17.6
Free loop and sample plugin and app for editing loops and shaping sound, with a web catalog browser.
Free planWebmacOSWindows
Best Sampler Software in 2026
Sampler software turns recorded audio into playable instruments or slices; the right choice depends on your platform and the sampling features you need. On Android, check for an app before choosing: platform support listed here includes Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, API and web, but does not list Android. Compare sample mapping, round-robin playback, polyphony, granular tools and supported formats.
27.2
Open-source workflow that uses a builder container to turn application code into a runnable image.
Free planOpen sourceLinuxmacOSSelf-hosted
37.1
Free sample player for libraries in DecentSampler format, including .dspreset and .dslibrary files.
Free planiOSLinuxmacOS
- 4
sfizz
Free SFZ-based sample synthesizer, available as plugins and a standalone JACK client.
Free planWebAPILinuxmacOS6.9Free plan - 5
Quanta 2
Granular synth plugin that turns audio samples into as many as 100 simultaneous grains per voice.
iOSLinuxmacOSWindows6.6$99 one-time - 6
Vaporizer 2
Free, open-source music workstation combining wavetable and additive/subtractive synthesis with sample playback.
Free planLinuxmacOSWindows6.5Free plan - 7
Atlas 2
Atlas 2 uses AI to sort and organize drum samples, helping users explore sounds and make beats.
LinuxmacOSWindows6.3$99 one-time - 8
Speedrum 2
Speedrum 2 is a sample-based drum machine and sequencer for making and arranging drum parts.
LinuxmacOSWindows6.3€99 one-time - 9
Subsample
Open-source sampler that sorts sounds by similarity, maps them to MIDI, and detects loop onsets.
Free planLinuxmacOSWindows6.3Free plan - 10
LinuxSampler
Free, open-source audio sampler with a separate engine and support for GigaStudio, SoundFont and SFZ instruments.
Free planAPILinuxmacOSSelf-hosted6.2Free plan - 11
Redux
Sample-based instrument with tracker notation, a phrase sequencer and MIDI output to a host DAW.
LinuxmacOSWindows6.2$5,600 one-time - 12
TX16Wx Software Sampler
Sampler plugin with disk streaming, sample editing, loop slicing, keyboard mapping and broad format support.
Free planLinuxmacOSWindows6.2Free plan - 13
Falcon
Hybrid sampling and synthesis instrument with 24 oscillators, more than 100 effects and deep modulation.
macOSWindows6.1From €240 a year - 14
Nuance
Nuance builds drum kits with layered pads and edits multi-sampled instruments in Mapping View.
macOSWindows6.1£89 one-time - 15
SampleX V3
SampleX V3 emulates six vintage samplers and includes tools for shaping their sound.
macOSWindows6.1$69 one-time - 16
Serato Sample
Serato Sample chops, syncs, pitches and time-stretches samples, with real-time stem separation.
macOSWindows6.1From $9.99 a month - 176.1$20 one-time
- 18
Just a Sample
Just a Sample is a free, open-source audio sampler for Linux, macOS, and Windows.
Free planLinuxmacOSWindows6.0Free plan - 19
Groove Agent 5
Drum production tool for macOS and Windows, with its sound library downloaded separately.
macOSWindows5.8$59.99 one-time - 20
Sample Dicer
Sample Dicer is a four-layer one-shot sampler that turns raw audio into playable sounds that can change as they are triggered.
Free planmacOSWindows5.8Free plan - 21
Ami Sampler
Open-source 8-bit sampler inspired by the Commodore Amiga, with 12 samplers and VST3, AU or LV2 formats.
LinuxmacOSWindows5.7 - 22
samplv1
Linux instrument with stereo effects, JACK and ALSA MIDI input, and an LV2 plugin version.
Free planLinux5.7Free plan - 23
Samplr
Samplr is an iOS multitouch sampler for composing, experimenting and performing with audio.
iOS5.6$19.99 one-time - 24
5.5$199 one-time - 25
CR8 Creative Sampler
macOSWindows4.7
Choosing well
Which platforms does it need to run on?
Start with the operating system you plan to use. Windows and macOS support are common in this category, while Linux, iOS, web and API support are less widely listed.
Which sampling features should I compare?
Compare sample mapping, round-robin playback, maximum polyphony and granular engine support. These describe how samples can be arranged and played, and how the sampler handles simultaneous notes or granular sound processing.
Check supported sample formats too, especially if you already have audio files you want to use.
Can I start with a free plan?
Check whether a sampler has a free plan or a free trial, then compare the listed paid-from price where one is available. Pricing models and plan details vary by product.
Do I need a standalone app or plugin?
Check whether the product offers a standalone app and plugin support. The right setup depends on whether you want to use the sampler on its own or within other audio software.
Do I need open-source software?
If you want to read or change the code, check the individual tool's licence. Open-source status is a separate consideration from having a free plan.
Questions people ask
Which platforms support sampler software?
Listed platforms include Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, web and API. Support varies by product.
What sampler features should I look for?
Compare sample mapping, round-robin playback, maximum polyphony, granular engine support and supported sample formats.
Is sampler software free?
Some listed products have a free plan, and some offer a free trial. Check the individual product for its current terms and any paid-from price.
What is the difference between a sampler plugin and a standalone app?
A standalone app runs on its own; plugin support is for use within other audio software. Check which modes a product supports.