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Best Virtual Instruments in 2026
For composing and performing with software-based sounds, compare virtual instruments by the role they focus on and what they include. Built-in samples and included presets offer points of comparison, while plugin formats and standalone app availability help you assess how each may fit your setup. MPE support, free-plan availability and paid-from pricing add further details to weigh. BBC Symphony Orchestra, Dexed and IK Multimedia ReSing appear among the opening entries, alongside Surge XT and Vital. The ranked options span different instrument focuses, so consider which listed features matter for your sessions.
- 33 apps
- Research read 23 Sept 2026
- How the order is worked out
- 1
Dexed
Free plan Open source iPhoneLinuxMac+1Dexed pairs a DX7-modeled synth with librarian functions and a broad set of automatable parameters.
- 2
Surge XT
Free plan Open source LinuxMacWindowsSurge XT offers a broad synthesis and modulation feature set at no cost, with plugin and standalone use.
- 3
Vital
Free plan Open source LinuxMacSelf-hosted+1Vital offers wavetable creation, modulation and sound-shaping tools across three desktop operating systems.
- 4
BBC Symphony Orchestra
Free plan MacWindowsBBC Symphony Orchestra offers three interchangeable editions, from a free 240MB Discover package to a larger Professional library.
- 5
PREMIER SOUND FACTORY
Free plan MacWindowsPREMIER SOUND FACTORY offers a varied catalog, with specific playback and instrument details for KAWAI Legend and KAGUYA.
- 6
Virtual Drummer
Free plan MacWindowsVirtual Drummer combines drum plug-ins, MIDI routing, and per-drummer mixing controls across a range of styles.
- 7
Voltage Modular
Free plan MacWindowsVoltage Modular combines patch building, recording, and expandable modules in standalone and plug-in versions.
- 8
EastWest ComposerCloud+
Free trial MacWindowsComposerCloud+ offers a large instrument collection with tools for loading and shaping sounds in OPUS.
- 9
MODO BASS 2
Free plan MacWindows - 10
MODO DRUM
Free plan MacWindows - 11
Pianoteq
Free trial iPhoneLinuxMac+1Pianoteq offers real-time physical modelling, multiple instrument packs, and desktop host integrations. Its evaluation has limits, and one-time editions differ in pack counts and capabilities.
6.1 Visit site - 12
KORG Collection
Free trial MacWindowsKORG Collection 6 combines a broad set of instruments with standalone and plugin use.
6.0 Visit site - 13
NotePerformer
Free trial MacWindowsChoose NotePerformer when orchestral playback inside supported notation software is the priority. The perpetual license offers broad computer use, while rent-to-own spreads payment over time.
- 14
OB-E
Free trial MacWindowsOB-E offers an eight-voice synthesizer design with extensive patch browsing, sequencing and plug-in support.
- 15
Garritan Abbey Road Studios CFX Concert Grand
Paid MacWindowsThis library pairs a sampled Yamaha CFX with three perspectives and an included player, while offering both standalone and plug-in use.
- 16
Virtual Guitarist
Free trial MacWindowsChoose Virtual Guitarist if you want guitar parts and accompaniment in a DAW without playing guitar yourself.
- 17
Virtual Pianist
Free trial MacWindowsVirtual Pianist offers both direct piano playing and generated parts, with broad DAW and plug-in format support.
- 18
Trilian
Paid MacWindowsChoose Trilian if you need a bass instrument with a large sound library, varied electric bass techniques, effects, and standalone or plug-in use.
- 19
Diva
Paid LinuxMacWindows - 20
Addictive Drums 2
Paid MacWindows4.9 Visit site - 21
Arturia V Collection 11
Paid MacWindows - 22
Magnus Choir
Paid MacWindowsChoose Magnus Choir if your host-based music setup supports its plug-in formats and you want one instrument combining natural and synthetic choirs.
- 23
EZbass
Paid MacWindows - 24
Hive 2
Paid LinuxMacWindows4.8 Visit site - 25
EZkeys 2
Paid MacWindows
#1Places #1, #2, #3, #4, #5 on this list can be bought by the makers of the software on it. See the price