Avid Pro Tools and FL Studio are two great examples of “digital audio workstations” (DAWs). 

DAWs have become a hot topic of debate in the sound producing world because there really is no “supreme” platform on the market. When DAWs first came into existence, Pro Tools was one of the only platforms that provided functionality close to that of a traditional mixing board. Now, there are dozens of alternatives that rival Pro Tools and provide different workflows and functionalities to suit different kinds of audio production.

DAWs are no longer being split into “professional” and “hobbyist.” Instead, which DAW you find the “best” will likely depend on a variety of factors such as what kind of projects you work on, how comfortable you are with professional audio editing software, and which workflow you find the easiest.

In this head-to-head comparison, we’re taking on two popular DAWs, breaking down their features, and finding out which one comes out ahead in a variety of key functionalities and features.

What Do Avid Pro Tools and FL Studio Do?

Avid Pro Tools and FL Studio are both DAWs that are used for recording, producing, and mixing audio projects. You can use both platforms to master an album, record a podcast, or design brand new sounds for a film or animation project. 

While they may have slightly different features, at their core, they are both designed to allow you nearly unlimited ways to manipulate audio.

The Main Differences Between Avid Pro Tools and FL Studio

While Avid Pro Tools and FL Studio share a lot of similarities, they also have some key differences. For example:

• Avid Pro Tools is geared at being a “one-stop shop” for producers who want to record live sound, edit it, and publish it through one platform. FL Studio is more focused on sound mixing and mastering than recording. 
• Avid Pro Tools operates on a subscription model, with different pricing tiers and discounts for students and teachers. FL Studio still operates on the one-time purchase model and guarantees free updates for life after you purchase the program.  

These are just the most basic differences between the programs, but we’re not here for a surface overview. Let’s dig in deeper and see how these programs stack up when you put them head-to-head.