REAPER vs GarageBand

REAPER9.3Visit GarageBand8.3Visit

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

vs

GarageBand #12 in Audio Editing Software 8.3/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 4 of 6 features Visit GarageBand

• REAPER fits best

  Affordable, flexible desktop production

• GarageBand fits best

  Beginners using Apple devices

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Side by side

Feature	REAPER 9.3/10 Visit ↗	GarageBand 8.3/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	9.3	8.3
Ranking	#2 in Audio Editing Software	#12 in Audio Editing Software
Best for	Affordable, flexible desktop production	Beginners using Apple devices
Pricing model	Paid	Free
Starting price	$60 one-time	Free
Free plan	—	✓ (best)
Free trial	60 days	—
Deployment	Desktop	Desktop, Mobile
Platforms	Windows, macOS, Linux	macOS, iOS
Support	Email, Community, Docs	Community, Docs
Integrations	10 integrations	4 integrations
Built for	Solo, Small business, Mid-market	Solo, Small business
Features REAPER 5/6 · GarageBand 4/6
Multitrack editing	✓	✓
MIDI sequencing	✓	✓
Third-party plugins	✓	✓
Noise reduction	✓	✓
Video synchronization	✓ (best)	—
Cloud collaboration	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Specs
Supported platforms	Windows, macOS, Linux	macOS, iPhone, iPad
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	Free access with no subscription-based pricing Supports up to 255 audio tracks on Mac Includes instruments, effects, Flex Time, and Audio Units
Cons	The $60 license is limited to eligible users Commercial users who do not qualify pay $225 Desktop-only workflow; no recurring subscription option	Available only on macOS and iOS Advanced workflows are narrower than full DAWs Does not support simultaneous multi-user collaboration
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 →	GarageBand is Apple's free music creation and recording software for Mac, iPhone, and iPad. It suits beginners who want to record, arrange, mix, and edit audio without a subscription, while also giving musicians access to software… 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

• GarageBand — where it wins

  • Free access with no subscription-based pricing
  • Supports up to 255 audio tracks on Mac
  • Includes instruments, effects, Flex Time, and Audio Units

  Where it doesn't

  • Available only on macOS and iOS
  • Advanced workflows are narrower than full DAWs
  • Does not support simultaneous multi-user collaboration

• 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 →
• GarageBand8.3/10 · Free plan

  A capable free starting point for Apple users recording, editing, and arranging audio.

  Visit GarageBandFull verdict →