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Comparison · Digital audio workstations

Cubase vs REAPER: which is better in 2026?

Cubase89.5#4 in best digital audio workstationsREAPER90.5#3 in best digital audio workstations

REAPER ranks higher in our list of digital audio workstations (#3 against #4, score 90.5 against 89.5), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need.

How we rank Share

  • 89.5
    Editorial score
    90.5
  • 2
    Platforms
    3
  • No
    Free to use
    No
  • No
    Open source
    No

Which should you choose?

Choose Cubase if you want

Composing and mixing on Windows or macOS.

A full DAW for Windows and macOS in paid editions, with a free trial. Pro costs several times Elements, and iPad work runs in separate apps, so Logic Pro is the closer fit for a single Mac and iPad workflow.

Choose REAPER if you want

Low-cost recording on every desktop.

A full DAW with a 60-day evaluation, a DRM-free license and builds for Windows, Linux and macOS. The interface is plain by default and offers less guidance than consumer DAWs.

The main differences

  • Only REAPER runs on Linux.

Side by side

CubaseREAPER
Score89.590.5
Rank in list#4 of 10#3 of 10
PricePaidPaid editions from Elements to Pro; free trialPaidPaid license after a 60-day evaluation; DRM-free
Free to useNoNo
Open sourceNoNo
PlatformsWindowsmacOSWindows, macOSWindowsLinuxmacOSWindows, Linux, macOS
Made bySteinberg Media Technologies GmbHCockos Incorporated
Best forComposing and mixing on Windows or macOSLow-cost recording on every desktop
Strengths
  • Full composition, recording and mixing workflows
  • Dolby Atmos support in the Pro edition
  • Free trial before buying
  • Full evaluation for 60 days
  • DRM-free license with free updates
Limits
  • Pro costs several times the price of Elements
  • iPad work uses separate apps, such as Cubasis
  • Interface is plain by default
  • Less guidance for beginners
LinksVisit site Visit site

Questions about Cubase vs REAPER

Is REAPER better than Cubase?
REAPER ranks higher in our list of digital audio workstations (#3 against #4, score 90.5 against 89.5), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need. Cubase is best for: composing and mixing on Windows or macOS. REAPER is best for: low-cost recording on every desktop.
Which is cheaper, Cubase or REAPER?
Cubase: Paid editions from Elements to Pro; free trial. REAPER: Paid license after a 60-day evaluation; DRM-free.
Do Cubase and REAPER run on the same platforms?
Cubase supports Windows, macOS. REAPER supports Windows, Linux, macOS.

Choosing between the two

Learning Center
1:17Beginner · 4 min readHow to decide between two good optionsSettle a close call by sorting it by how hard it is to undo, setting a deadline, scoring the criteria as a tie-breaker and writing down why you chose.1:20Beginner · 6 min readHow to compare products fairly: what to keep in mindDefine the job, cap the must-haves, compare like with like, count total cost over one period and weigh the criteria. Includes a worked example.

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