[bri3d]

Conceptually the idea of a "VST" works on either platform, because VST is an API. However, VSTs are distributed as executables targeting a specific platform, and almost no VSTs are compiled natively for Linux.

If you're already content with Reaper as a DAW, use "yabridge" which runs VSTs in WINE. It's virtually perfect for most purposes. Getting Linux audio set up for low latency is another Linux rabbit hole, though.

[lyjia]

how does this work for VSTs with DRM? Or protected by iLok/etc?

[bri3d]

I think software iLok used to work if it were licensed to the yabridge environment; whatever device identity parameters it read were implemented in WINE. For hardware iLok and other stuff, yeah, you're pretty stuck, they usually use goofy hacks or custom drivers that can't be handled in WINE. Someone would have to reverse engineer the DRM and figure out how to redirect the licensing methods. Or just remove the DRM from the plugins (crack them), which is the honest answer to people probably do it in the real world.