Reaper vs Ardour

Struggling to choose between Reaper and Ardour? Both products offer unique advantages, making it a tough decision.

Reaper is a Audio & Music solution with tags like audio-editing, midi-sequencing, multitrack-recording, mixing, mastering.

It boasts features such as Multi-track audio and MIDI recording and editing, Supports VST, AU, DX and JS plug-ins, Customizable interface and shortcuts, Powerful routing and bussing options, Time stretching, pitch shifting and audio quantization, Automation for volume, pan, plugins and more, Supports surround sound mixing, ReaScript for creating custom actions, Theme support for customizing the look and pros including Very flexible and customizable, Great value for money, Regular updates and active development, Lightweight and low resource usage, Excellent community and documentation.

On the other hand, Ardour is a Audio & Music product tagged with recording, editing, mixing, audio, midi.

Its standout features include Multi-track recording, Non-linear editing, Unlimited audio tracks and busses, VST plugin support, MIDI recording and editing, Mixing and mastering tools, and it shines with pros like Free and open source, Powerful features rivaling paid DAWs, Cross-platform - runs on Linux, macOS and Windows, Constantly updated and improved.

Feature	Reaper	Ardour
Overall Score	N/A	N/A
Primary Category	Audio & Music	Audio & Music

Product Overview

Reaper

Description: Reaper is a digital audio workstation and MIDI sequencer software for Windows, Mac and Linux. It has a fully featured interface for multi-track audio and MIDI recording, editing and mixing. Reaper is known for its flexibility, customization and value.

Ardour

Description: Ardour is an open source digital audio workstation for recording, editing, and mixing audio and MIDI. It runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows and provides a flexible and powerful multi-track audio and MIDI environment.

Key Features Comparison

Reaper Features

• Multi-track audio and MIDI recording and editing
• Supports VST, AU, DX and JS plug-ins
• Customizable interface and shortcuts
• Powerful routing and bussing options
• Time stretching, pitch shifting and audio quantization
• Automation for volume, pan, plugins and more
• Supports surround sound mixing
• ReaScript for creating custom actions
• Theme support for customizing the look

Ardour Features

• Multi-track recording
• Non-linear editing
• Unlimited audio tracks and busses
• VST plugin support
• MIDI recording and editing
• Mixing and mastering tools

Pros & Cons Analysis

Reaper

Pros

• Very flexible and customizable
• Great value for money
• Regular updates and active development
• Lightweight and low resource usage
• Excellent community and documentation

Cons

• Can be overwhelming for new users
• Not as beginner friendly as some DAWs
• Limited included instruments and effects

Ardour

Pros

• Free and open source
• Powerful features rivaling paid DAWs
• Cross-platform - runs on Linux, macOS and Windows
• Constantly updated and improved

Cons

• Steep learning curve
• Limited native instruments and effects
• No notation or score editing

Pricing Comparison

Reaper

• Free Trial
• One-time Purchase

Ardour

• Open Source