Plugin comparison
Specs, price and the Dubspot Score, side by side — with our verdict on which sampler to buy.
Independent score / workflow fit / buying signal
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Contenders
Steinberg HALion 7 by Steinberg. Steinberg's flagship sampler/synth workstation: deep sampling, synthesis, and sound design inside the Cubase family.
Native Instruments' flagship production bundle. The headline is the return of Absynth 6. The rest of the upgrade is murkier, with the best new instruments locked behind Collector's Edition.
Score verdict
On the Dubspot Score, Steinberg HALion 7 comes out ahead (8.3). That said, the right pick depends on your workflow and budget — read both reviews before deciding.
Technical matrix
| Signal | Steinberg HALion 7 | Komplete 26 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | €349 | $149 upgrade / $1,949 Collector's |
| Dubspot Score | 8.3 | 6.8 |
| Formats | VST3, AU, AAX | VST3, AU, AAX |
| Type | Sampler / synth workstation | Production bundle |
| Version | HALion 7 | — |
| Developer | Steinberg | — |
| Headline | — | Absynth 6 returns |
| Tiers | — | Standard / Ultimate / Collector's Edition |
| Released | — | 2026 |
See the full plugin database for more comparisons.