# Open Source Alternative to FL Studio

Open source alternatives · Audio

FL Studio starts at US$99. LMMS makes beats with the same pattern workflow, free and open source.

**What the paid app costs:** From US$99

## Why switch?

Beat making is about patterns, piano roll, and good samples, all of which LMMS ships with. Ardour covers the recording studio side. Bedroom producers have released real tracks on both.

## Compare the alternatives

AlternativeLicensePlatformsBest for[LMMS](https://lmms.io/)GPL-2.0Windows, macOS, LinuxThe free FL Studio-style beat maker[Ardour](https://ardour.org/)GPL-3.0Windows, macOS, LinuxFor recording and mixing real instruments

### [LMMS](https://lmms.io/)

Free forever GPL-2.0 · Windows, macOS, Linux

- Pattern-based beat making
- Built-in synths and samples
- MIDI and VST support

**The free FL Studio-style beat maker**

[Official site →](https://lmms.io/)

### [Ardour](https://ardour.org/)

Free forever GPL-3.0 · Windows, macOS, Linux

- Pro multitrack recording
- Full mixing console
- Video timeline sync

**For recording and mixing real instruments**

[Official site →](https://ardour.org/)

## Which one should you pick?

- **LMMS:** The free FL Studio-style beat maker
- **Ardour:** For recording and mixing real instruments

## Frequently asked questions

### Can LMMS use VST plugins?

Yes, LMMS supports VST instruments and effects on Windows and Linux.

### Is Ardour really professional?

Yes, Ardour is used in professional studios and film post-production, with a full mixer and automation.

### Can I sell music made with these?

Yes. Your music is yours; the GPL covers the software, not your songs.

## More open source alternatives

- [Ableton Live](/open-source-alternative-to-ableton-live/)
- [Adobe Audition](/open-source-alternative-to-adobe-audition/)

[← All open source alternatives](/open-source-alternatives/)