Skip to content
Alternatives.toolsSubmit a tool
REAPER logo

Free REAPER alternatives

Top Audio Editing & Music Production like REAPER

The most popular alternative to REAPER is Pro Tools, which has a free version. Other great alternatives to REAPER are Audacity, ocenaudio, BandLab, and LMMS.

Most alternatives to REAPER are in the Audio Editing & Music Production category, compared here by price, platform and features.

REAPER alternatives
AllFreeOpen source
7 apps

All REAPER alternatives

  1. Pro Tools is Avid's digital audio workstation, long established in recording studios and in film and television post-production. It covers multitrack recording, precise audio editing, MIDI and mixing up to Dolby Atmos, and works with Avid control surfaces and AAX plugins. It runs on Windows and macOS, with a free Pro Tools Intro edition and Artist, Studio and Ultimate subscriptions.

    6 Pro Tools alternatives

    Pros

    • Industry standard in recording studios and post-production
    • Precise audio editing and a mature mixing workflow
    • Tight integration with Avid control surfaces and Dolby Atmos mixing

    Cons

    • Paid editions are expensive, especially Studio and Ultimate
    • Supports AAX plugins only, not VST
    • The free Intro edition is limited in tracks and features
    Cost / License
    FreemiumProprietary
    Platforms
  2. Audacity is a free, open source audio editor for recording and editing voice, music and podcasts. It provides multi-track editing, noise reduction, effects, spectral views and support for VST3, LV2 and Audio Unit plugins, and it runs on Windows, macOS and Linux. Maintained by Muse Group with community contributors, it can optionally save projects to audio.com.

    10 Audacity alternatives

    Pros

    • Completely free and open source on Windows, macOS and Linux
    • Handles recording, cutting, noise reduction and effects for everyday jobs
    • Supports VST3, LV2 and Audio Unit plugins

    Cons

    • Interface feels less polished than commercial audio editors
    • Limited multitrack mixing and MIDI tools for music production
    Cost / License
    FreeOpen source
  3. ocenaudio is a free audio editor for Windows, macOS and Linux, intended for users who need more than a basic recorder without the complexity of a full studio. It previews effects in real time, lets you edit several selections at once, handles large files smoothly and supports VST plugins. It is a lightweight alternative to Audacity for quick edits and spectral analysis.

    7 ocenaudio alternatives

    Pros

    • Real-time effect preview speeds up quick edits
    • Lightweight and smooth even with large audio files
    • Free on Windows, macOS and Linux with no ads

    Cons

    • No multitrack editing, so it is not suited to mixing
    • Smaller community and fewer tutorials than Audacity
    Cost / License
    FreeProprietary
  4. BandLab is a free, cloud-based music creation platform with a multi-track studio that works in the browser and on iOS and Android. Musicians can record, use loops and virtual instruments, collaborate on projects with others and publish songs to a built-in community. Core features are free, with an optional membership for extra tools and distribution services.

    8 BandLab alternatives

    Pros

    • Free multitrack studio in the browser and on mobile
    • Easy collaboration on songs with other musicians
    • Built-in community to publish and discover songs

    Cons

    • Fewer advanced mixing and editing tools than desktop DAWs
    • Cloud-based workflow depends on a good internet connection
    Cost / License
    FreemiumProprietary
  5. LMMS is a free, open source digital audio workstation for composing music on Windows, macOS and Linux. It provides a song editor, a beat and bassline editor, a piano roll and built-in synthesizers and samplers, and it can load VST instruments on Windows and Linux. It is a common starting point for beginners and hobbyists who want a no-cost alternative to FL Studio.

    8 LMMS alternatives

    Pros

    • Free and open source on Windows, macOS and Linux
    • Beat and bassline editor and piano roll suit electronic music beginners
    • Built-in synthesizers and samplers to start without extra plugins

    Cons

    • Audio recording is very limited, as it focuses on sequencing
    • VST instruments are not supported on macOS
    • Interface feels dated next to commercial DAWs
    Cost / License
    FreeOpen source
  6. GarageBand is Apple's free app for making music and recording audio on Mac, iPhone and iPad. It includes virtual instruments, a sound library with loops, guitar amp simulations, a virtual drummer and multi-track recording, along with piano and guitar lessons on Mac. Projects open in Logic Pro when users need more advanced production tools.

    8 GarageBand alternatives

    Pros

    • Free, with a friendly interface for beginners
    • Virtual drummer, loops and amp simulations get ideas down quickly
    • Projects open in Logic Pro when you need more power

    Cons

    • Apple devices only, with no Windows or Android version
    • Limited mixing, automation and routing for serious production
    Cost / License
    FreeProprietary
    Platforms
  7. Auphonic is a web service that automatically finishes spoken audio: it balances levels between speakers, normalizes loudness to broadcast and podcast standards, reduces noise and hum, and can cut filler words and silences. It also offers speech recognition, chapter marks, direct publishing to hosting services and an API. A monthly amount of free processing time is included.

    8 Auphonic alternatives

    Pros

    • Automatically levels speakers and normalizes loudness to podcast standards
    • Takes repetitive post-production off your plate for recurring shows
    • API and direct publishing fit into automated podcast workflows

    Cons

    • Little manual control compared with editing audio yourself in a DAW
    • Free processing time is limited each month
    Cost / License
    FreemiumProprietary
    Platforms

REAPER vs its alternatives at a glance

Pricing, platforms and the key features of REAPER, compared with its most popular alternatives.

REAPER vs its alternatives at a glance
AppPricingPlatformsMIDI supportMulti-track timelineVST plugins
REAPERFree trialWindows, Mac, Linux
Pro ToolsFreemiumWindows, Mac
AudacityFreeOpen sourceWindows, Mac, Linux
ocenaudioFreeWindows, Mac, Linux
BandLabFreemiumWeb, iPhone, Android
LMMSFreeOpen sourceWindows, Mac, Linux

REAPER alternatives: frequently asked questions

What is the best alternative to REAPER?

The most popular alternative to REAPER is Pro Tools: Avid audio workstation for recording, editing and mixing. Other great alternatives are Audacity, ocenaudio, BandLab, and LMMS.

Is there a free alternative to REAPER?

Yes, 7 alternatives are free or have a free plan, including Pro Tools, Audacity, ocenaudio, and BandLab.

Is there an open source alternative to REAPER?

Yes, 2 open source alternatives are listed, including Audacity and LMMS.

Is REAPER free?

REAPER is a paid app that offers a free trial.

Compare REAPER with its alternatives

Sponsored listings and products made by the publisher of this site are always labeled. How we rank · Know a good alternative? Submit it