AudioMap vs REW: Which Is Right For You?
Compare AudioMap with REW, a free, long-established measurement tool
The Quick Verdict
REW is an excellent free measurement and EQ-design tool. AudioMap is built around multi-speaker system tuning: live dual-FFT analysis, spatial mapping, solved alignment, and corrections you can audition in the app.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | AudioMap | REW |
|---|---|---|
| Real-Time Analyzer (RTA) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transfer Function / Dual FFT | ✓ | ~Swept-sine; no live dual-FFT |
| Impulse Response Analysis | ✓ | ✓ |
| SPL Metering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Multi-Channel Support | ✓ | ~Multi-input capture with the paid Pro upgrade |
| Spatial Mapping / Heatmaps | ✓ | ✕ |
| Timing Alignment Tools | ✓ | ✓Alignment Tool (manual gain/delay/polarity) |
| Intelligent Auto-EQ with Target Curves | ✓ | ✓Auto target match; exports to hardware EQs |
| Real-Time Tuning Auditioning | ✓ | ✕ |
| DAW Plugin (VST3/AU) | ✓ | ✕ |
| macOS Native App | ✓ | ~Java app, not native |
| Professional Report Export | ✓ | ~Graph images, text and WAV exports; no report document |
| Live Sound Workflow | ✓ | ~No live transfer function on program material |
| Commercial Use License | ✓ | ✓ |
Key Differences
Different Starting Points
REW grew out of home-theatre and subwoofer EQ and is now a broad measurement tool. AudioMap is built around multi-speaker system tuning for live sound, studio design, installations and consulting.
Multi-Channel Analysis
REW's free version measures one input at a time; simultaneous multi-input capture needs the paid Pro upgrade. AudioMap's paid tiers measure several speakers and microphones in one session.
Spatial Mapping
AudioMap's spatial mapping lets you visualize how sound propagates through a venue with interactive heatmaps. REW has no equivalent — you're limited to looking at individual measurement points with no spatial context.
Native macOS Experience
REW runs on Java with a cross-platform interface; AudioMap is a native macOS app.
Real-Time Tuning
AudioMap's intelligent tuning engine lets you audition EQ corrections in real-time before committing changes. REW can suggest filter settings, but you'll need a separate tool to apply and listen to them.
Pricing
AudioMap
Free (Lite), $99 (Essentials), $399 (Standard), or $799 (Professional)
Lite is free forever for one source and one receiver; paid tiers are a one-time purchase with a 21-day free trial
REW
Free
Free; donation-supported. Optional paid Pro upgrade.
Both tools have a free entry point — REW's core is free, with a paid Pro upgrade for multi-input capture, and AudioMap's Lite tier is free forever for full measurement and analysis on one source and one receiver. The paid AudioMap tiers add spatial mapping, corrections you can audition in the app, and a DAW plugin. If you only need single-source room measurement, both are free options.
Who Should Use Which?
Choose AudioMap if you...
- ✓Live sound engineers tuning PA systems
- ✓Studio designers and acousticians
- ✓AV installation professionals
- ✓Anyone needing multi-channel measurement
- ✓Professionals who bill for their time
Choose REW if you...
- ✓Anyone who wants a free, capable measurement tool
- ✓Room, speaker and subwoofer measurement and EQ design
- ✓Users who export filters to hardware EQs and convolvers
- ✓Windows and Linux users
Frequently Asked Questions
Is REW really free?
Yes, REW's core is free and donation-supported; multi-input capture is a paid Pro upgrade. It has no spatial heatmap, and you can't audition its EQ inside the app.
Can I use REW for live sound?
REW can be used live (RTA, SPL meter, Alignment Tool), but it measures with sweeps rather than a live transfer function on program material.
Does AudioMap work on Windows?
No. AudioMap runs on macOS only. REW runs on Windows, macOS and Linux via Java, so it is one option on Windows.
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REW (Room EQ Wizard) is a trademark of its respective owner. AudioMap is not affiliated with or endorsed by it. Competitor details checked October 2026.