Bitwig Studio vs Reason
Bitwig Studio
bitwig.com
Reason
reasonstudios.comSide by side
| Figure | Bitwig Studio | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | Free |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 5 | 11 |
| Spec score · Music Production Software | 8.8 (#2) | 8.2 (#9) |
| Spec score · Game Music Software | 8.8 (#2) | 8.2 (#8) |
| Spec score · Audio Editing Software | 8.8 (#10) | 8.8 (#12) |
| Spec score · Digital Audio Workstations | 8.8 (#3) | 8.2 (#12) |
| Founded | 2009 | 1994 |
| Free plan | No | Yes |
| Headquarters | Berlin, Germany | Stockholm, Sweden |
| Intended users | Bitwig describes its audience as musicians, sound designers, composers, film scorers, and artists from various fields. | The maker describes Reason as aimed at exploratory music makers and says its tools serve producers, music makers, and music lovers. |
| MIDI sequencing | Yes | Yes |
| Multitrack editing | Yes | Yes |
| Product | Bitwig Studio is a digital audio workstation for recording, arranging, improvising, performing, sound design, and building instruments. | Reason is music-making software offered as both a DAW and a plugin, with a virtual rack of instruments and effects. |
| Support | Bitwig provides a contact form for technical software problems and says submitted information is used to answer inquiries and provide technical support. | Reason Studios provides product manuals, tutorials, and a support team for Reason questions. |
| Supported platforms | macOS, Windows, Linux | Windows, macOS |
| System requirements | The download page lists a minimum of 4 GB RAM, 1280 × 768 display resolution, and 26 GB free disk space for full content installation. | The minimum requirements include 4 GB RAM, 6.5 GB free space for the application, and an internet connection. |
| Third-party plugins | Yes | Yes |
Plans
Bitwig Studio
- Essentials$99, paid once
- Producer$199, paid once
- Bitwig Studio Essentials$99, paid once
- Bitwig Studio Producer$199, paid once
- Bitwig Studio$399, paid once
Reason
- Reason+Priced on request
- Reason+Price not published
- Reason+Priced on request
- Reason 14$299, paid once
- Reason FreeFree
- Reason 14Price not published
- Reason+ (annual)Price not published
- Reason+ (monthly)Price not published
- Reason Rack 14 PluginPrice not published
- Reason Rack Plugin subscription (annual)Price not published
In their own words
Bitwig Studio
Bitwig Studio is a digital audio workstation for recording, arranging, improvising, performing, sound design, and building instruments. Its timeline Arranger supports linear workflows, while the Clip Launcher supports non-linear creation and performance. Audio tools include recording, comping, editing, and time stretching, with available algorithms varying by edition. The Grid provides modular tools for building instruments and audio or note effects; Bitwig Studio includes 43 modulators. Listed editions support unlimited VST and CLAP plugins, side-chain support, bridging, delay compensation, and crash protection. The software can sequence, sync, and control connected gear using MIDI, CC, CV, Gate, analog and MIDI Clock, and MIDI Timecode. It runs on macOS, Windows, and Linux, with operating-system, RAM, display, and disk requirements specified. Essentials is listed at 99.00 EUR once and Producer at 199.00 EUR once. A 30-day trial is available after signing up and downloading.
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.