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REAPER vs Traktor Pro

REAPER logo

REAPER

Music

Full digital audio workstation with a 60 day evaluation and a USD 60 personal licence

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Traktor Pro logo

Traktor Pro

Music

Native Instruments DJ software sold as a straightforward one-time purchase, with a free entry edition called Traktor Play

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: REAPER the USD 60 discounted licence requires that yearly gross revenue does not exceed USD 20,000, above which the commercial licence at USD 225 applies; Traktor Pro native Instruments hardware and club installation share is smaller than Pioneer DJ’s, so touring DJs relying on rekordbox-native CDJs in venues face more setup friction with Traktor.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 1 September 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which REAPER and Traktor Pro actually diverge.

Attributes where REAPER and Traktor Pro differ
AttributeREAPERTraktor Pro
Pricing modelone-timeOne-time purchase
PlatformsWindows, macOS, LinuxmacOS, Windows

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Music).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in REAPER

Nothing recorded that Traktor Pro does not also cover.

Only in Traktor Pro

  • Remix Decks
  • Stem separation
  • Timecode control
  • Traktor Play
  • Effects Ensemble
  • Beatport integration

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

REAPER

  • Music productionnot Traktor Pro
  • Audio recordingnot Traktor Pro
  • Audio editingnot Traktor Pro
  • Post productionnot Traktor Pro
  • Podcast editingnot Traktor Pro

Traktor Pro

  • A DJ who wants to own software outright rather than pay a recurring subscription like Serato Pro or rekordbox Corenot REAPER
  • A performer who wants real-time stem separation and remix decks for improvised setsnot REAPER
  • A beginner testing Traktor Play for free before deciding whether to buy Pronot REAPER
  • A DJ already invested in Native Instruments Kontrol hardware wanting tight software-hardware integrationnot REAPER

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

REAPER

  • The USD 60 discounted licence requires that yearly gross revenue does not exceed USD 20,000, above which the commercial licence at USD 225 applies
  • The commercial licence at USD 225 is nearly four times the discounted one for identical software, since the price is set by who is using it rather than by what it does
  • The evaluation lasts 60 days, after which continued use requires a purchased licence
  • Sold as a paid licence with no free tier beyond the evaluation period

Traktor Pro

  • Native Instruments hardware and club installation share is smaller than Pioneer DJ’s, so touring DJs relying on rekordbox-native CDJs in venues face more setup friction with Traktor.
  • Traktor Play deliberately withholds Remix Decks, stem separation and other Pro features, so it functions as a funnel to the paid edition rather than a fully capable free tier.
  • The one-time purchase model means major version upgrades (such as Traktor 3 to Traktor 4) have historically required a new paid upgrade rather than being included indefinitely.
  • Its market share and third-party plugin ecosystem are smaller than Serato’s, so fewer expansion packs and community resources exist.
  • Timecode vinyl control requires Native Instruments-specific or certified hardware, which can mean an additional hardware purchase beyond the software price.

Pricing, plan by plan

REAPER

Free
  • Discounted License$60/one-time
    • For individuals using REAPER personally
    • For businesses with yearly gross revenue under 20000 USD
    • For educational and non-profit organizations
  • Commercial License$225/one-time
    • For commercial use by businesses exceeding revenue threshold
    • Includes free upgrades through REAPER version 8.99

Traktor Pro

Free
  • Traktor PlayFree
    • Free entry edition
    • Basic beatmatched mixing
  • Traktor Pro 4$149/month
    • One-time purchase, no subscription required
    • Remix Decks, stem separation and full effects suite
    • Two months of Beatport Pro streaming included for new users

Which should you pick?

Choose REAPER if

  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, macOS, Linux.
REAPER review

Choose Traktor Pro if

  • You need remix decks.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on macOS, Windows.
  • You also want stem separation.
Traktor Pro review

Questions people ask

Is REAPER or Traktor Pro better?
Neither clearly leads. REAPER starts at Free and Traktor Pro at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, REAPER or Traktor Pro?
REAPER starts at Free and Traktor Pro at Free.
Does REAPER or Traktor Pro run on more platforms?
REAPER runs on Windows, macOS, Linux. Traktor Pro runs on macOS, Windows.
Can I use REAPER for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is REAPER best used for?
REAPER is most often used for music production, audio recording, audio editing, post production. Of those, music production and audio recording are not what Traktor Pro is typically brought in for.
What can REAPER do that Traktor Pro cannot?
Traktor Pro covers Remix Decks, Stem separation, Timecode control, Traktor Play.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

REAPER: How much does REAPER cost?

REAPER costs 60 USD for a discounted license (individuals, non-profits, organizations under 20000 USD annual revenue) or 225 USD for commercial use. All licenses include free updates through version 8.99.

Source
Traktor Pro: Is Traktor Pro really a one-time purchase?

Yes, at $149 for Traktor Pro 4, with no subscription required, unlike Serato DJ Pro and rekordbox’s subscription tiers.

REAPER: Can I try REAPER before buying?

Yes, REAPER offers a 60-day full evaluation period with no artificial feature limitations, allowing you to test all capabilities before purchasing.

Source
Traktor Pro: What does the free Traktor Play edition include?

Basic beatmatched mixing without Remix Decks, stem separation or the full effects suite; it is an on-ramp to Pro rather than a complete free product.

Traktor Pro: Do I need Native Instruments hardware to use it?

No, but timecode vinyl or CDJ control requires certified hardware; standard mixing works with generic MIDI controllers or the keyboard and mouse.

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