openDAW vs Reason
openDAW
opendaw.org
Reason
reasonstudios.comSide by side
| Figure | openDAW | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | — |
| Windows | — | Yes |
| macOS | — | Yes |
| Self-hosted | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 1 | 11 |
| Spec score · Audio Editing Software | 8.0 (#51) | 8.8 (#12) |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Intended users | The maker presents openDAW for students, teachers and schools, including hands-on music production and learning to code audio. | 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 | openDAW is a web-based digital audio workstation for creating music in a browser. | Reason is music-making software offered as both a DAW and a plugin, with a virtual rack of instruments and effects. |
| Support | The maker invites users to discuss features and updates on Discord and offers personal tours by appointment. | Reason Studios provides product manuals, tutorials, and a support team for Reason questions. |
| Supported platforms | Web browser | Windows, macOS |
Plans
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
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.