Best Virtual Instruments in 2026
Updated
In short: BBC Symphony Orchestra is ranked #1 of 25 as of 4 October 2026, ahead of Dexed and IK Multimedia ReSing. The best-ranked option with a free plan is Dexed. The lowest first paid tier on this page is Vital at $5/mo.
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.
25 virtual instruments ranked on what their makers publish — plans and prices, free tiers, platforms and the facts on their own pages.
5 of the 25 here have a free tier you can use, 0 have open-source code on record, and 0 have full bars: free, open, on most of your devices and documented.
| # | App | Signal | Free tier | Open code | Devices | From | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | BBC Symphony OrchestraWindows · Mac | Two bars | — | 2 of 6 | Free | 6.5 | |
| 2 | DexedWindows · Mac · Linux | Three bars | — | 3 of 6 | Free | 6.5 | |
| 3 | IK Multimedia ReSingWindows · Mac | Two bars | — | 2 of 6 | Free | 6.5 | |
| 4 | Surge XTWindows · Mac · Linux | Three bars | — | 3 of 6 | Free | 6.5 | |
| 5 | VitalWindows · Mac · Linux | Three bars | — | 3 of 6 | $5/mo | 6.5 | |
| 6 | PREMIER SOUND FACTORYWindows · Mac | No signal | — | — | 2 of 6 | — | 5.3 |
| 7 | PianoteqWindows · Mac · Linux · iPhone | Two bars | — | — | 4 of 6 | — | 5.2 |
| 8 | ReproWindows · Mac · Linux | Two bars | — | — | 3 of 6 | — | 5.2 |
| 9 | Voltage ModularWindows · Mac | No signal | — | — | 2 of 6 | — | 5.2 |
| 10 | EZmix 3Windows · Mac | One bar | — | — | 2 of 6 | — | 5.1 |
| 11 | MASCHINEWindows · Mac | One bar | — | — | 2 of 6 | $39/mo | 5.1 |
| 12 | TrilianWindows · Mac | One bar | — | — | 2 of 6 | — | 5.1 |
| 13 | XOWindows · Mac | One bar | — | — | 2 of 6 | — | 5.1 |
| 14 | Efx FRAGMENTSWindows · Mac | One bar | — | — | 2 of 6 | — | 4.9 |
| 15 | Garritan Abbey Road Studios CFX Concert GrandWindows · Mac | No signal | — | — | 2 of 6 | — | 4.9 |
| 16 | Kontakt 8Windows · Mac | No signal | — | — | 2 of 6 | — | 4.9 |
| 17 | KORG CollectionWindows · Mac | No signal | — | — | 2 of 6 | — | 4.9 |
| 18 | Magnus ChoirWindows · Mac | One bar | — | — | 2 of 6 | — | 4.9 |
| 19 | NotePerformerWindows · Mac | No signal | — | — | 2 of 6 | — | 4.9 |
| 20 | Virtual DrummerWindows · Mac | No signal | — | — | 2 of 6 | — | 4.9 |
| 21 | Virtual GuitaristWindows · Mac | No signal | — | — | 2 of 6 | — | 4.9 |
| 22 | EastWest ComposerCloud+Windows · Mac | No signal | — | — | 2 of 6 | — | 4.8 |
| 23 | OB-EWindows · Mac | No signal | — | — | 2 of 6 | — | 4.8 |
| 24 | Virtual PianistWindows · Mac | No signal | — | — | 2 of 6 | — | 4.8 |
| 25 | VOCALOID3 Library kokoneWindows | No signal | — | — | 1 of 6 | — | 4.8 |
Is your app on this list?
Numbered spots on this list can be sponsored. They are labelled, and the editorial order and scores never change for payment.
Questions about this list
Which virtual instrument is ranked first on Freedom251?
BBC Symphony Orchestra is ranked #1 of 25 with a score of 6.5. Dexed is second and IK Multimedia ReSing third.
How many of these have a free plan?
5 of the 25 on this page publish a free plan on their own pricing pages.
Which is the cheapest paid option?
On this page, Vital has the lowest first paid tier we found: $5/mo.
How is this list ranked?
Ranked free-and-open first: a usable free tier and open-source code, then the platforms it runs on and its documentation. Paid placements never change a rank.