Head-to-head comparison
Pro Tools vs Studio One
Two of the editing tools podcasters reach for. Here's how they differ on pricing, features, audience, and the trade-offs that actually matter day-to-day.
The industry-standard DAW behind most major scripted podcasts.
Best for: Studio post-production
Modern PreSonus DAW with a drag-and-drop workflow that suits speech editing.
Best for: Modern DAW newcomers
At a glance
The honest trade-offs
Pro Tools
Pros
- Industry-standard .ptx session file for handoffs
- Fastest editing workflow once shortcuts click
- Massive plugin ecosystem
Watch-outs
- Subscription adds up fast
- Overpowered for solo podcasters
- Steep learning curve vs Logic
Studio One
Pros
- Drag-and-drop everything feels intuitive
- Single-window UI stays uncluttered
- Pro 7 is $199 perpetual with a year of updates
Watch-outs
- Smaller plugin ecosystem than Pro Tools
- Free Prime tier was discontinued
- Less common in podcast tutorial content
Which one should you pick?
Pick Pro Tools if
You’re building around studio post-production. Pro Tools is the standard at every major scripted podcast studio because that's where the senior editors learned the keyboard shortcuts — not because it's actually better at dialogue than Hindenburg. Unless you're delivering session files to a post-production house, you're paying $35/mo for prestige.
Pick Studio One if
You’re building around modern daw newcomers. Studio One has quietly become one of the most pleasant DAWs to use, with drag-and-drop everywhere that makes it less intimidating than Pro Tools. PreSonus killed Prime and Artist in 2024, so the lineup is now just Pro 7 — $199 perpetual or $19.
Also worth comparing
Or see all Pro Tools alternatives.
Frequently asked
What does Pro Tools do better than Studio One?
Pro Tools's standout is "Industry-standard .ptx session file for handoffs". Studio One doesn't make that promise — it leans into "Drag-and-drop everything feels intuitive" instead. If the first sentence describes your workflow, pick Pro Tools; if the second does, pick Studio One.
What are the trade-offs?
Pro Tools: subscription adds up fast. Studio One: smaller plugin ecosystem than pro tools. Whether either matters depends entirely on what you actually need — neither is a deal-breaker by itself.
Can I use Pro Tools and Studio One together?
Both are editing tools so most teams pick one. Some workflows do combine them — for example, using Pro Tools for one show or episode type and Studio One for another. Worth trying both free tiers before committing.