Spitfire LABS
Spitfire Audio · Free
Spitfire LABS is a free instrument platform of high-quality sampled sounds—pianos, strings, pads, and more—now also available via Splice INSTRUMENT as LABS' new home.
Still one of the best free instrument libraries on earth—pro-recorded free packs that make 'I can't afford samples' an outdated excuse.
Best for: Beginners and pros who need free high-quality instruments for writing, scoring sketches, and production beds.
Pros
- Large catalog of free professionally recorded instruments and textures
- Simple player workflow focused on playability over deep editing
- Genuine production quality, not toy sample packs
- Free entry point into Spitfire's broader orchestral ecosystem
Cons
- Distribution has shifted (legacy LABS player vs Splice INSTRUMENT / LABS+)
- Not a deep sample editor or full orchestral template replacement
- Paid LABS+ / Splice content sits beside free packs—read the free vs paid labels carefully
Overview
Spitfire LABS is Spitfire Audio's free instrument initiative: professionally recorded pianos, strings, pads, choirs, and experimental textures in a simple player. For years it has been the answer to "what free instruments are actually good enough for real work?" Soft Piano alone launched countless sketches.
It excels at inspiration and foundation. Packs are designed to play well quickly rather than bury you in mic positions. That makes LABS ideal for songwriting, trailer temp tracks, and student studios. Free access remains the core idea even as distribution evolved—Splice INSTRUMENT is now a major home for LABS content, and LABS+ adds paid/subscription tiers around free packs.
The trade-offs are depth and packaging confusion. LABS is not a full Hollywood template. You must read free vs paid labels carefully after the Splice transition. For deep piano editing, Keyscape still dominates; for full orchestras, BBCSO and Kontakt libraries go further.
Choose LABS when free quality instruments are the priority. Choose Keyscape or Addictive Keys for dedicated premium pianos, and Kontakt when you need a full sampling host. Install only from Spitfire/Splice official channels.
If you write with free tools first, LABS plus SPAN, Youlean, and SlickEQ is a complete starter path: instruments, analysis, loudness, and EQ with no license cost.
Specifications
- Type
- Free sampled instrument platform
- Price
- Free instruments available (optional paid LABS+/subscription content exists)
- Formats
- VST3, AU, AAX (plugin host dependent on current player)
- Catalog
- Pianos, strings, pads, choir, drums, experimental textures, and more
- Legacy installer
- https://legacylabs.spitfireaudio.com/download
- New home
- Splice INSTRUMENT hosts LABS content for many users
Last verified 2026-07-16
FAQ
Is Spitfire LABS still free?
Many LABS instruments remain free. Spitfire/Splice have reorganized distribution (including Splice INSTRUMENT and LABS+). Free packs still exist—confirm free vs paid labels at labs.spitfireaudio.com or Splice INSTRUMENT.
Where do I download LABS in 2026?
Start at labs.spitfireaudio.com. Legacy installers and Splice INSTRUMENT are both part of the current ecosystem depending on how Spitfire routes new users.
Is LABS a full orchestra library?
No. LABS offers excellent free instruments and textures, but full scoring libraries like BBCSO or Kontakt orchestras go much deeper.
Direct competitors
Spitfire LABS vs — head-to-head specs, price, and Dubspot Score.