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
Kontakt 8 is Native Instruments' software sampler platform for hosting and building virtual instruments, available as a plugin or standalone app.
UVI Player, formerly UVI Workstation, is UVI's free instrument host. It plays UVI soundware, UVI-Powered libraries and every Falcon Expansion, standalone or as a plugin.
Technical matrix
| Signal | Kontakt 8 | UVI Player |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299 | Free |
| Dubspot Score | 8.7 | — |
| Formats | Standalone, VST3, AU (macOS), AAX | AU, AAX, VST, VST3, Standalone, macOS, Windows |
| 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) | — |
| Disk space | 2 GB free; 52 GB for complete installation | — |
| Free Player version | Kontakt 8 Player hosts NI and third-party Kontakt instruments at no cost | — |
| Type | — | Free instrument host |
| Formerly | — | UVI Workstation |
| Plays | — | UVI soundware, UVI-Powered partner libraries, Falcon Expansions |
| Included | — | UVI Starter, 50 presets |
| Formats | — | Standalone, AU, AAX, VST, VST3 |
| Systems | — | macOS 10.14 to macOS 27; Windows 10 and 11, 64-bit; 4 GB RAM |
See the full plugin database for more comparisons.