Adobe Premiere Pro vs REAPER: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Adobe Premiere Pro and REAPER comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Adobe Premiere Pro
Professional video editing
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.9/10 vs 8.7/10)
- • You need video editing features specifically
- • Professional video editing software used in Hollywood productions at $22.99/month with annual plan
- • AI-powered features include auto-transcription, scene detection, and color matching across clips
REAPER
Digital audio workstation
Best for you if:
- • You need audio editing features specifically
- • Affordable professional digital audio workstation
- • Highly customizable with scripting
| At a Glance |  REAPER | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Paid |
Best For | Video Editing | Audio Editing |
Rating | 89/100 | 87/100 |
| Feature | Adobe Premiere Pro | REAPER |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 89 | 87 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 71 |
| Categories | Video EditingAnimation | Audio EditingMusic Production |
Understanding the Differences
Both Adobe Premiere Pro and REAPER solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Adobe Premiere Pro positions itself as "professional video editing" while REAPERfocuses on "digital audio workstation". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Adobe Premiere Pro
Adobe Premiere Pro makes sense if you're looking for a comprehensive paid solution. With a score of 89/100, it's our top pick in this comparison.
When to Choose REAPER
REAPER is worth considering if you need a professional-grade tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
Neither is free, but both have their value. Test them both and see which clicks.
We'd pick: REAPER
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Adobe Premiere Pro handles scale better in our testing.
We'd pick: Adobe Premiere Pro
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Adobe Premiere Pro is built for organizations like yours.
We'd pick: Adobe Premiere Pro
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Both are paid tools. If money isn't the issue, go with Adobe Premiere Pro—it scored higher.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated Adobe Premiere Pro higher (89/100). But the community has upvoted REAPER more (71 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Adobe Premiere Pro Does Better
- Higher overall score (89/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider REAPER If
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with Adobe Premiere Pro (89/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Adobe Premiere Pro scores higher in our analysis, but REAPER might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Adobe Premiere Pro or REAPER better?
Based on our analysis, Adobe Premiere Pro scores higher with 89/100. Adobe Premiere Pro ispaid while REAPER is paid. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Adobe Premiere Pro to REAPER easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do Adobe Premiere Pro and REAPER offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Adobe Premiere Pro is paid with potential trial.REAPER is paid with potential trial. Visit their websites for current trial offers.