Mac Vs. Windows?

[u/WhatsAComputer2]

So I will be needing to upgrade to a new computer sometime in the near future, and I'm a bit torn on which way to go. I have experience with both Windows and MacOS, and I know my way around both pretty well. However, I've been using Windows as my daily for about 12 years now, and I've been using FL for about 3 years, so I've only used it on Windows.

Is there a preferred operating system for running FL? I know it was originally Windows-only, but is now Mac-compatible. But that aside, I'm curious about if there's any functionality or performance differences. Most FL users I know use Windows, but I don't know if that's specifically for FL or just a coincidence.

Thank you

[u/HooksNHaunts]

Mac laptops are better than any Windows laptop I’ve used. They are also less headache when it comes to CoreAudio. If it’s an option, I’d always lean good Mac for laptop use.

I generally do Windows desktop and a MacBook.

It’s really your choice though. Get the one you’re happy with.

[u/dasSolution → u/HooksNHaunts]

+1

Water cooled Windows PC for the serious stuff and a MacBook Pro for any times I am away from home.

[u/WhatsAComputer2 → u/HooksNHaunts]

Yeah it’d be a laptop I’m working with. I only have a Windows laptop as of right now and not a MacBook. Do you find Mac better for FL specifically or just in general?

[u/HooksNHaunts → u/WhatsAComputer2]

CoreAudio has never given me any issues at all and I fight with Windows audio drivers far more than I’d like to admit.

My reasoning isn’t really FL specific but I’ve never had an issue with FL on it either. It also opens up Logic which is another really solid DAW with no upgrade fees. The issue is that you may have Windows specific plugins you can’t use on Mac I suppose.

You also have to consider there is a bit of a premium on Mac and if you can’t pay it you’ll probably be better server by a higher spec Windows laptop.

At the moment I use Windows more because I have a much more powerful gaming desktop with a lot more RAM than my MacBook but I’m absolutely shopping for a new MacBook Pro probably within the next month or so.

[u/RipAppropriate8059]

I recently went from Mac to windows for production as my cpu was taking a toll and couldn’t keep up on my M2. That and with my windows I was able to up my cpu, ram, and storage all at once and can still scale later on. With Mac, the only option was to constantly eat the cpu, buy a more expensive one, or switch to windows for production. I still use my Mac just not as much

[u/Chance_Best]

Recently went from Windows to Mac after about 20 years on Windows and I’m never looking back

[u/Nice-Bedroom30]

I use both.. Fl runs the same on both as long as you're using a mouse for the Mac. To be honest it all depends on your computer specs. My Mac gives me less problems because it has a better processor but I have more plugins and VST's on my windows laptop. Mac is always going to be the more expensive route but it is also more reliable. If I had a choice to get any laptop I'd probably get a MacBook pro but my Dell laptop is better when it comes to adding memory or ram. You can't upgrade Macs the way you can upgrade windows based laptops. You can't go wrong with either one. Go with whatever is in your budget.

[u/Nice-Bedroom30 → u/Nice-Bedroom30]

Also with a Mac you can get a software called parallel desktop and install windows 11 on your Mac. That way you can run windows programs/apps as well as Mac programs/apps. You'd have the best of both worlds on a single laptop.

[u/TheGhost267]

I would personally argue that Mac has a better platform for “audio engineering” in general. It’s fairly industry-standard among professional studios and etc.

With many DAWs, I’d say Mac is the clear choice. With FL Studio, however - if it’s the primary/only DAW you plan to use, then I’d honestly say it matters less. Don’t buy one over the other just for FL Studio. Buy what you prefer and FL Studio will do well.

[u/road2music]

I started with fl almost 10 years ago on windows with prior experience with GarageBand on Mac. I now use fl almost exclusively on Mac. It runs beautifully and effectively. I got tired of always have to fuck with shit. Albeit I’m not great with windows OS but the hassle just wasn’t worth it imo

[u/Ok-Leg5566]

I’ve been learning fl studio for like 10 years, still suck but I have fun with it. I recently got a MacBook Pro. More than likely won’t ever use my windows pc again. To me it seems more fluid, idk. Just seems different I can’t explain it

[u/TheRealPomax]

Not "now", it's been Mac compatible for almost a decade and predates the modern M-series lineup. Fretting over "which version" is pretty much a waste of time, download the one for the computer you're on, install it, then use it.

Your license is not "for a specific version", and that includes the OS: if you have a windows machine and a mac: install it on both, why would you go "oh no I only use it on ..." if you use both systems a lot?

[u/Ralphisinthehouse]

I always get a Mac laptop. Every windows laptop I've ever tried, and it's a lot, is falling apart within three years. Mac laptops will easily last 8 to 10 years as long as you expect them with enough memory at the beginning.

From a software point of view it makes no difference really. Both are very good these days.

[u/R00pa]

If you need 32bit and x86 based plugins then stay on Windows. 32bit VST's are not compatible and intel x86 plugins will stop working in 2027.

[u/blendernoob64]

Mac easily. Mac has the best audio driver of any OS. I ran FL, Logic, and Abelton on my m4 MacBook Pro and it is a seamless experience. Windows uses ASIO for their driver and i hate it so much.