Head-to-head · Beat Making Software
Serato Studio vs MPC Beats
Serato Studio leads on 0 checks, MPC Beats on 0, and 4 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 4 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreSerato Studio · 9.0/10
- Free planboth
- Free trialonly Serato Studio
- Most featuresSerato Studio · 3 of 3
Serato Studio scores higher on our rubric for beat making software: 9.0 against 8.6 out of 10; our editors rank them #3 and #5.
Serato Studio is the better fit for sample-focused producers and DJ-oriented beatmakers. MPC Beats is the better fit for budget-conscious desktop beatmakers.
- Serato Studio fits best
Sample-focused producers and DJ-oriented beatmakers
- MPC Beats fits best
Budget-conscious desktop beatmakers
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Side by side
| Feature | Serato Studio 9.0/10 Visit ↗ | MPC Beats 8.6/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.0 | 8.6 |
| Ranking | #3 in Beat Making Software | #5 in Beat Making Software |
| Best for | Sample-focused producers and DJ-oriented beatmakers | Budget-conscious desktop beatmakers |
| Pricing model | Free plan + paid | Free |
| Starting price | $9.99/mo | Free plan |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | 14 days | — |
| Deployment | Desktop | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS | Windows, macOS |
| Support | Tickets, Docs · 24/7 | Docs, Tickets |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market | Solo, Small business, Mid-market |
| Features Serato Studio 3/3 · MPC Beats 2/3 | ||
| Plugin support | ✓ | ✓ |
| MIDI support | ✓ | ✓ |
| Sample import | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Specs | ||
| Platforms | Desktop | Desktop |
| Track limit | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Audio export | mp3, wav, stems | Not checked yet |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | Serato Studio is a desktop digital audio workstation for beatmakers, producers and DJs who work with samples, remixes and DJ edits. Its workflow brings sample chopping, stem separation, drum sequencing, built-in instruments, effects,… Read the review → |
MPC Beats is a free desktop digital audio workstation for beat makers, musicians, and producers. It combines sequencing with MIDI and audio recording, sample-based production, mixing, plugin support, arrangement, project saving, and audio… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Serato Studio — where it wins
- Sample chopping with up to 16 cue-point sections
- Real-time stem separation for vocals, melody, bass and drums
- Exports mixes, loops, stems and drum-pad audio
Where it doesn't
- The Free plan has limited features and selected sound packs
- Runs on macOS and Windows rather than mobile platforms
- Advanced plugin support requires compatible VST3 or Audio Unit plugins
MPC Beats — where it wins
- Free access to MIDI, audio recording, sequencing, and project saving
- Supports third-party 64-bit VST2 and AU plugins
- Includes sampling, controller mapping, arrangement, and track export
Where it doesn't
- Runs on Windows and macOS rather than mobile platforms
- Plugin support is limited to 64-bit VST2 and AU formats
- Its workflow is centered on beat making and desktop production
- Serato Studio9.0/10 · Free plan · 14-day trial
A sample-focused desktop workstation with sequencing, stem separation and DJ-ready exports.
Visit Serato StudioFull verdict → - MPC Beats8.6/10 · Free plan
A capable free desktop workstation for beatmakers who need recording, sampling, and export.
Visit MPC BeatsFull verdict →
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All beat making software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update






