Reason vs Tracktion Waveform
Reason
reasonstudios.comTracktion Waveform
tracktion.comSide by side
| Figure | Reason | Tracktion Waveform |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 12 | 5 |
| Spec score · Digital Audio Workstations | 8.2 (#12) | 7.6 (#27) |
| Intended users | The maker describes Reason as aimed at exploratory music makers and says its tools serve producers, music makers, and music lovers. | Waveform Free’s page presents use cases including band recording, electronic production, podcasting, singer-songwriting, and house of worship. |
| Product | Reason is music-making software offered as both a DAW and a plugin, with a virtual rack of instruments and effects. | Waveform is a digital audio workstation for music creators. |
| Support | Reason Studios provides product manuals, tutorials, and a support team for Reason questions. | Tracktion offers a support bot, human-powered support, training videos, and a knowledgebase. |
Plans
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
Tracktion Waveform
- Waveform FreeFree
- Waveform Pro$249, paid once
- Recommended Bundle$349, paid once
- Studio Content Bundle$599, paid once
- Everything Bundle$999, paid once
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.
Tracktion Waveform
Tracktion Waveform is a digital audio workstation for music creators on Linux, macOS, and Windows. Waveform Free is described for multitrack band recording and supports audio effects plus VST, VST3, and AU plugins. For electronic production, it includes inline MIDI and Step Clip access, a rack environment, and instruments such as a 4OSC synth, Micro Drum Sampler, Micro Sampler, and Rompler. Listed use cases also include podcasting, singer-songwriting, and house of worship. Waveform Pro 14 supports multiple video clips in an edit and can extract audio from video clips. It can also split a stereo mix into four components or extract selected elements such as vocals or drums. Waveform 14 supports listed launchpad-style controllers and Ableton Link, with a JavaScript API for further controller configuration. Pro plugin sandboxing deactivates a third-party plugin after a crash rather than closing the host. Waveform Free costs nothing. Waveform Pro costs $249, paid once, and its page advertises a 30-day unlimited trial. One-time bundles are also listed at $349.00 USD, $599.00 USD, and $999.00 USD.