Pro Tools vs Reason
Pro Tools
avid.com
Reason
reasonstudios.comSide by side
| Figure | Pro Tools | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 25 | 12 |
| Spec score · Audio Editing Software | 9.2 (#2) | 8.8 (#12) |
| Spec score · Digital Audio Workstations | 8.6 (#5) | 8.2 (#12) |
| Spec score · Game Music Software | 8.5 (#4) | 8.2 (#8) |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Intended users | Avid describes Pro Tools as a workstation trusted by studios, producers, and artists, with workflows spanning music production and audio post. | 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 |
| Support | Users can get help through community support, and those with an active support contract, subscription, or Avid Support Code can create a support case or call Avid. | Reason Studios provides product manuals, tutorials, and a support team for Reason questions. |
| Supported platforms | Windows, macOS | Windows, macOS |
| System requirements | Avid specifies 16 GB RAM, an internet connection for installation and activation, and 15 GB free installation space. | 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
Pro Tools
- IntroPrice not published
- IntroPriced on request
- Artist$9.99 a month
- Pro Tools Artist$9.99 a month
- Pro Tools Studio$34.99 a month
- Artist$99 a year
- Studio$34.99 a month
- Pro Tools Ultimate$99 a month
- Studio$299 a year
- Ultimate$99 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
Pro Tools
Pro Tools is a digital audio workstation for recording, editing and mixing audio on Windows and macOS. It includes MIDI tools, virtual instruments, samples and arrangement features for music production. Recording options include loop recording, playlist comping, punch-in recording and support for up to 256 simultaneous audio inputs. Editing tools include Elastic Audio, clip gain, pitch manipulation and audio-to-MIDI conversion, alongside Slip, Grid, Shuffle and Spot modes. Mixing features include automation, flexible routing, folder tracks and plugins, with spatial rendering for Dolby Atmos and Audio Vivid. Studio and Ultimate include video tracks and timecode for sound-to-picture work. Intro is free forever and lists up to 8 audio, instrument and MIDI tracks. Artist costs $9.99 a month, Studio costs $34.99 a month and Ultimate costs $99 a month. Avid specifies 16 GB RAM, 15 GB free installation space and an internet connection for installation and activation. Community support is available; direct support cases or calls require an active support contract, subscription or Avid Support Code.
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.