBand and Ardour.
Quick pick: For making beats the FL Studio way: LMMS. For VST plugins and unlimited tracks: Waveform Free. On Mac or iPhone: GarageBand.
Reviewed November 2026 against each vendor's official website.
Free plans and trial lengths are set by the vendor and can change. Check the official website before signing up.
Nothing matches this filter.
Works much like FL: patterns, piano roll and virtual instruments.
An open-source music production app in the style of FL Studio. It has beat sequencing, piano roll, virtual instruments and effects.
Platforms: Windows · Mac · Linux
A full-featured free DAW that runs VST plugins.
A free DAW from Tracktion with unlimited tracks and VST plugin support.
Platforms: Windows · Mac · Linux
The easiest option, free on Mac and iPhone.
Apple's free music app for Mac, iPhone and iPad. It offers recording, virtual instruments and ready-made beat loops.
Platforms: Mac · iPhone
Professional recording and mixing.
An open-source digital audio workstation (DAW) for multitrack recording, mixing, MIDI and VST/LV2 plugins.
Platforms: Windows · Mac · Linux
| App | Type | Platforms | Ease of use | GitHub stars |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 LMMS | Open source | Windows, Mac, Linux | Some learning curve | 10,624 |
 Waveform Free | Free | Windows, Mac, Linux | Some learning curve | — |
 GarageBand | Free | Mac, iPhone | Easy to use | — |
 Ardour | Open source | Windows, Mac, Linux | Technical setup | 5,414 |
Open source: anyone can use, study and modify it, including businesses. Free: no cost, but the code is closed. Freemium: a lasting free plan with paid tiers for extra features. Source available: code is public but the license adds conditions.
The most popular picks are LMMS, Waveform Free, GarageBand and Ardour. For making beats the FL Studio way: LMMS. For VST plugins and unlimited tracks: Waveform Free. On Mac or iPhone: GarageBand.
Premiere Pro
CapCut
Bandicam
Audition