REAPER

by Cockos · Audio & music production

PaidWindowsMacLinux

Full digital audio workstation with a fully functional evaluation.

Official download from reaper.fm (opens in a new tab)

Opens reaper.fm, Cockos's own site. No mirror, no bundle.

Overview

What is REAPER?

REAPER is a lightweight, highly customisable DAW for recording, mixing and mastering. It has a fully working evaluation period, then needs an affordable licence.

Key features

  • Multi-track recording and mixing
  • VST, AU and CLAP plugin support
  • Very small install size
  • Scripting and custom actions

Best for

  • Home studio recording
  • Podcast production
  • Mixing on modest hardware

Install

How to install REAPER

  1. 1Open the official REAPER download page on reaper.fm.
  2. 2Pick the build for your system (Windows, Mac, Linux; check x64, ARM or Apple silicon where offered).
  3. 3Run the installer and read each screen; decline anything you did not ask for.
  4. 4Keep it updated from the app's own updater or your package manager.

Install from the command line

  • Windows · winget

    winget install --id Cockos.REAPER -e --source winget

  • Mac · Homebrew

    brew install --cask reaper

Package IDs checked against the public winget, Homebrew and Flathub repositories on 1 Nov 2026. Build a script for several apps.

Safety

Download REAPER safely

  • Check the domain

    The real download lives on reaper.fm. Look-alike domains and search ads are the most common trap.

  • Skip mirrors

    Download portals can wrap installers in adware or old versions. You never need them for this app.

  • Verify if you can

    If the publisher lists a checksum, compare it with our in-browser checker before running the file.

  • Watch the installer

    Untick extras, browser changes or trials you did not ask for.

Open the checksum checker

Alternatives

REAPER alternatives

Other audio & music production apps, closest platform match first.

All audio

FAQ

REAPER questions

Where can I download REAPER safely?

Download REAPER only from Cockos's official site at reaper.fm. Avoid mirror and "download portal" sites, which can bundle extra software with the installer.

Is REAPER free?

REAPER is paid software. You can try it first (trial or evaluation), then buy a licence from reaper.fm.

Does REAPER work on Windows, Mac and Linux?

REAPER is available for Windows, Mac, Linux. Check Cockos's download page for exact system requirements and whether your processor (x64, ARM or Apple silicon) is supported.

Can I install REAPER from the command line?

Yes, with winget on Windows (winget install --id Cockos.REAPER -e); Homebrew on Mac (brew install --cask reaper). Package managers fetch the publisher's files and make updates easy.

What are good alternatives to REAPER?

See the alternatives section on this page and the full audio & music production list on AltFTool, which shows each app's licence and platforms side by side. Free and open-source options are marked in the list.