Free streamlined player that runs Kontakt instruments and third-party Kontakt libraries.
VST3supportedAUsupportedAAXsupportedCLAPnot supportedWINsupportedMACsupportedLNXnot supported
Checked September 2026
Kontakt 8 Player vs Decent Sampler (2026)
Kontakt 8 Player is best for playing Kontakt-format sample libraries without buying full Kontakt; Decent Sampler is best for playing free and third-party sample libraries at no cost. Kontakt 8 Player starts at Free and Decent Sampler at Free.
Free sampler plugin for playing DecentSampler-format (.dspreset/.dslibrary) sample libraries.
VST3supportedAUsupportedAAXsupportedCLAPnot supportedWINsupportedMACsupportedLNXsupported+ iOS
| Kontakt 8 Player | Decent Sampler | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | playing Kontakt-format sample libraries without buying full Kontakt | playing free and third-party sample libraries at no cost |
| Starting price | Free | Free |
| Free version | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Formats | Standalone, VST3, AU, AAX | Standalone, VST, VST3, AU, AAX |
| OS | Windows, macOS | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS |
| Key features | Includes Piano Uno concert grand piano, Chords, Phrases, and Patterns tools, Leap engine with 2 included sound expansions, 62 built-in effects, 61 filters, 15-minute demo mode for non-Player third-party instruments | Plays .dspreset/.dslibrary sample formats, RAM and disk streaming modes, SFZ import support, Developer tools for building custom instruments, Cross-platform including Linux and iOS |
| Developer | Native Instruments | David Hilowitz (Decent Samples) |
Questions people ask
Kontakt 8 Player starts at Free; Decent Sampler starts at Free.
Includes Piano Uno concert grand piano, Chords, Phrases, and Patterns tools, Leap engine with 2 included sound expansions, 62 built-in effects, 61 filters, 15-minute demo mode for non-Player third-party instruments.
Plays .dspreset/.dslibrary sample formats, RAM and disk streaming modes, SFZ import support, Developer tools for building custom instruments, Cross-platform including Linux and iOS.