Our verdict: Reason is a good fit for producers who like building sounds by patching virtual hardware, and its Rack also runs as a VST3 or AAX plugin inside other DAWs. Reason 14 brought a track-centric workflow closer to other DAWs. The only way to try it is a 7-day Reason+ subscription trial that turns into a paid plan unless you cancel.
About Reason
Reason is made by Reason Studios in Stockholm, now part of LANDR. Its core is the Rack: synthesizers, samplers, drum machines, effects and Player MIDI effects that you wire together with virtual cables. The same Rack works as a standalone DAW or as a plugin in other hosts. Reason 14 added a rack per track, sequencer improvements and the RV-9 Reverb Station.
There is no time-limited demo of the perpetual version. New users can start a free 7-day trial of the Reason+ subscription once; it converts automatically into a paid subscription unless you cancel before it ends. Reason Studios lists Reason+ from $169 a year and Reason 14 as a one-time license from $299, and purchased licenses have a 30-day return policy.
What it does well
- The Rack. Patch instruments, effects and Player MIDI devices together with virtual cables, front and back.
- DAW and plugin. Runs standalone or as a VST3 or AAX plugin inside other DAWs.
- Instruments. Synths such as Europa, Thor and Grain, plus samplers and drum machines like Kong and Redrum.
- Sound library. More than 50,000 samples, loops and patches, with weekly sound packs on Reason+.
- Reason+ extras. Subscription adds all 93 Rack devices plus LANDR AI stem separation, mastering and distribution.
Who it is for
Good fit
Electronic music producers and sound designers who enjoy modular-style routing of synths and effects.
Look elsewhere
Anyone who wants a free DAW, or wants to try the software without starting a subscription.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Unique patchable Rack of devices
- Rack also works as a plugin in other DAWs
- Large bundled instrument and sound library
- Perpetual license still sold
Cons
- Trial is only 7 days and turns into a paid subscription
- Perpetual license includes fewer devices than Reason+
- Internet needed for installation and registration
How to install Reason
Start the Reason+ trial on the official Get Reason page with a Reason Studios account; the trial converts to a paid plan unless you cancel in your account before day 7. An internet connection is needed for installation and registration, and an ASIO audio interface is recommended on Windows.
Questions about Reason
Is Reason free?
No. New users get a free 7-day trial of the Reason+ subscription, which becomes a paid plan unless cancelled before it ends. After that you need Reason+ (from $169 a year) or a Reason 14 perpetual license ($299).
Can I use Reason inside another DAW?
Yes. Reason and the Reason Rack plugin run as VST3 or AAX plugins in other hosts, so you can use its devices in your main DAW.
What does Reason need on Windows?
Windows 10 or 11 64-bit, a multi-core Intel or AMD CPU, at least 4 GB of RAM, 8 GB of disk space plus extra for content, and an ASIO audio interface.
