Checked September 2026 · 3 picks

Best Virtual Instruments for Linux (2026)

The best virtual instruments for Linux are Decent Sampler, Pianoteq 9 and sforzando. Decent Sampler is best for playing free and third-party sample libraries at no cost (Free). Pianoteq 9 is best for realistic, lightweight physically modeled piano sound instead of sample libraries (price not published). sforzando is best for loading SFZ instruments (Free).

1. 

   #1David Hilowitz (Decent Samples)

   Decent Sampler

   FREE

   Free sampler plugin for playing DecentSampler-format (.dspreset/.dslibrary) sample libraries.

   VST3supportedAUsupportedAAXsupportedCLAPnot supportedWINsupportedMACsupportedLNXsupported+ iOS
2. P

   #2Modartt

   Pianoteq 9

   FREE

   Physically modeled virtual piano instrument, vivid, expressive, and highly customizable.

   VST3supportedAUsupportedAAXsupportedCLAPnot supportedWINsupportedMACsupportedLNXsupported+ iOS
3. 

   #3Plogue

   sforzando

   FREE

   A free, highly SFZ 2.0 compliant sample player.

   VST3supportedAUsupportedAAXsupportedCLAPsupportedWINsupportedMACsupportedLNXsupported