Sampler / Toontrack
EZkeys 2
7.8Good
EZkeys 2 is Toontrack's virtual grand piano and songwriting software, built around a multi-sampled Fazioli F212 grand with chord and MIDI tools.
Plugin comparison
EZkeys 2 vs Kontakt 8
Specs, price and the Dubspot Score, side by side — with our verdict on which sampler to buy.
Independent score / workflow fit / buying signal
Contenders
The side-by-side
8.7Great
Kontakt 8 is Native Instruments' software sampler platform for hosting and building virtual instruments, available as a plugin or standalone app.
Score verdict
Which should you buy?
On the Dubspot Score, Kontakt 8 comes out ahead (8.7). That said, the right pick depends on your workflow and budget — read both reviews before deciding.
Technical matrix
Specs compared
| Signal | EZkeys 2 | Kontakt 8 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | — | $299 |
| Dubspot Score | 7.8 | 8.7 |
| Formats | VST3, AU, AAX, Standalone | Standalone, VST3, AU (macOS), AAX |
| Sampled instrument | Fazioli F212 grand piano | — |
| Core library size | ~4 GB of multi-sampled sounds | — |
| MIDI content | 1,350+ individually played MIDI files (plus 800+ legacy) | — |
| Songwriting tools | Bandmate, Suggest Chords, Songwriting Scales, Tap2Find, Grid editor | — |
| Platforms | 64-bit Windows 10+ and macOS 10.13+ (Intel and Apple silicon) | — |
| Disk space | 5 GB free disk space required | 2 GB free; 52 GB for complete installation |
| macOS formats (64-bit) | — | Standalone, VST3, AU, AAX |
| Windows formats (64-bit) | — | Standalone, VST3, AAX |
| Factory Library 2 | — | 40 GB ready-to-use instrument toolset included |
| CPU / RAM | — | Intel Core i5 or equivalent / Apple Silicon; 4 GB RAM (6 GB recommended) |
| Free Player version | — | Kontakt 8 Player hosts NI and third-party Kontakt instruments at no cost |
See the full plugin database for more comparisons.