Best REAPER Alternatives in 2025
Looking for alternatives to REAPER? In this comparison, we take a closer look at REAPER alongside similar software solutions including REAPER, Steinberg Cubase, PreSonus Studio One, VirtualDJ Home FREE, Ozone Elements, Cakewalk by BandLab, AVS Audio Editor, Free Studio, MixPad Musikstudio-Software, RX Elements and FL Studio.
Our detailed comparison table highlights key features, pricing, and performance of these leading solutions, empowering you to make an informed decision. Whether you're seeking robust functionality, user-friendly design, or cost-effective alternatives, explore how REAPER, Steinberg Cubase, PreSonus Studio One, VirtualDJ Home FREE, Ozone Elements, Cakewalk by BandLab, AVS Audio Editor, Free Studio, MixPad Musikstudio-Software, RX Elements and FL Studio stack up to find the perfect software for your goals.
Pricing Model
 REAPER
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Affordable $60 license with flexible licensing model for personal or commercial use. |
 Steinberg Cubase
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High price point with various versions and a 30-day free trial. |
 PreSonus Studio One
|
Higher price point with three versions and a free trial available. |
 VirtualDJ Home FREE
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Completely free version with limited features and ad-supported. |
 Ozone Elements
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Affordable with 10-day free trial; offers a streamlined mastering plugin version. |
 Cakewalk by BandLab
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Free digital audio workstation software with no subscription fees. |
 AVS Audio Editor
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Offers a free trial version; commercial license required after trial. |
|
Free Studio
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Free download with ad-supported software; offers premium subscription for added features. |
 MixPad Musikstudio-Software
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Paid license with unlimited audio tracks and multitrack timeline support. |
 RX Elements
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Affordable audio restoration plugin with basic repair functionalities and free trial. |
 FL Studio
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Multiple editions with high price points, suited for different user needs; offers lifetime free updates. |
Platform Compatibility
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REAPER
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Compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems. |
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Steinberg Cubase
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Supported on 64-bit Windows 10 and macOS Sierra or higher. |
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PreSonus Studio One
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Available on Windows and macOS (64-bit systems only). |
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VirtualDJ Home FREE
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Compatible with both Mac and Windows operating systems. |
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Ozone Elements
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Works on Windows and macOS platforms. |
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Cakewalk by BandLab
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Available exclusively for Windows operating systems. |
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AVS Audio Editor
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Runs on Windows 7/8/8.1/10. |
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Free Studio
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Supports Windows operating systems; Linux & Mac not officially supported. |
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MixPad Musikstudio-Software
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Available on Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android devices. |
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RX Elements
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Supports major DAWs on Windows and macOS (Mac OS X 10.8+). |
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FL Studio
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Designed for Windows and macOS operating systems. |
Core Functionality & Features
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REAPER
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Complete multitrack DAW with extensive customization, powerful audio routing, low latency recording, API scripting, supports all plugin formats including VST, VST3, AU, AAX; suitable for both recording and post-production work. |
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Steinberg Cubase
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Professional-grade audio recording, editing, MIDI sequencing and mixing tools; dedicated tools for scoring and advanced MIDI mapping; extensive virtual instrument collection; supports a wide range of audio file formats. |
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PreSonus Studio One
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Digital audio production with advanced audio editing, quantizing, automation, live performance mode; built-in virtual instruments and samplers; intuitive drag-and-drop workflow; equipped with Melodyne integration for pitch correction. |
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VirtualDJ Home FREE
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DJ software for creative mixing with beat-matching capabilities, built-in effects, supports various audio/video file formats, MIDI controllers support; free version has limited features and includes advertisements. |
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Ozone Elements
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Mastering plugin focused on audio polishing with guided workflows and preset-based mastering tools; includes modules such as Maximizer; integrates seamlessly into DAWs as VST2/AAX/AU plugins. |
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Cakewalk by BandLab
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Free full-featured DAW including multitrack recording, MIDI editing (ARA MIDI integration), customizable workspaces, integrated Melodyne pitch correction, extensive effects including ProChannel; occasional bugs reported; limited customer support options. |
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AVS Audio Editor
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Audio editing software offering multitrack editing, sound effects (EQ, chorus, reverb), noise reduction, batch processing capabilities; user-friendly interface catering to beginners and more advanced users alike. |
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Free Studio
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Bundle of multimedia tools supporting audio/video conversion, recording, editing with simple controls; ad-supported free version with some limitations; designed for home and amateur use primarily. |
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MixPad Musikstudio-Software
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Multitrack digital audio mixer and editor supporting unlimited tracks (depending on license), multiple audio effects, custom effects support, seamless import of popular audio formats; suitable for both beginners and professionals producing music or podcasts. |
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RX Elements
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Audio restoration tool offering essential repair functions such as De-click, De-hum, De-clip, De-noise; user-friendly interface for audio repair in standalone or plugin form compatible with major DAWs; ideal for podcasters and musicians needing quick restoration tasks. |
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FL Studio
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Comprehensive DAW focused on music composition and production featuring built-in instruments (drum machines, synthesizers), comprehensive effects suite, MIDI controller support, flexible workflow preferred by professionals in electronic music production; offers regular updates and extensive plugin development tools. |
Choosing the right software isn’t just about features. Size, license type, user ratings, and popularity also matter.
This quick comparison shows how REAPER stacks up against REAPER, Steinberg Cubase, PreSonus Studio One, VirtualDJ Home FREE, Ozone Elements, Cakewalk by BandLab, AVS Audio Editor, Free Studio, MixPad Musikstudio-Software, RX Elements and FL Studio in these key areas—helping you find the best alternative for your needs.
Size
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REAPER
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14MB |
|
Steinberg Cubase
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355.3MB |
|
PreSonus Studio One
|
|
|
VirtualDJ Home FREE
|
|
|
Ozone Elements
|
|
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Cakewalk by BandLab
|
|
|
AVS Audio Editor
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29.8MB |
|
Free Studio
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54.1MB |
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MixPad Musikstudio-Software
|
3MB |
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RX Elements
|
|
|
FL Studio
|
931MB |
License
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REAPER
|
Shareware |
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Steinberg Cubase
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Shareware |
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PreSonus Studio One
|
Shareware |
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VirtualDJ Home FREE
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Freeware |
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Ozone Elements
|
Shareware |
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Cakewalk by BandLab
|
Shareware |
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AVS Audio Editor
|
Shareware |
|
Free Studio
|
Freeware |
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MixPad Musikstudio-Software
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Shareware |
|
RX Elements
|
Shareware |
|
FL Studio
|
Demo |