kitio.aiFL Studio vs Stems ST-02
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. FL Studio starts at $99 one-time and Stems ST-02 starts at $5/mo. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
At a glance
Best for
Category
Pricing model
Starting price
Free plan
Made by
Based in
Rating
Key features
- Piano roll and step sequencer
- AI stem separation
- FL Cloud AI mastering
- 100+ instruments and effects
- Lifetime free updates
- Vocal and instrumental isolation
- Drums and bass stems
- Based on Demucs
- WAV output
- Stems history
| Feature | FL Studio | Stems ST-02 |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Music production software with AI stem separation and mastering | Desktop app that separates songs into vocals, drums and bass |
| Category | Audio & voice | Audio & voice |
| Pricing model | Free trial | Freemium |
| Starting price | $99 one-time | $5/mo |
| Free plan | No, trial available | Yes |
| Made by | Image-Line | Franzwarning |
| Based in | Belgium | – |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
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Pricing compared
FL Studio starts at $99 one-time and Stems ST-02 starts at $5/mo. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
Free plan
Cheapest paid plan
Top plan
Free trial
4 plans
Fruity
$99 one-time
- Pattern and piano roll workflow
- Core instruments and effects
- Lifetime free updates
Producer
$199 one-time
- Audio recording
- Full playlist arrangement
- More plugins
Signature
$299 one-time
- Everything in Producer
- Extra Signature plugins
All Plugins
$499 one-time
- Every Image-Line plugin
- Lifetime free updates
2 plans
Free
Free
- 3 stems per month
Supporter
$5/mo
- Unlimited stems per month
- Stems history
Prices in USD, checked Oct 29, 2026 or later. Plans change often, so confirm on each tool's site before you buy.
Pros and cons
FL Studio
- Lifetime free updates
- Fast workflow for beatmaking
- Large built-in instrument set
- AI mastering needs an FL Cloud plan
- Cheapest edition lacks audio recording
- Many plugins only in pricier editions
Stems ST-02
- Simple interface
- Uses the open-source Demucs model
- Cheap unlimited plan
- Free tier has just 3 stems a month
- Single-developer project
- No editing features
Which one should you choose?
Choose FL Studio if you want:
- Lifetime free updates
- Fast workflow for beatmaking
- Large built-in instrument set
Watch out: ai mastering needs an fl cloud plan.
Choose Stems ST-02 if you want:
- Simple interface
- Uses the open-source Demucs model
- Cheap unlimited plan
Watch out: free tier has just 3 stems a month.
FL Studio vs Stems ST-02 FAQ
What is the difference between FL Studio and Stems ST-02?
FL Studio: Music production software with AI stem separation and mastering. Stems ST-02: Desktop app that separates songs into vocals, drums and bass. Both are audio & voice tools.
Is FL Studio or Stems ST-02 cheaper?
FL Studio starts at $99 one-time and Stems ST-02 starts at $5/mo. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
Do FL Studio and Stems ST-02 have free plans?
FL Studio: No, trial available. Stems ST-02: Yes.
Who makes FL Studio?
FL Studio is made by Image-Line, based in Belgium.
Who makes Stems ST-02?
Stems ST-02 is made by Franzwarning.
Which should I choose, FL Studio or Stems ST-02?
Choose FL Studio if you value lifetime free updates and fast workflow for beatmaking. Choose Stems ST-02 if you value simple interface and uses the open-source demucs model.