Full sampling and virtual instrument platform with a 900+ instrument factory library.
VST3supportedAUsupportedAAXsupportedCLAPnot supportedWINsupportedMACsupportedLNXnot supported
Checked September 2026
Kontakt 8 vs Decent Sampler (2026)
Kontakt 8 is best for building and editing custom sample-based instruments; Decent Sampler is best for playing free and third-party sample libraries at no cost. Kontakt 8 starts at $299 one-time and Decent Sampler at Free.
Free sampler plugin for playing DecentSampler-format (.dspreset/.dslibrary) sample libraries.
VST3supportedAUsupportedAAXsupportedCLAPnot supportedWINsupportedMACsupportedLNXsupported+ iOS
| Kontakt 8 | Decent Sampler | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | building and editing custom sample-based instruments | playing free and third-party sample libraries at no cost |
| Starting price | $299 one-time | Free |
| Free version | No | Yes |
| Free trial | No | — |
| Formats | Standalone, VST3, AU, AAX | Standalone, VST, VST3, AU, AAX |
| OS | Windows, macOS | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS |
| Key features | 900+ factory instruments (orchestral, acoustic, band, beats, synths), Leap loop-manipulation and performance-effects engine, Conflux hybrid wavetable/FM synth engine, Built-in Humanizer, Scale Lock, Chord Builder, Arpeggiator, NKS hardware integration | 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 starts at $299 one-time; Decent Sampler starts at Free.
900+ factory instruments (orchestral, acoustic, band, beats, synths), Leap loop-manipulation and performance-effects engine, Conflux hybrid wavetable/FM synth engine, Built-in Humanizer, Scale Lock, Chord Builder, Arpeggiator, NKS hardware integration.
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.