01
Piano One
by Sound Magic · Hybrid-modeled grand piano
Also hybrid-modeled rather than pure samples. One grand piano; the newest version is Windows only.
VST2VST3AUWindowsmacOS
Modartt Pianoteq · ModarttFree alternatives to Modartt Pianoteq
A physically modeled piano: tiny install, very playable, deeply tweakable. Here are 3 genuinely free options, ranked by how close they get.
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02
Splice INSTRUMENT (free tier)
by Splice / Spitfire Audio · Sample-based instrument player (successor to Spitfire LABS)
The free tier includes the free LABS piano packs. Sample-based and simple.
VST3AUAAXStandalonemacOSWindowsNeeds free Splice account
03
Decent Sampler
by Decent Samples · Sample player with a big free library scene
Plays many free sampled piano libraries. Bigger downloads than Pianoteq, less tweaking.
VST2VST3AUAAXStandalonemacOSWindowsLinux
Free means free: no trials, no time limits, no demos. Some need a free account; we flag those. Spot something wrong or a better swap? Tell us.
Used in $0 starter setups
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