Ableton Live vs Reason
Ableton Live
ableton.com
Reason
reasonstudios.comSide by side
| Figure | Ableton Live | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $31.21/mo | Free |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 7 | 12 |
| Spec score · Digital Audio Workstations | 7.6 (#24) | 8.2 (#12) |
| Spec score · Audio Editing Software | 7.6 (#84) | 8.8 (#12) |
| Spec score · Game Music Software | 7.6 (#18) | 8.2 (#8) |
| Founded | 1999 | 1994 |
| Free plan | No | Yes |
| Headquarters | Berlin, Germany | Stockholm, Sweden |
| MIDI sequencing | Yes | Yes |
| Multitrack editing | Yes | Yes |
| Supported platforms | Windows, macOS | Windows, macOS |
| Third-party plugins | Yes | Yes |
Plans
Ableton Live
- Live 12 Intro$99 a month
- Live 12 Intro$99, paid once
- Live 12 Standard$349 a month
- Live 12 Standard$349, paid once
- Live 12 Suite$749, paid once
- Live 12 Suite$749 a month
- Live 12 Suite Rent-to-own$31.21 a month
Reason
- Reason+Priced on request
- Reason+Price not published
- Reason+Priced on request
- Reason 14$299, paid once
- Reason 14$299 a month
- Reason FreeFree
- Reason 14Price not published
- Reason+ (annual)Price not published
- Reason+ (monthly)Price not published
- Reason Rack 14 PluginPrice not published
In their own words
Ableton Live
Ableton Live has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.
Reason
Reason is music-making software from Reason, a maker founded in 1994 and headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden. It is available as a full digital audio workstation (DAW) and as a plugin. The DAW supports recording, sequencing, and mixing, with multitrack editing and MIDI sequencing. In its virtual Rack, users can connect instruments, effects, and Player MIDI effects. The Rack plugin is available in VST3, AU, and AAX formats and is described as compatible with major DAWs; tutorials cover Ableton, FL Studio, Logic Pro, and Pro Tools.
Reason Free is a plugin with 15 devices and no trial, expiration, or watermarks; it requires a compatible DAW. Reason+ includes the latest DAW and Rack plugin, 93 devices, weekly sound packs, AI stem separation and mastering, and LANDR distribution. Reason runs on Windows and macOS, with minimum requirements of 4 GB RAM, 6.5 GB of free application space, and an internet connection. After login, Reason and Reason Rack can run offline for at least 30 days. Eligible subscriptions have a seven-day free trial.