PreSonus Studio One review: what it is, pricing and who it's for
Music production software (DAW), now sold as Fender Studio Pro, for recording, beat-making and mixing.
In short: Music production software (DAW), now sold as Fender Studio Pro, for recording, beat-making and mixing. Starting price: $19.99/month or $199.99 perpetual license (MSRP). Free plan / trial: Free demo. Best for: Home studio musicians, producers and podcasters.
What is PreSonus Studio One?
Studio One was PreSonus's music production software. After Fender brought PreSonus into its Fender Studio brand, the product is now called Fender Studio Pro, built on the Studio One platform. The old Studio One Pro page now redirects to Fender Studio Pro.
It is a full DAW for recording audio, producing beats, editing MIDI and mixing. It includes Fender guitar and bass amp models, virtual instruments and over 45 built-in effects. You can buy a perpetual license or pay monthly, and a Pro+ subscription adds extras such as the Studio Assistant.
Key features
- Fender Mustang guitar and Rumble bass amp plug-ins with 39 guitar and 18 bass amps.
- Nine virtual instruments, including Presence, Impact, Mai Tai and Sample One.
- Over 45 built-in effects, updated for Dolby Atmos mixing.
- Native stem separation into six stems, processed on your own computer.
- Vocal Tune plug-in for pitch correction, with low-latency mode in 8.2.
- Splice sample integration and Moises Studio integration.
- Chord Assistant, Arrangement Overview and score editing tools.
- Studio Assistant help tool for Pro+ subscribers.
Plans and pricing
| Plan | Price / limit | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Subscription | $19.99/month | Ongoing access while subscribed |
| Perpetual License | $199.99 | Own the current version |
| Pro+ Annual + Perpetual | $179.99/year | Perpetual license plus 12 months of Pro+ extras |
| Perpetual Upgrade | $99.99 | Upgrade for existing owners |
Prices are Fender's US MSRP from its June 2026 announcement; retailers and sales may differ, and Pro+ features need an active subscription.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Choice of perpetual license or monthly subscription.
- Strong built-in set of Fender amp models, instruments and effects.
- Stem separation and pitch correction included.
- Free demo to try before buying.
Cons
- Name change from Studio One to Fender Studio Pro can confuse buyers and tutorials.
- Some tools, like Studio Assistant, need the Pro+ subscription.
- Moises integration has monthly usage limits.
- Full DAWs have a learning curve for beginners.
Who it's for
A good fit for musicians and producers who want a complete DAW with strong guitar tones and the option to buy it outright. Total beginners may prefer a simpler free app first, and studios tied to another DAW may not want to switch.
Frequently asked questions
What is PreSonus Studio One?
Studio One was PreSonus's music production software. After Fender brought PreSonus into its Fender Studio brand, the product is now called Fender Studio Pro, built on the Studio One platform. The old Studio One Pro page now redirects to Fender Studio Pro.
How much does PreSonus Studio One cost?
PreSonus Studio One starts at $19.99/month or $199.99 perpetual license (MSRP). Prices are Fender's US MSRP from its June 2026 announcement; retailers and sales may differ, and Pro+ features need an active subscription.
Does PreSonus Studio One have a free plan or free trial?
Free demo.
Who is PreSonus Studio One best for?
A good fit for musicians and producers who want a complete DAW with strong guitar tones and the option to buy it outright. Total beginners may prefer a simpler free app first, and studios tied to another DAW may not want to switch.
What are the downsides of PreSonus Studio One?
Main drawbacks: Name change from Studio One to Fender Studio Pro can confuse buyers and tutorials. Some tools, like Studio Assistant, need the Pro+ subscription. Moises integration has monthly usage limits. Full DAWs have a learning curve for beginners.
What are some alternatives to PreSonus Studio One?
Other audio & podcasting options we cover include Uppbeat, iZotope, Brain.fm, RouteNote and Loopcloud.
Other audio & podcasting options
Uppbeat
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iZotope
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Loopcloud
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Zencastr
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SquadCast
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Fender Play
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Rev
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flowkey
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Auphonic
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This summary is based on PreSonus Studio One's official website, pricing page and public documentation as of November 15, 2026. Prices and features change, so confirm the details on the official site. Some links on this site may be affiliate links. See our affiliate disclosure.