Pro Tools vs Reaper
Reaper scores 5.5 to Pro Tools's 4.6 among the music production apps (DAWs) we rate, and is the better pick for 2 of the 4 kinds of buyer below.
Reaper wins, 5.5 to 4.6
Reaper is a one-time purchase with free updates through version 8.99, and no free plan beyond a 60-day evaluation. Pro Tools sells access by subscription from $9.99 a month, with a separate free Intro download, and a perpetual licence sold only as an upgrade to existing owners. Reaper opens a public scripting API, ReaScript plus an Extension SDK, which Pro Tools lacks. Both mix in surround, Pro Tools with Dolby Atmos, Reaper with its own ReaSurround plug-ins.
Pick Pro Tools if if you want Dolby Atmos and a free Intro download.
Pick Reaper if if you want a scripting API and a one-time purchase.
Best for
Who each one suits, decided on the criteria that matter to that buyer and the checked facts where the two differ.
- Score (notation) view: Pro Tools no, Reaper not published
- Built-in loop library: Pro Tools not published, Reaper no
- Scripting or developer API: Reaper yes, Pro Tools does not say
- Sells a licence you own outright: Reaper yes, Pro Tools no
- But Pro Tools leads on free plan: Pro Tools yes, Reaper no
How they score
Both are scored the same way, against the other music production apps (DAWs) we rate, from facts on each vendor's own pages. Reaper leads on 2 of 4 criteria.
Where they differ
Every point where the two vendors' published facts disagree, with a link to where each fact was read. "Not published" means the vendor does not say either way.
Published by only one of them
Where they match (6)
Pricing, plan by plan
Every plan each vendor publishes, monthly and yearly where both are offered.
Pro Tools
Reaper
For everything else about each tool, read the full Pro Tools review and Reaper review.
Pro Tools vs Reaper: common questions
Which is better, Pro Tools or Reaper?
Reaper scores 5.5 and Pro Tools 4.6 out of 10 among the music production apps (DAWs) we rate. Reaper is ahead on workflow and output and pricing.
Is Pro Tools or Reaper cheaper?
Pro Tools's cheapest paid plan is $9.99/mo (Artist) and Reaper's is $60 one-time (discounted license). Compare what each plan includes below before going on price alone.
Do Pro Tools and Reaper have a free plan?
Pro Tools does and Reaper does not.
What can Pro Tools do that Reaper cannot?
On the facts both vendors publish: free plan.
What can Reaper do that Pro Tools cannot?
On the facts both vendors publish: sells a licence you own outright.
