REAPER vs Cubase

REAPER9.3Visit Cubase9.1Visit

Higher score REAPER #2 in Audio Editing Software 9.3/10 60-day trial Free trial✓ 5 of 6 features Visit REAPER

vs

Cubase #4 in Audio Editing Software 9.1/10 60-day trial Free trial✓ 5 of 6 features Visit Cubase

• REAPER fits best

  Affordable, flexible desktop production

• Cubase fits best

  Traditional studio production on Windows or Mac

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	REAPER 9.3/10 Visit ↗	Cubase 9.1/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	9.3	9.1
Ranking	#2 in Audio Editing Software	#4 in Audio Editing Software
Best for	Affordable, flexible desktop production	Traditional studio production on Windows or Mac
Pricing model	Paid	Paid
Starting price	$60 one-time	—
Free plan	—	—
Free trial	60 days	60 days
Free trial length	60 days	60 days
Deployment	Desktop	Desktop
Platforms	Windows, macOS, Linux	Windows, macOS
Support	Email, Community, Docs	Community, Docs
Built for	Solo, Small business, Mid-market	Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features REAPER 5/6 · Cubase 5/6
Multitrack editing	✓	✓
MIDI sequencing	✓	✓
Third-party plugins	✓	✓
Noise reduction	✓	✓
Video synchronization	✓	✓
Cloud collaboration	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Specs
Supported platforms	Windows, macOS, Linux	Windows, macOS
Our review
Pros	Records, edits, mixes, and masters multitrack audio and MIDI Runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux Supports broad plug-in formats, scripting, and video processing	Combines multitrack audio, MIDI sequencing, mixing, and mastering tools Supports VST 3 plug-ins, video workflows, and remote recording via VST Connect Offers tiered editions for professional, advanced, and foundational workflows
Cons	The $60 license is limited to eligible users Commercial users who do not qualify pay $225 Desktop-only workflow; no recurring subscription option	No free plan is available Feature access varies across Pro, Artist, and Elements editions Focused on Windows and macOS desktop production
Our verdict	REAPER is a desktop digital audio workstation for recording, editing, processing, mixing, and mastering audio and MIDI. It suits home producers, professional studios, broadcast and location recording, education, sound design, game… Read the review →	Cubase is Steinberg’s desktop digital audio workstation for music producers, composers, recording engineers, and musicians. It brings together multitrack audio recording and editing, MIDI sequencing, mixing, mastering, virtual instruments,… Read the review →

Strengths and trade-offs

• REAPER — where it wins

  • Records, edits, mixes, and masters multitrack audio and MIDI
  • Runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux
  • Supports broad plug-in formats, scripting, and video processing

  Where it doesn't

  • The $60 license is limited to eligible users
  • Commercial users who do not qualify pay $225
  • Desktop-only workflow; no recurring subscription option

• Cubase — where it wins

  • Combines multitrack audio, MIDI sequencing, mixing, and mastering tools
  • Supports VST 3 plug-ins, video workflows, and remote recording via VST Connect
  • Offers tiered editions for professional, advanced, and foundational workflows

  Where it doesn't

  • No free plan is available
  • Feature access varies across Pro, Artist, and Elements editions
  • Focused on Windows and macOS desktop production

• REAPER9.3/10 · 60-day trial

  A flexible desktop DAW with broad audio and MIDI tools and a one-time license from $60.

  Visit REAPERFull verdict →
• Cubase9.1/10 · 60-day trial

  A full desktop studio for producers and composers who need audio, MIDI, mixing, and video workflows.

  Visit CubaseFull verdict →