Pianoteq
Pianoteq is a virtual piano and instrument suite for keys that creates notes in real time through physical modelling, rather than built-in samples.
What Pianoteq is
Pianoteq is a virtual piano and instrument suite for keys that creates notes in real time through physical modelling, rather than built-in samples. The software models sympathetic resonances and lets users adjust physical parameters to shape an instrument’s tone. More than 20 instrument packs are available, including electric pianos, plucked strings and historical keyboards. Pianoteq 9 can position and mix up to eight microphones for stereo or multichannel output. Desktop editions work standalone or with VST3, Audio Units and AAX hosts; NKS compatibility is also listed. The software runs on iOS, Linux, macOS and Windows, and the maker describes it as lightweight at about 50 MB. There is no free plan, but the evaluation version is full-featured with eight silent notes and a restart required every 20 minutes. One-time prices are 139.00 USD for Stage, 269.00 USD for Standard, 399.00 USD for PRO and 929.00 USD for the Studio Bundle. Editions differ in pack counts and capabilities.
Good
- Generates notes in real time without samples
- Offers more than 20 instrument packs
- Supports iOS, Linux, macOS and Windows
- Can mix up to eight microphones
- Standalone, VST3, Audio Units and AAX support
Watch out
- No free plan
- Evaluation has eight silent notes
- Evaluation requires restarting every 20 minutes
- Stage and Standard are limited to 48 kHz
Who it suits
Pianoteq suits musicians and composers looking for a modeled piano or instrument suite, including budget-minded musicians considering Stage and composers or studio engineers considering PRO. Its standalone and plugin options also suit users working in desktop audio hosts.
Verdict
Pianoteq combines real-time physical modelling with a broad instrument selection and flexible desktop integration. The editions vary substantially in included packs, editing tools and supported sample rates, so choose based on the capabilities you need.
Plans and prices
From Pianoteq's own pricing page, checked 2 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| Pianoteq 9 Stage | $139, paid once | 2 instrument packs · up to 48 kHz · limited preset loading |
| Pianoteq 9 Standard | $269, paid once | 3 instrument packs · up to 48 kHz · piano model editing, advanced tuning, microphone placement, morphing and layering |
| Pianoteq 9 PRO | $399, paid once | 4 instrument packs · up to 192 kHz · per-note physical parameter editing · editable overtones |
| Pianoteq Studio Bundle | $929, paid once | Pianoteq PRO · all current instrument packs |
The facts
Each one read from Pianoteq's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Activation
- Activation is required on first launch, with manual activation available for computers without an internet connection.checked 2 Oct 2026
- Audio rate limit
- PRO supports an internal sample rate up to 192 kHz, while Stage and Standard support up to 48 kHz.checked 2 Oct 2026
- Customization
- The software models sympathetic resonances and provides physical parameters to customize the instrument tone.checked 2 Oct 2026
- Instrument-pack limits
- Stage, Standard and PRO include two, three and four selectable instrument packs respectively; other packs run in demo mode until purchased.checked 2 Oct 2026
- Instrument selection
- The product offers more than 20 instrument packs, including electric pianos, plucked strings and historical keyboards.checked 2 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- The desktop software supports standalone use and VST3, Audio Units and AAX hosts; the manual also lists NKS compatibility.checked 2 Oct 2026
- Intended users
- The maker describes Stage as an entry product for budget-minded musicians and PRO as suited to creative composers and demanding studio engineers.checked 2 Oct 2026
- Microphones
- Pianoteq 9 can mix up to eight microphones to stereo or multichannel output and move them around the instrument.checked 2 Oct 2026
- Product
- Pianoteq is a virtual piano and instrument suite that generates sound through physical modelling.checked 2 Oct 2026
- Security and compliance
- The maker's legal footer links to a GDPR page, but the pages reviewed do not state a security certification or compliance program.checked 2 Oct 2026
- Sound generation
- Notes are generated in real time without samples, and the maker describes the software as lightweight at about 50 MB.checked 2 Oct 2026
- Support
- The maker says contact messages will receive a reply within 24 hours and provides user manuals and a support page.checked 2 Oct 2026
- System requirements
- The manual lists 512 MB RAM, a recent CPU, Windows 10 or later, macOS 10.13 or later, or Linux x86/ARM; Windows users need ASIO-compatible audio drivers for low latency.checked 2 Oct 2026
The company
- Founded
- 2006checked 28 Sep 2026
Where it runs
- iOS
- Pianoteq is available for iOS devices as well as Windows, macOS and Linux.checked 2 Oct 2026
Money
- Trial limits
- The Pianoteq 9.2.5 evaluation version is full-featured, but eight notes are silent and it must be restarted every 20 minutes.checked 2 Oct 2026
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