Suno has been generating headlines since it launched. Checking on the hype around their v5.5 update, I tested it out from the perspective of an electronic music producer. After running the free plan through four genre tests in a single session, the answer is more interesting than expected.
What Is Suno?
Suno is a browser-based AI music generation platform that converts text prompts into complete audio tracks in under a minute. The tool launched to widespread attention in 2023 and has steadily evolved, with the v5.5 update introducing voice cloning, custom artist models, and taste profiling earlier this year. According to a recent IMS Ibiza 2026 report, AI music creation tools have surged 651% in revenue since 2023, placing platforms like Suno at the center of one of the fastest-growing segments in the music industry.
The Interface
Suno operates entirely in the browser at suno.com, eliminating the need for downloads, DAW integration, or plugin installations. The Create page offers two modes: Simple and Advanced. The Simple mode accepts a single text description, while the Advanced mode provides separate input fields for Lyrics and Styles.
For creating instrumental electronic music, the Advanced mode is preferable. Users can leave the Lyrics field blank and describe the genre, mood, BPM, and desired aesthetic within the Styles field. Suno then generates two audio clips per prompt in real time. Each clip is given an evocative name—prompting for tech house yielded “Circuit Orchard,” while melodic techno returned “Copper Pulse.” Afro house generated “Groove Quarry” and “Mop Bucket Groove,” all of which can be edited by the user.
Electronic Music Performance Across Four Genres
In my testing, I focused on four genres during a single session using the free plan: tech house, melodic techno, liquid drum and bass, and afro house.
For tech house, I used a prompt for a driving groove, specifying minimalism and four-on-the-floor kicks. I utilized Claude to write my prompt, and Suno provided me with four output options—two from v4.5 and two from the newer v5.5. The results from v4.5 felt somewhat lackluster. Though the structure was there, the mixing and overall sound quality left much to be desired, akin to a beginner producer’s early efforts.
Conversely, the v5.5 outputs were remarkably improved, despite being restricted to one-minute previews. The mixes were crisp with optimal levels, featuring a range of ear candies and FX elements. The Melodic Techno output came astonishingly close to professionally produced tracks, almost indistinguishable from offerings by popular labels like A State of Trance or Afterlife. As someone with a decade of experience in music, I found it hard to believe that the quality came from an AI.
As for whether I enjoyed the process, the answer is complicated. While the outputs from v5.5 are impressive and could potentially be shared with record labels, I personally found the experience lacking in terms of creative inspiration. The idea that machines can now produce tracks that could blur the lines between human and AI creation is unsettling.
The track generated for a liquid drum and bass prompt demonstrated intricate attention to stereo imaging, EQing, and overall levels—all without any personal input or iterations. This basic prompt produced high-quality results immediately, showcasing the platform’s capabilities.
Excited by the potential for underground genres, I created a separate account to test styles like Rominimal, inspired by artists such as Ricardo Villalobos and Arapu. Unfortunately, the outputs from v4.5 didn’t impress, and v5.5 fared only slightly better. While the mix was clean and the bass had weight, the drums failed to capture the essence of modern Rominimal. Similar issues arose with my attempts at hypnotic techno, with outputs leaning too much towards melodic techno rather than representing the unique vibe I sought.
Free Plan Limitations
The free plan allows users 50 credits per day, with each generation costing 10 credits. This limits free users to five generation rounds or a total of ten tracks per day. Each free track generated has a cap of one minute, and full-length songs require a paid subscription. Moreover, users cannot download WAV files on the free plan. To add an element of gamification, Suno offers a Challenges system, enabling users to earn bonus credits through tasks like creating tracks and sharing songs.
Pricing
The Pro Plan starts at $10 per month and includes a robust 2,500 credits, equating to as many as 500 full-length songs per month. This plan also grants commercial rights for generated tracks, access to the v5.5 model, and the ability to create full-length songs. Annual billing can further reduce costs.
Verdict
Testing out Suno’s free version was certainly worthwhile, especially to witness the advancements in AI music technology. While the outputs from v5.5 are competent and could indeed find their place in record labels, I didn’t feel creatively inspired by the process. The inherent “AIness” of the earlier v4.5 was noticeable, but v5.5 represents a leap in quality that may prove concerning for aspiring artists. Although Suno can generate quantity for popular genres, its potential guidance for shaping the future of music remains ambiguous. For artists serious about their craft, relying solely on Suno might not be the best approach to break into the music industry.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the official position of We Rave You.
