# What's the difference between the demo and licensed versions
**URL:** https://forums.stillwellaudio.com/t/whats-the-difference-between-the-demo-and-licensed-versions/81
**Category:** Frequently Asked Questions
**Created:** [October 2, 2007, 9:03pm UTC](https://forums.stillwellaudio.com/t/whats-the-difference-between-the-demo-and-licensed-versions/81 "2007-10-02T21:03:46Z")
**Posts on this page:** 4
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@scott](https://forums.stillwellaudio.com/u/scott)
#### Post date: [October 2, 2007, 9:03pm UTC](https://forums.stillwellaudio.com/t/whats-the-difference-between-the-demo-and-licensed-versions/81/1 "2007-10-02T21:03:46Z")
**NOTE: Updated August 2026**
# What’s the difference between the evaluation and licensed versions?
There is no separate “demo” build or licensed installer. The evaluation download is the same plugin build you use after purchasing a license.
There is no difference in audio processing, features, or performance. No beeps, noise, dropouts, or disabled controls are added to the evaluation version.
Most current plugins simply display their **Evaluation** or **Registered** status discreetly in a corner of the interface. Some older versions may still show a purchase reminder. Installing a valid license file changes the plugin to its registered state.
The evaluation period is 30 days. There is no technical time bomb that disables the plugin afterward—we trust you to evaluate it honestly. At the end of the evaluation period, please either purchase the appropriate license or remove the plugin from your system.
For complete current terms, see our [Licensing page](https://www.stillwellaudio.com/licensing/).
Enjoy!
Scott
Stillwell Audio
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### Author:  [@daveyboy](https://forums.stillwellaudio.com/u/daveyboy)
#### Post date: [June 7, 2008, 1:16am UTC](https://forums.stillwellaudio.com/t/whats-the-difference-between-the-demo-and-licensed-versions/81/2 "2008-06-07T01:16:28Z")
Hi Scott,
Checking out your cool plugins. How long is the “evaluation” period? do they not work after a week or so?
dave
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### Author:  [@scott](https://forums.stillwellaudio.com/u/scott)
#### Post date: [June 7, 2008, 3:49am UTC](https://forums.stillwellaudio.com/t/whats-the-difference-between-the-demo-and-licensed-versions/81/3 "2008-06-07T03:49:28Z")
The evaluation period is 30 days.
They are absolutely uncrippled. The only difference is that after 30 days, you are technically violating the license agreement and starting to build up bad karma. That’s it. No tricks, no disabled plugins or features, no nothing. We just require that at the end of 30 days (or before, if you’ve made up your mind) that you either remove the plugins from your computer, or buy a license. We have no way to force you to do that, and frankly, no desire to go out there and hold a gun to anyone’s head via some technological booby-trap, so we just trust you guys to do the right thing, instead. It’s easier for us, and better for you, since copy protection that isn’t there can’t screw up your computer.
Scott
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### Author:  [@Klemperer](https://forums.stillwellaudio.com/u/Klemperer)
#### Post date: [June 28, 2008, 6:34pm UTC](https://forums.stillwellaudio.com/t/whats-the-difference-between-the-demo-and-licensed-versions/81/4 "2008-06-28T18:34:46Z")
Just a word about your demos and full versions, after a change of license method of a nice company whichs synths I had used for 5 years (bought them with serial number, now they change to syncrosoft protection).
I wanted to add that I absolutely could shout WONDERFUL! all over about this method you use for your plugins. I’d say, just in case things wouldn’t go so well in the far future or so, better talk to your customers what there could be done to get the best for both sides than simply switching to those not so userfriendly methods like Steinberg or NI practice.
There _are_ so many people that steal software, yes. But I trust or hope your and Reaper’s way will be successful. Well, and there are still many companies that trust their users, and give serialnumbers or no protection at all after purchase.
In a slightly more perfect world I’d say your users, the way they can afford it, had a bit of “responsibility” that this most userfriendly way works. Thus (I’m not rich, but…😉) I’d prefer to get told just in case people would only steal your wonderful plugins that prices would go up a bit or whatever (or that users should help a bit in spreading the word) so that this nice way of dealing could go on. Better than going all frustrated and using syncrosoft for demos or whatnot.
Cheers! I just will find out if i will buy for Reaper, or the “for all hosts” version. Hmmmmm…