Full sampling and virtual instrument platform with a 900+ instrument factory library.
VST3supportedAUsupportedAAXsupportedCLAPnot supportedWINsupportedMACsupportedLNXnot supported
Checked September 2026
Kontakt 8 vs Komplete Start (2026)
Kontakt 8 is best for building and editing custom sample-based instruments; Komplete Start is best for starting music production with zero cost and no credit card. Kontakt 8 starts at $299 one-time and Komplete Start at Free.
Free production bundle with Kontakt Player, Massive X Player, effects, and sound libraries.
VST3supportedAUsupportedAAXsupportedCLAPnot supportedWINsupportedMACsupportedLNXnot supported
| Kontakt 8 | Komplete Start | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | building and editing custom sample-based instruments | starting music production with zero cost and no credit card |
| Starting price | $299 one-time | Free |
| Free version | No | Yes |
| Free trial | No | — |
| Formats | Standalone, VST3, AU, AAX | Standalone, VST3, AU, AAX |
| OS | Windows, macOS | Windows, macOS |
| 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 | Massive X Player virtual synth, Kontakt Player + Leap sampler engine, Chords, Phrases, Patterns creative tools, Effects: Supercharger, Raum, Replika, iZotope Ozone EQ, ~20 GB of sample libraries (pianos, drums, orchestral, synths) |
| Developer | Native Instruments | Native Instruments |
Questions people ask
Kontakt 8 starts at $299 one-time; Komplete Start 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.
Massive X Player virtual synth, Kontakt Player + Leap sampler engine, Chords, Phrases, Patterns creative tools, Effects: Supercharger, Raum, Replika, iZotope Ozone EQ, ~20 GB of sample libraries (pianos, drums, orchestral, synths).