Cockos REAPER
REAPER is a complete digital audio production application for Windows, macOS, and Linux, offering full multitrack audio and MIDI recording, editing, processing, mixing, and mastering tools for professional results.
WavePad
WavePad is a professional audio and music editor for Windows and Mac that lets you record and edit voice, music, and other audio recordings with powerful effects.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Cockos REAPER | WavePad |
|---|---|---|
| Website | cockos.com | nch.com.au |
| Pricing Model | One_time | One_time |
| Starting Price | $??/month | $60/month |
| FREE Trial | ✓ 60 days free trial | ✓ 0 days free trial |
| Free Plan | ✘ No free plan | ✓ Has free plan |
| Product Demo | ✘ No product demo | ✘ No product demo |
| Deployment | ||
| Integrations | ||
| Target Users | ||
| Target Industries | ||
| Customer Count | 0 | 0 |
| Founded Year | 2004 | 1993 |
| Headquarters | San Francisco, USA | Greenwood Village, USA |
Overview
Cockos REAPER
REAPER gives you a complete digital audio workstation environment where you can record, edit, mix, and master audio and MIDI projects. You can import any audio or MIDI file, synthesize, sample, compose, and arrange your tracks with a fast-loading, highly efficient engine. Whether you are recording a solo podcast or mixing a complex orchestral arrangement, the software handles high track counts and heavy processing without slowing down your creative flow.
You can customize every part of your workspace, from the visual theme to the keyboard shortcuts and menus. It supports a vast range of hardware and plug-in formats, allowing you to use your favorite VST, AU, or DX effects. Because the entire application is less than 150MB, you can run it from a USB drive and take your entire studio setup with you to any computer.
WavePad
WavePad is a full-featured professional audio and music editor designed to give you complete control over your sound files. You can record new audio or open existing files to perform essential edits like cutting, copying, and pasting, or apply advanced effects including echo, amplification, and noise reduction. It supports almost every audio format, ensuring you never have to worry about compatibility when working on your projects.
You can process thousands of files at once using the batch processing tool, saving you hours of manual work. Whether you are a professional sound engineer or just starting out, the interface adapts to your needs with a searchable library of royalty-free sound effects and music. It is ideal for small studios, podcasters, and hobbyists who need a reliable tool that balances power with a straightforward workflow.
Overview
Cockos REAPER Features
- Multitrack Recording Record multiple audio or MIDI inputs simultaneously to separate tracks for professional-grade studio sessions and live performances.
- Non-Destructive Editing Drag and drop your media to trim, loop, or fade clips without ever permanently altering your original source files.
- Extensive Plugin Support Run thousands of third-party VST, VST3, AU, and JSFX effects to shape your sound exactly how you want.
- Customizable Interface Change the entire look and feel of your workspace with user-made themes and custom toolbars that match your workflow.
- Real-time FX Processing Apply effects to tracks or individual clips in real-time and hear the results instantly without waiting for long renders.
- Automation and Routing Create complex signal chains and automate any parameter with a flexible routing matrix that handles any audio challenge.
WavePad Features
- Precision Editing. Cut, copy, paste, delete, and insert audio segments with millisecond precision to perfect your recordings and voiceovers.
- Audio Restoration. Remove unwanted background noise, clicks, and pops from old recordings using advanced spectral analysis and noise reduction tools.
- Batch Processing. Apply effects or convert thousands of files at once to save time on repetitive editing tasks.
- Extensive Effects Library. Enhance your sound with over 20 built-in effects including reverb, echo, equalizer, and professional-grade pitch shifting.
- Direct Plugin Support. Expand your creative options by using VST plugins to access thousands of additional tools and unique sound effects.
- Bookmark and Region Tools. Mark specific segments of long audio files so you can quickly find, recall, and assemble clips during production.
Pricing Comparison
Cockos REAPER Pricing
- Full software functionality
- For personal or non-profit use
- For businesses earning <$20k/year
- Includes free updates through v7.99
- One-time purchase price of $60
- Full software functionality
- For professional/commercial use
- Required if earning >$20k/year
- Includes free updates through v7.99
- One-time purchase price of $225
WavePad Pricing
- Professional editing tools
- Support for 50+ audio formats
- Direct VST plugin support
- Batch processing capabilities
- Over 20 audio effects
- Everything in Standard, plus:
- Access to SFX Library
- Advanced spectral analysis
- Additional professional effects
- Commercial use license
Pros & Cons
Cockos REAPER
Pros
- Extremely lightweight and fast performance on older hardware
- Unmatched customization of menus and keyboard shortcuts
- Very affordable one-time pricing compared to competitors
- Generous 60-day trial with no feature limitations
Cons
- Steep learning curve for beginners due to complexity
- Stock plugins have very basic visual interfaces
- Does not include a large built-in virtual instrument library
WavePad
Pros
- Extremely lightweight and fast on older hardware
- Supports a massive variety of audio file formats
- Intuitive interface makes basic editing very simple
- One-time purchase option avoids recurring monthly fees
Cons
- User interface looks dated compared to modern apps
- Multi-track editing requires a separate software download
- Technical support can be slow for free users