REAPER vs Adobe Audition: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between REAPER and Adobe Audition 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:
REAPER
Digital audio workstation
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.7/10 vs 8.6/10)
- • Affordable professional digital audio workstation
- • Highly customizable with scripting
Adobe Audition
Professional audio workstation
Best for you if:
- • Professional audio editing and mixing
- • Multitrack recording for podcasts
| At a Glance |  REAPER | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Paid |
Best For | Audio Editing | Audio Editing |
Rating | 87/100 | 86/100 |
| Feature | REAPER | Adobe Audition |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 87 | 86 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 71 | 180 |
| Categories | Audio EditingMusic Production | Audio EditingMusic Production |
Understanding the Differences
Both REAPER and Adobe Audition solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.REAPER positions itself as "digital audio workstation" while Adobe Auditionfocuses on "professional audio workstation". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose REAPER
REAPER makes sense if you're looking for a comprehensive paid solution. With a score of 87/100, it's our top pick in this comparison.
When to Choose Adobe Audition
Adobe Audition 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: Adobe Audition
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. REAPER handles scale better in our testing.
We'd pick: REAPER
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. REAPER is built for organizations like yours.
We'd pick: REAPER
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Both are paid tools. If money isn't the issue, go with REAPER—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 REAPER higher (87/100). But the community has upvoted Adobe Audition more (180 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What REAPER Does Better
- Higher overall score (87/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Adobe Audition 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 REAPER (87/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. REAPER scores higher in our analysis, but Adobe Audition 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 REAPER or Adobe Audition better?
Based on our analysis, REAPER scores higher with 87/100. REAPER ispaid while Adobe Audition 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 REAPER to Adobe Audition 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 REAPER and Adobe Audition offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. REAPER is paid with potential trial.Adobe Audition is paid with potential trial. Visit their websites for current trial offers.