Head-to-head
Pro Tools vs Reaper
2 tools, 9 differing data points, mostly pricing and positioning.
The verdict
Pro Tools or Reaper?
Section 01
Pricing, plan by plan
Every plan each vendor publishes, monthly and yearly where both are offered.
PPro Tools
Intro
Free
Artist
$9.99/mo
Studio
$34.99/mo
Adds Dolby Atmos
Ultimate
$99/mo
RReaper
Discounted licence
$60 one-time
For personal use and small businesses
Commercial licence
$225 one-time
Section 02
Pros and cons
From each tool's full review, written from the same checked facts.
PPro Tools
Pros
- Pro Tools Intro is a separate download that is free forever, not a limited trial.
- RePitch corrects vocal pitch while preserving tone and emotion, keeping vocals in key without sounding processed.
- Dolby Atmos mixing and rendering is built into the Studio and Ultimate tiers, without needing to leave the app.
- AvidPlay releases Dolby Atmos music directly to Apple Music, Tidal, Spotify and Amazon.
Cons
- A fresh perpetual licence is not offered; only existing owners with an expired support plan can buy a perpetual upgrade.
- Dolby Atmos mixing is not included on the Artist tier or on Intro, only Studio and Ultimate.
- There is no stem-separation feature.
RReaper
Pros
- Sold as a low one-time licence, DRM-free, rather than a subscription.
- No registration or personal details are required to download or evaluate it.
- Deeply extensible through a documented ReaScript API and Extension SDK with a built-in scripting environment.
- Supports VST2, VST3 with ARA, LV2, CLAP, DX, AU and JSFX plugin formats.
Cons
- Ships no built-in library of loops or samples to build tracks from.
- There is no AI stem-separation feature.
- There is no AI session-player feature.
Side by side
| Company | ||
| HQ | United States | United States |
| Platforms | Windows, Mac | Windows, Mac, Linux |
| Pricing | ||
| Pricing model | Subscription | One-time purchase |
| Free plan | Yes, Pro Tools Intro | No |
| Free trial | — | Yes, 60 days |
| Starting price | $9.99/mo (Artist) | $60 one-time (discounted licence) |
| All plans | Intro — Free Artist — $9.99/mo Studio — $34.99/mo Ultimate — $99/mo | Discounted licence — $60 one-time Commercial licence — $225 one-time |
| Positioning | ||
| Best for | Recording and mixing engineers who work in professional studios and need Dolby Atmos | Home and pro engineers who want a light, deeply customisable DAW at a low one-time price |
| Differentiator | Pro Tools is the studio-standard recording and mixing app, with Dolby Atmos on its higher tiers. | Reaper is a lightweight, scriptable DAW sold for a low one-time price with a long free evaluation. |
| Competitors | Logic Pro, Ableton Live, Reaper | Pro Tools, Ableton Live, FL Studio |
Section 03
Pro Tools vs Reaper: common questions
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 licence). Compare what each plan includes below before going on price alone.
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