Head-to-head comparison
Spotify for Podcasters Editor vs Reaper
Two of the editing tools podcasters reach for. Here's how they differ on pricing, features, audience, and the trade-offs that actually matter day-to-day.
Free in-browser editor included with Spotify for Podcasters host accounts.
Best for: Casual Spotify-first shows
Featherweight DAW with a generous license and obsessive community.
Best for: Indie podcasters
At a glance
The honest trade-offs
Spotify for Podcasters Editor
Pros
- Completely free with hosting included
- Built into the Spotify Creators dashboard
- Quick trims and chapter markers
Watch-outs
- No multitrack or advanced effects
- Spotify removed several tools in January 2026
- RSS customisation has become more limited
Reaper
Pros
- $60 discounted license for personal use
- Free upgrades through major version 8
- Endlessly customizable via scripts and themes
Watch-outs
- Default UI scares off newcomers
- Minimal hand-holding for beginners
- No transcript-based editing built in
Which one should you pick?
Pick Spotify for Podcasters Editor if
You’re building around casual spotify-first shows. Anchor is fully absorbed into Spotify for Creators now. The editor is free, fine for trims and intros, and integrates with hosting.
Pick Reaper if
You’re building around indie podcasters. Reaper is the $60 DAW that quietly does 90% of what Pro Tools does, and the personal-use license is on the honor system. If you can tolerate a UI that looks like a 2008 audio forum, you'll get a more capable editor than Hindenburg for a fraction of the price — but you'll need to invest a weekend learning it.
Also worth comparing
Frequently asked
What does Spotify for Podcasters Editor do better than Reaper?
Spotify for Podcasters Editor's standout is "Completely free with hosting included". Reaper doesn't make that promise — it leans into "$60 discounted license for personal use" instead. If the first sentence describes your workflow, pick Spotify for Podcasters Editor; if the second does, pick Reaper.
What are the trade-offs?
Spotify for Podcasters Editor: no multitrack or advanced effects. Reaper: default ui scares off newcomers. Whether either matters depends entirely on what you actually need — neither is a deal-breaker by itself.
Do they support the same platforms?
Spotify for Podcasters Editor works on Web, iOS, Android where Reaper doesn't. Reaper works on macOS, Windows where Spotify for Podcasters Editor doesn't. If you're on a specific OS or device, that may decide for you.
Can I use Spotify for Podcasters Editor and Reaper together?
Both are editing tools so most teams pick one. Some workflows do combine them — for example, using Spotify for Podcasters Editor for one show or episode type and Reaper for another. Worth trying both free tiers before committing.