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Head-to-head · Audiobook Production Software

Audacity vs REAPER

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 2 checks side by side
Higher score Audacity #5 in Audiobook Production Software 7.7/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 1 of 3 features Visit Audacity
REAPER #7 in Audiobook Production Software 7.5/10 60-day trial Free trial✓ 1 of 3 features Visit REAPER

Audacity leads on 1 check, REAPER on 0, and 1 is even. Who comes out ahead on the 2 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreAudacity · 7.7/10
  • Free planonly Audacity
  • Free trialonly REAPER

Audacity scores higher on our rubric for audiobook production software: 7.7 against 7.5 out of 10; our editors rank them #5 and #7.

Audacity offers free plan; REAPER doesn't.

Audacity is the better fit for free audiobook editing on desktop. REAPER is the better fit for experienced editors wanting flexible, low-cost DAW tools.

  • Audacity fits best

    Free audiobook editing on desktop

  • REAPER fits best

    Experienced editors wanting flexible, low-cost DAW tools

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature Audacity 7.7/10 Visit ↗ REAPER 7.5/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 7.7 7.5
Ranking #5 in Audiobook Production Software #7 in Audiobook Production Software
Best for Free audiobook editing on desktop Experienced editors wanting flexible, low-cost DAW tools
Pricing model Free Paid
Starting price Free $60 one-time
Free plan ✓ (best) —
Free trial — 60 days
Deployment Desktop Desktop
Platforms Windows, macOS, Linux Windows, macOS, Linux
Support Email, Community, Docs Email, Community, Docs
Integrations 2 integrations 10 integrations
Built for Solo, Small business Solo, Small business, Mid-market
Features Audacity 1/3 · REAPER 1/3
Remote recording Not checked yet Not checked yet
Noise reduction ✓ ✓
Chapter markers Not checked yet Not checked yet
Specs
Audio export formats Not checked yet Not checked yet
Platforms Not checked yet Not checked yet
Simultaneous audio tracks Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Multitrack editing, recording, and mixing across Windows, macOS, and Linux
  • Noise reduction targets hiss, hum, fan noise, and buzzing
  • Common format conversion plus broad third-party audio plugin support
  • One-time licenses start at $60, with a 60-day evaluation period.
  • Multitrack editing, take management, routing, and built-in noise-profile subtraction.
  • Runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux and supports a broad range of plug-ins.
Cons
  • No audiobook-specific navigation or export workflows are listed
  • Desktop software, not a standalone hosted editor
  • MIDI editing is limited
  • No audiobook-specific chaptering or delivery tools are listed.
  • The $60 discounted license is limited to qualifying users and organizations.
  • Its broad DAW workflow may require editors to create their own audiobook process.
Our verdict

Audacity is a free, open-source desktop audio editor for recording, editing, mixing, and exporting audio. For audiobook production, its multitrack editing and recording can support voice tracks, while noise reduction and effects such as…

Read the review →

REAPER is a desktop digital audio workstation for recording, editing, processing, mixing, and mastering audio and MIDI. For audiobook production, it fits experienced editors who want flexible tools for shaping and assembling spoken-word…

Read the review →
  1. AudacityAudiobook Production Software 7.7Free plan
  2. REAPERAudiobook Production Software 7.560-day trial

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Audacity — where it wins

    • Multitrack editing, recording, and mixing across Windows, macOS, and Linux
    • Noise reduction targets hiss, hum, fan noise, and buzzing
    • Common format conversion plus broad third-party audio plugin support

    Where it doesn't

    • No audiobook-specific navigation or export workflows are listed
    • Desktop software, not a standalone hosted editor
    • MIDI editing is limited

  • REAPER — where it wins

    • One-time licenses start at $60, with a 60-day evaluation period.
    • Multitrack editing, take management, routing, and built-in noise-profile subtraction.
    • Runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux and supports a broad range of plug-ins.

    Where it doesn't

    • No audiobook-specific chaptering or delivery tools are listed.
    • The $60 discounted license is limited to qualifying users and organizations.
    • Its broad DAW workflow may require editors to create their own audiobook process.
  • Audacity7.7/10 · Free plan

    A free multitrack desktop editor for audiobook recording and cleanup, without audiobook-specific workflows.

    Visit AudacityFull verdict →
  • REAPER7.5/10 · 60-day trial

    A low-cost, capable DAW for audiobook editors comfortable building their own workflow.

    Visit REAPERFull verdict →

More comparisons

All audiobook production software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update