Best Ableton Live Alternatives in 2025
Looking for alternatives to Ableton Live? In this comparison, we take a closer look at Ableton Live alongside similar software solutions including Ableton Live, Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol, FL Studio, Steinberg HALion Sonic SE Component, PreSonus Studio One, Native Instruments Guitar Rig, DoReMi, Sound Pad and MuseScore.
Our detailed comparison table highlights key features, pricing, and performance of these leading solutions, empowering you to make an informed decision. Whether you're seeking robust functionality, user-friendly design, or cost-effective alternatives, explore how Ableton Live, Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol, FL Studio, Steinberg HALion Sonic SE Component, PreSonus Studio One, Native Instruments Guitar Rig, DoReMi, Sound Pad and MuseScore stack up to find the perfect software for your goals.
Primary Function
 Ableton Live
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Digital audio workstation focused on electronic music production and live performance, featuring Session and Arrangement Views. |
 Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol
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Software and hardware suite centered around high-quality virtual instruments and customizable MIDI control integration. |
 FL Studio
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Digital audio workstation known for powerful capabilities, built-in instruments, and flexibility in music production. |
 Steinberg HALion Sonic SE Component
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Versatile and powerful virtual instrument platform with extensive presets and seamless integration with Cubase and Nuendo. |
 PreSonus Studio One
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Digital audio workstation software emphasizing powerful audio recording, advanced editing, mixing, mastering, and live performance modes. |
 Native Instruments Guitar Rig
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Amp modeling software designed for guitarists offering extensive collection of effects and hands-on control for live performance and recording. |
 DoReMi
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Electronic instrument using motion sensors (accelerometer) designed for intuitive and expressive music performance and composition. |
 Sound Pad
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Customizable soundboard software with diverse audio file support and an intuitive interface for quick access to sounds during live sessions. |
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MuseScore
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Free and open-source music notation software aimed at composers for creating, editing, and sharing sheet music. |
System Requirements
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Ableton Live
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Requires a multi-core processor, at least 8GB RAM, compatible with Windows and Mac OS X. |
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Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol
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Needs Intel Core i5 processor, 4GB RAM minimum, compatible with macOS and Windows operating systems. |
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FL Studio
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Requires a stable computer with Windows or macOS; higher specifications recommended for advanced features. |
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Steinberg HALion Sonic SE Component
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Needs 64-bit CPU, SSD recommended, compatible with Windows or Mac OS; requires internet connection for activation. |
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PreSonus Studio One
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Requires 64-bit CPU, compatible with both Windows and Mac OS; supports a wide range of hardware controllers. |
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Native Instruments Guitar Rig
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Compatible with both Windows and Mac OS; requires multi-channel sound cards; less suitable for less powerful computers. |
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DoReMi
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Compatible with both Windows and Mac OS; utilizes accelerometer sensors for input; requires external devices connectivity. |
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Sound Pad
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Runs on both Mac and Windows operating systems; supports multiple audio formats including AIFF, FLAC, MP3, WAV. |
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MuseScore
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Runs on Windows, Mac OS, Linux, Android, iOS platforms; minimal hardware requirements suitable for beginners. |
Unique Features
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Ableton Live
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Unique Session View for improvisation and live performance; Link sync technology; extensive online resources; steep learning curve suited to advanced users. |
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Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol
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Deep integration with Native Instruments products; customizable scales and arpeggiators; includes hardware keyboard controller with touch strips. |
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FL Studio
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Includes numerous built-in instruments and effects; feature-rich plugin development tools; live performance mode called 'performance mode'. |
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Steinberg HALion Sonic SE Component
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Comes with over 1,000 presets; integrates seamlessly with Cubase/NUENDO DAWs; includes DJ-style sound effects section and advanced editing tools. |
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PreSonus Studio One
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Advanced automation capabilities; intuitive drag-and-drop workflow; powerful mixing/mastering tools and Melodyne integration for pitch correction. |
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Native Instruments Guitar Rig
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Extensive amp modeling options including cabinets and effects like chorus, flanger, wah; highly customizable signal chain for guitarists. |
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DoReMi
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Uses motion sensors (accelerometer) to capture musician's movements for expressive control; tailored for experimental electronic performances. |
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Sound Pad
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Customizable sound banks with hotkeys; supports multiple audio file formats; built-in recording feature enabling quick manipulation of sounds during live use. |
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MuseScore
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Free open-source software focused on music notation with a strong community support system; supports MusicXML, PDF export, mobile apps for score viewing/editing. |
Choosing the right software isn’t just about features. Size, license type, user ratings, and popularity also matter.
This quick comparison shows how Ableton Live stacks up against Ableton Live, Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol, FL Studio, Steinberg HALion Sonic SE Component, PreSonus Studio One, Native Instruments Guitar Rig, DoReMi, Sound Pad and MuseScore in these key areas—helping you find the best alternative for your needs.
Size
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Ableton Live
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2686.8MB |
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Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol
|
|
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FL Studio
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924.7MB |
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Steinberg HALion Sonic SE Component
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345.9MB |
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PreSonus Studio One
|
|
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Native Instruments Guitar Rig
|
|
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DoReMi
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2.2MB |
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Sound Pad
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173.7MB |
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MuseScore
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106.4MB |
License
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Ableton Live
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Demo |
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Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol
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Commercial |
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FL Studio
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Demo |
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Steinberg HALion Sonic SE Component
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Commercial |
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PreSonus Studio One
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Commercial |
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Native Instruments Guitar Rig
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Commercial |
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DoReMi
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Commercial |
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Sound Pad
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Freeware |
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MuseScore
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Freeware |