[Home](https://www.selecthub.com/) \> [Audio Editing Software](https://www.selecthub.com/c/audio-editing-software/) \> [Reaper](https://www.selecthub.com/p/audio-editing-software/reaper-audio/) \> Reaper vs Sound Forge # Reaper vs Sound Forge Last Updated: July 13th, 2026 Our analysts compared [Reaper](https://www.selecthub.com/p/audio-editing-software/reaper-audio/) vs [Sound Forge](https://www.selecthub.com/p/audio-editing-software/sound-forge/) based on data from our 400+ point analysis of [Audio Editing Software](https://www.selecthub.com/c/audio-editing-software/), user reviews and our own crowdsourced data from our [free software selection platform](https://www.selecthub.com/about/start-free-selection-project-site/?category=Audio Editing Software&cta=audio-editing-software). [Overview](#product-overview) [Pricing](#product-pricing) [Our Review](#product-analyst-summary) [User Ratings](#user-sentiment-section) [Features](#product-benefits-features) [Analyst Ratings](#analyst-rating-section) [Comparison Charts](#product-comparison-charts) [Screenshots](#product-screenshots) Remove Add to Compare [![Reaper Software Tool](https://cdn.selecthub.com/products/874121fee1d3bebea38815d169d47848-907d296643c6f1e6aa4b0e1f930130d9/resources/normal/logo.png?1727460596)](https://www.selecthub.com/p/audio-editing-software/reaper-audio/) [ ![Product Awards](https://www.selecthub.com/display/images/awards_badge.svg) ](#awards-section) Remove Add to Compare [![Sound Forge Software Tool](https://cdn.selecthub.com/products/7faae67aa3cb2e3cbc3d5f3f12fe809c-ea9c66c7fe9e644ec8629595c21a5d49/resources/normal/logo.png?1727460794)](https://www.selecthub.com/p/audio-editing-software/sound-forge/) [Get Free Demo](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-demo/?category=Audio+Editing+Software&product%5Fname=Reaper&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2F874121fee1d3bebea38815d169d47848-907d296643c6f1e6aa4b0e1f930130d9%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1727460596) [Demo](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-demo/?category=Audio+Editing+Software&product%5Fname=Reaper&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2F874121fee1d3bebea38815d169d47848-907d296643c6f1e6aa4b0e1f930130d9%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1727460596) [Request Pricing](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-pricing/?category=Audio+Editing+Software&product%5Fname=Reaper&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2F874121fee1d3bebea38815d169d47848-907d296643c6f1e6aa4b0e1f930130d9%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1727460596&price=2) [Pricing](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-pricing/?category=Audio+Editing+Software&product%5Fname=Reaper&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2F874121fee1d3bebea38815d169d47848-907d296643c6f1e6aa4b0e1f930130d9%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1727460596&price=2) [Get Free Demo](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-demo/?category=Audio+Editing+Software&product%5Fname=Sound%2BForge&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2F7faae67aa3cb2e3cbc3d5f3f12fe809c-ea9c66c7fe9e644ec8629595c21a5d49%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1727460794) [Demo](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-demo/?category=Audio+Editing+Software&product%5Fname=Sound%2BForge&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2F7faae67aa3cb2e3cbc3d5f3f12fe809c-ea9c66c7fe9e644ec8629595c21a5d49%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1727460794) [Request Pricing](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-pricing/?category=Audio+Editing+Software&product%5Fname=Sound%2BForge&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2F7faae67aa3cb2e3cbc3d5f3f12fe809c-ea9c66c7fe9e644ec8629595c21a5d49%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1727460794&price=3) [Pricing](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-pricing/?category=Audio+Editing+Software&product%5Fname=Sound%2BForge&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2F7faae67aa3cb2e3cbc3d5f3f12fe809c-ea9c66c7fe9e644ec8629595c21a5d49%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1727460794&price=3) ### Products Insights Overall Rating Comparison [ Analyst Rating Reaper - Analyst Score: 71 out of 100 71 Detailed Analysis ](#analyst-rating-section) [ User Sentiment ![Excellent User Sentiment](https://www.selecthub.com/display/images/scores/excellent.svg) (85 Reviews) ](#user-sentiment-section) [ Analyst Rating Sound Forge - Analyst Score: 59 out of 100 59 Detailed Analysis ](#analyst-rating-section) [ User Sentiment ![Great User Sentiment](https://www.selecthub.com/display/images/scores/great.svg) (83 Reviews) ](#user-sentiment-section) Price Starts From $60 One-Time [Free Trial is available →](https://pmo.selecthub.com/free-trial/?product%5Fname=Reaper&category=Audio Editing Software&product%5Flogo=https://d3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net/products/874121fee1d3bebea38815d169d47848-907d296643c6f1e6aa4b0e1f930130d9/resources/normal/logo.png?1727460596) $199 One-Time [Free Trial is available →](https://pmo.selecthub.com/free-trial/?product%5Fname=Sound Forge&category=Audio Editing Software&product%5Flogo=https://d3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net/products/7faae67aa3cb2e3cbc3d5f3f12fe809c-ea9c66c7fe9e644ec8629595c21a5d49/resources/normal/logo.png?1727460794) Pros What we like about Reaper and Sound Forge: * Highly customizable interface and workflow that users tailor to specific tasks * Full multi-track DAW covering recording, editing, mixing, and mastering * Runs efficiently on lower-spec machines and supports Windows, Mac, and Linux * Wide third-party plugin support across VST, VST3, AU, and JS formats * Intuitive interface that users find approachable even for detailed editing work * Strong precision tools for mastering, restoration, and single-track audio cleanup * Dedicated audiobook features like Truncate Silence and specialized export options * High-resolution audio support up to 64-bit/768 kHz for pristine output quality Cons What we dislike about Reaper and Sound Forge: * Steep learning curve that users find overwhelming when first starting out * Dense interface that can feel cluttered until you learn its layout * Some users report occasional bugs that can disrupt active project work * Piano roll feels less intuitive than competing DAWs for some users * No multi-track editing, which forces users to juggle other programs for layered projects * Known compatibility issues with certain VST plugins that affect specific workflows * Some users find the cost steep next to free options like Audacity * Extensive feature set can feel heavy for users with simple editing needs ### Our Review **Bottom line:** Reaper and Sound Forge solve different problems. Reaper is a full multi-track DAW for music production, scoring, and podcasting. Sound Forge is a single-track editor built for mastering, restoration, and detailed audio cleanup. Pick Reaper if you need to record, arrange, and mix layered sessions. Users praise its deep customization, MIDI tools, and flexible routing. The tradeoff is a steeper learning curve and an interface that can feel dense at first. Pick Sound Forge if your work centers on one track at a time. Users find it intuitive for tasks like mastering, noise reduction, and audiobook production, with dedicated features like Truncate Silence. The lack of multi-track editing rules it out for layered projects. Reaper starts at $60 one-time, while Sound Forge starts at $199 one-time. Both skip subscriptions, which suits buyers who want to own the software outright. Some Sound Forge users still find the cost steep next to free tools like Audacity. Plugin support differs too. Reaper handles VST, VST3, AU, and JS plugins broadly. Sound Forge supports VST3 and DirectX, but users report compatibility hiccups with certain VST plugins. If you're a beginner who only needs clean single-track edits, Sound Forge gets you working faster. If you want a customizable, scalable DAW and don't mind the ramp-up, Reaper gives you more room to grow. ### Analyst Rating Summary Overall Scores Based on the research and analysis by SelectHub's team of research analysts, Reaper has an analyst rating of 71\. By comparison Sound Forge has an analyst rating of 59\. Reaper - Analyst Score: 71 out of 100 71 Sound Forge - Analyst Score: 59 out of 100 59 Features Comparison **Advanced Editing Tools** Empowers users to fine-tune audio tracks with precision, enabling them to create professional-quality sound designs. 98 73 **Audio Formats and Conversion** Supports a wide range of audio formats, enabling users to import, export, and convert files seamlessly, ensuring compatibility across different devices and platforms. 96 83 **Audio Recording** Provides tools for high-quality audio recording, allowing users to capture and edit sound directly within the software. 90 43 [Show More](#) [Show More](https://pmo.selecthub.com/customize-data/?category=Audio Editing Software) Strengths The best features of Reaper and Sound Forge as judged by user reviews and analyst validation. Basic Editing Tools Advanced Editing Tools Audio Formats and Conversion Audio Recording Effects and Processing ### Analyst Ratings for Functional Requirements [Customize This Data](#) [Customize This Data](https://pmo.selecthub.com/customize-data/?category=Audio Editing Software) How Reaper and Sound Forge compare against the top 6 functional requirements as defined by SelectHub project data. Reaper Sound Forge \+ Add Product [\+ Add Product](https://pmo.selecthub.com/customize-data/?category=Audio Editing Software) Advanced Editing Tools Audio Formats AndConversion Audio Recording Basic Editing Tools Effects And Processing Platform Capabilities 98 96 90 100 84 76 73 83 43 80 87 61 0 25 50 75 100 Implementation Level of Effort Estimation **Tier 1:** Fully/moderately supported out-of-the-box allowing for quick and easy deployment. [Read more](#) **Tier 2:** Supported with workarounds or add-ons that may require additional costs. **Tier 3:** Requires partner integrations or custom development that is often at an additional cost. **Advanced Editing Tools** Empowers users to fine-tune audio tracks with precision, enabling them to create professional-quality sound designs. 100% 0% 0% 75% 0% 25% **Audio Formats And Conversion** Supports a wide range of audio formats, enabling users to import, export, and convert files seamlessly, ensuring compatibility across different devices and platforms. 100% 0% 0% 75% 25% 0% **Audio Recording** Provides tools for high-quality audio recording, allowing users to capture and edit sound directly within the software. 67% 33% 0% 0% 67% 33% **Basic Editing Tools** Provides a user-friendly interface for essential tasks like trimming, cutting, and joining audio clips, making audio editing accessible to users of all skill levels. 100% 0% 0% 80% 0% 20% **Effects And Processing** Offers a variety of effects and processing tools to enhance sound quality, add creative effects, and manipulate audio signals, elevating the overall audio experience. 73% 0% 27% 91% 0% 9% **Platform Capabilities** Empowers users to create and edit audio projects across various platforms, ensuring accessibility and flexibility for diverse work environments. 63% 13% 24% 63% 0% 37% **Customize This Data For Your Unique Needs**and compare feature capabilities head-to-head [CUSTOMIZE NOW](#) [CUSTOMIZE NOW](https://pmo.selecthub.com/customize-data/?category=Audio Editing Software) ### Analyst Ratings for Technical Requirements [Customize This Data](#) [Customize This Data](https://pmo.selecthub.com/customize-data/?category=Audio Editing Software) Implementation Level of Effort Estimation **Tier 1:** Fully/moderately supported out-of-the-box allowing for quick and easy deployment. [Read more](#) **Tier 2:** Supported with workarounds or add-ons that may require additional costs. **Tier 3:** Requires partner integrations or custom development that is often at an additional cost. **Integrations** Seamlessly integrates with other creative tools, streamlining workflows and enhancing the overall audio production process. 57% 43% 0% 57% 29% 14% **Security** Prioritizes data security, safeguarding sensitive audio projects through robust encryption and access controls. 0% 40% 60% 20% 0% 80% **Requirements Summary**Of typical requirements, 56.9% are fully supported out of the box by Reaper including Basic Editing Tools, Advanced Editing Tools and Audio Formats And Conversion. Sound Forge supports 39.2% and excels at Basic Editing Tools, Advanced Editing Tools and Platform Capabilities. Reaper has an analyst rating of 71 and a user sentiment rating of 'excellent' based on 85 reviews, while Sound Forge has an analyst rating of 59 and a user sentiment rating of 'great' based on 83 reviews. ### User Sentiment Summary Reaper has a user sentiment rating of 93 based on 85 reviews. Sound Forge has a user sentiment rating of 88 based on 83 reviews. ![Excellent User Sentiment](https://www.selecthub.com/display/images/scores/excellent.svg) 85 reviews ![Great User Sentiment](https://www.selecthub.com/display/images/scores/great.svg) 83 reviews Synopsis Evaluating all review platforms, our market analysts have compiled the following user sentiment data. 93% of users recommend this product Reaper has a 'excellent' User Satisfaction Rating of 93% when considering 85 user reviews from 2 recognized software review sites. 88% of users recommend this product Sound Forge has a 'great' User Satisfaction Rating of 88% when considering 83 user reviews from 3 recognized software review sites. User Review Scores **G2.com, Inc** **4.5** (28) **4.3** (52) **Capterra Inc** **4.7** (57) **4.7** (28) **TrustRadius** n/a **3.0** (3) ### Awards SelectHub awards earned by these products based on a comprehensive analysis by our research analysts. Reaper stands above the rest by achieving an ‘Excellent’ rating as a User Favorite. ![User Favorite Award]() No awards. ### Product Assistance Training Resources Documentation In Person Live Online Videos Webinars Documentation In Person Live Online Videos Webinars Support Email Phone Chat FAQ Forum Knowledge Base 24/7 Live Support Email Phone Chat FAQ Forum Knowledge Base 24/7 Live Support ### Product Basics Company Size i Small Medium Large Small Medium Large Platforms Supported Windows Mac Linux Android Chromebook Windows Mac Linux Android Chromebook Deployment Supported Cloud On-Premise Mobile Cloud On-Premise Mobile Comparison of Top Alternatives [Reaper Alternatives ](https://www.selecthub.com/audio-editing-software/reaper-audio/alternatives/) [Sound Forge Alternatives ](https://www.selecthub.com/audio-editing-software/sound-forge/alternatives/) ### Screenshots ![Screenshots]() ![Screenshots]() ### Key Features * **Customizable interface** – Lets you reshape toolbars, layouts, and themes to match your workflow, with deeper control than most competing DAWs offer. * **Plugin support** – Handles VST, VST3, AU, and JS plugins, giving you broad third-party options for processing and instruments. * **Flexible routing** – Supports unlimited sends, inserts, and sidechains for building complex signal chains in larger sessions. * **MIDI editing** – Includes piano roll, notation view, and detailed MIDI routing for composers and electronic producers. * **ReaScript API** – Lets you automate tasks and extend the software using EEL, Lua, or Python scripts. * **Customizable interface** – Offers dockable windows, custom toolbars, and shortcut mapping focused on a single-track editing workflow. * **Plugin support** – Works with VST3 and DirectX plugins, though users note compatibility issues with some VST instruments. * **Audio restoration** – Includes spectral cleaning and noise reduction tools to remove clicks, pops, and background noise from recordings. * **Mastering suite** – Bundles EQ, dynamics, and reverb tools to polish final mixes for distribution. * **CD authoring** – Builds Red Book audio CDs with track markers, CD text, and ISRC codes for physical release prep. ### Top Alternatives in Audio Editing Software [ Ableton Live ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/audio-editing-software/ableton-live/) [ Adobe Audition ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/audio-editing-software/adobe-audition/) [ Audacity ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/audio-editing-software/audacity/) [ AudioDirector 365 ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/audio-editing-software/audiodirector-365/) [ Cubase ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/audio-editing-software/cubase/) [ FL Studio ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/audio-editing-software/fl-studio/) [ GarageBand ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/audio-editing-software/garageband/) [ GoldWave ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/audio-editing-software/goldwave/) [ Logic Pro ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/audio-editing-software/logic-pro/) [ Ocenaudio ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/audio-editing-software/ocenaudio/) [ Pro Tools ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/audio-editing-software/pro-tools/) [ Reason Studios ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/audio-editing-software/reason-studios/) [ Sound Forge ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/audio-editing-software/sound-forge/) [ Soundtrap ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/audio-editing-software/soundtrap/) [ Studio One ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/audio-editing-software/studio-one/) ### Head-to-Head Comparison ![Reaper Software Tool]() ![Ableton Live Software Tool]() [Reaper VS Ableton Live](https://www.selecthub.com/audio-editing-software/ableton-live-vs-reaper-audio/) ![Reaper Software Tool]() ![Adobe Audition Software Tool]() [Reaper VS Adobe Audition](https://www.selecthub.com/audio-editing-software/adobe-audition-vs-reaper-audio/) ![Reaper Software Tool]() ![Audacity Software Tool]() [Reaper VS Audacity](https://www.selecthub.com/audio-editing-software/audacity-vs-reaper-audio/) ![Reaper Software Tool]() ![Cubase Software Tool]() [Reaper VS Cubase](https://www.selecthub.com/audio-editing-software/cubase-vs-reaper-audio/) ![Reaper Software Tool]() ![FL Studio Software Tool]() [Reaper VS FL Studio](https://www.selecthub.com/audio-editing-software/fl-studio-vs-reaper-audio/) ![Reaper Software Tool]() ![GarageBand Software Tool]() [Reaper VS GarageBand](https://www.selecthub.com/audio-editing-software/garageband-vs-reaper-audio/) ![Reaper Software Tool]() ![GoldWave Software Tool]() [Reaper VS GoldWave](https://www.selecthub.com/audio-editing-software/reaper-audio-vs-goldwave/) ![Reaper Software Tool]() ![Logic Pro Software Tool]() [Reaper VS Logic Pro](https://www.selecthub.com/audio-editing-software/logic-pro-vs-reaper-audio/) ![Reaper Software Tool]() ![Ocenaudio Software Tool]() [Reaper VS Ocenaudio](https://www.selecthub.com/audio-editing-software/reaper-audio-vs-ocenaudio/) ![Reaper Software Tool]() ![Pro Tools Software Tool]() [Reaper VS Pro Tools](https://www.selecthub.com/audio-editing-software/pro-tools-vs-reaper-audio/) ![Reaper Software Tool]() ![Reason Studios Software Tool]() [Reaper VS Reason Studios](https://www.selecthub.com/audio-editing-software/reaper-audio-vs-reason-studios/) ![Reaper Software Tool]() ![Sound Forge Software Tool]() [Reaper VS Sound Forge](https://www.selecthub.com/audio-editing-software/reaper-audio-vs-sound-forge/) **About SelectHub (and our data)** We’re the employee-owned Austin-based startup democratizing software data so you can make your decisions in an influence-free zone. Our market data is crowdsourced from our user-base of 100,000+ companies. WE DISTILL IT INTO REAL REQUIREMENTS, COMPARISON REPORTS, PRICE GUIDES and more... ![SelectHub Products Reporting and Analytics]() [Build Your Requirements](https://pmo.selecthub.com/software-requirements/?category=Audio%20Editing%20Software&campaign%5Fname=Audio%20Editing%20Requirements) ![SelectHub Products Cost and Pricing Guide]() [Get Your Free Comparison Report](https://pmo.selecthub.com/request-custom-scorecard/?category=Audio%20Editing%20Software) **Tier 1:** Fully/moderately supported out-of-the-box allowing for quick and easy deployment. Fully or moderately supported out-of-the-box with industry-leading capabilities and is immediately available after installation without needing any add-ons, integrations, or custom development. **Tier 2:** Supported with workarounds or add-ons that may require additional costs. Not directly available in the software, but can be accomplished using other built-in features, workarounds, or add-ons/products from the vendor with or without any additional cost. **Tier 3:** Requires partner integrations or custom development that is often at an additional cost. Requires additional integrations, plugins, marketplace applications from a third-party vendor, or custom development using the APIs, libraries, extensions, and development framework supported by the software, with or without any additional cost. 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