FL Studio vs Ableton Live: Which DAW Should You Choose?
FL Studio and Ableton Live are the two most popular DAWs in EDM. This guide compares their strengths to help you choose the right one for your workflow.
The Two Giants of EDM Production
Ask any group of electronic producers which software they use, and the answer will almost always be FL Studio or Ableton Live. Both are capable of producing world-class records, and the choice between them comes down to workflow and personal preference rather than raw capability.
Understanding how each one thinks is the key to picking the right tool for you.
FL Studio: Built for the Beat
FL Studio is loved for its fast, intuitive pattern-based workflow and its famous piano roll, widely considered the best in the industry for programming melodies and chords. It is a favourite among producers who build tracks from the beat up, and its lifetime free updates make it especially attractive to beginners.
Many of the world's biggest EDM and hip-hop producers built their careers entirely in FL Studio.
Ableton Live: Built for Flow and Performance
Ableton Live is prized for its flexible workflow and its unmatched live performance capabilities. Its Session View encourages experimentation and improvisation, making it the go-to choice for producers who also perform live.
Ultimately, the best DAW is the one you will actually enjoy using every day. Both can take you all the way; what matters is consistent practice. Hear what is possible across genres on Maxim Schunk's Spotify. Follow @maximschunk on Instagram.