# Pianoteq 8 — Play Realistic Pianos & More

> Award-winning virtual instrument simulating acoustic instruments via physical modeling. (iPhone/iPad app by Modartt.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pianoteq-8/id1642344241 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Modartt](https://appshunter.io/developer/1363148724)
- Category: Music
- Price: Free with in-app purchases
- Rating: 4.60/5 from 133 App Store ratings · 90 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 13.0 · 54 MB
- Released: 2023-05-03
- Data updated: 2026-08-26
- Monetization: free with in-app purchases
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pianoteq-8/id1642344241/reviews.md

## What is Pianoteq 8?

PIANOTEQ: THE ULTIMATE VIRTUAL INSTRUMENT

Pianoteq is an award-winning virtual instrument that simulates a wide range of instruments including pianos, electric pianos, harpsichords, vibraphones, guitars, steel drums, and more, using advanced physical modeling. Unlike traditional virtual instruments that use recorded sounds, Pianoteq generates sounds in real-time by calculating the physics of how strings vibrate and how the soundboard radiates sound.


Why Pianoteq Stands Out:

 - Realistic Playability: By modeling the physical properties of instruments, Pianoteq replicates the playability and complex behavior of real acoustic instruments.
 - Compact Size: Without large samples, Pianoteq's file size is much smaller than other virtual instruments, making it ideal for your iOS device.


Trusted by the Best:

Steinway, KAWAI, Bösendorfer, C. Bechstein, Petrof, Steingraeber, Grotrian, Blüthner, and Hohner have all endorsed Pianoteq for its faithful sound reproduction.


Getting Started:

 - Connect a MIDI device to your iPad/iPhone.
 - Launch Pianoteq.
 - Start playing!

Pianoteq also works as a plugin in any Audio Unit host application, such as GarageBand, AUM, Cubasis, Camelot, and more.

Note: All instruments run in demo mode (with some keys disabled) until you purchase a Pianoteq STAGE license (unlocks two instruments) or link to an existing Pianoteq user account with a valid license. Licenses purchased on the App Store are valid across other supported platforms (macOS, Windows, Linux).

## Key features

- Physical modeling sound generation
- Simulates pianos, electric pianos, guitars, and more
- Realistic playability
- Compact file size
- Works as a plugin
- MIDI device compatible

## Pricing and in-app purchases

Base price: Free.

**One-time purchases**

| Purchase | Price | Type |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Grand C. Bechstein DG | $49.99 | one-time |
| Grand Blüthner | $49.99 | one-time |
| Celeste | $49.99 | one-time |
| Grand Grotrian | $49.99 | one-time |
| Electric Pianos | $49.99 | one-time |
| Hohner Collection | $49.99 | one-time |
| Use existing licence | Free | one-time |
| Grand Petrof | $49.99 | one-time |
| Pianoteq STAGE | $139.00 | one-time |
| Grand Steingraeber | $49.99 | one-time |
| Grand Steinway B | $49.99 | one-time |
| Upright U4 | $49.99 | one-time |
| Upgrade to latest version | $29.99 | one-time |
| Stage to Standard | $129.99 | one-time |
| Standard to Pro | $129.99 | one-time |
| Grand YC5 | $49.99 | one-time |
| Classical Guitar | $49.99 | one-time |
| Grand K2 | $49.99 | one-time |
| Grand Shigeru Kawai SK-EX | $49.99 | one-time |
| Vibes: Vibraphones V-B & V-M | $49.99 | one-time |


## What do users think of Pianoteq 8?

Overall sentiment: mixed

**Pros**

- 🎶 Realistic piano sounds
- 💻 Cross-platform compatibility
- 💡 Physical modeling technology
- 🤏 Small app size
- 🎹 High playability and expressiveness
- 🎧 Excellent sound quality
- 🖱️ Good tweakability
- ✨ Amazing deal for desktop users
- 📱 Portable and convenient
- 🔌 Plug and play with MIDI
- 🚀 Fast response times
- ✅ Polished and stable app
- 🎁 Generous demo option
- 💳 Multi-platform payment model
- 🎚️ Great touch controls
- 🎸 Also great for guitar sounds
- 🔊 Unmatched modeled instruments
- ✨ Professional quality sound

**Cons**

- 💸 Expensive pricing
- 🤔 Steep price for casual users
- 🛒 Difficult purchase process
- 💻 Requires additional license slot
- 👎 Terrible user interface
- 💰 Priced for kings and elites
- 💸 Not worth the price for some
- 💵 High price for iPad users
- 😤 Frustrating customer service
- 🚫 Not for limited budgets

**Commonly reported bugs**

- Some keys do not work
- Significant latency issues
- Cannot activate due to missing serial number
- Stuttering audio on iOS
- App not updated for new iOS
- Impossible to order from App Store
- Bug in purchase through App Store
- MIDI file saving not working

**Most requested features**

- Add Yamaha p125 instrument
- iPad only version
- Add second row of keyboard
- Increase/decrease number of visible keys

## Recent user reviews (10 of 90)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pianoteq-8/id1642344241/reviews.md

### 5/5 — Love it! ❤️✨

*2026-06-23*

Pianoteq 8 is a beautiful program!  The only limitations you could have when using it, is the limitations you place upon yourself as a musician.  And, whatever hardware you’re running it through.  Spend the money, get a really good weighted midi keyboard, and you could do concerts with this program…I have!  Much love and thanks to the designers of this program.

### 4/5 — Very realistic piano sounds great but one thing…

*2026-01-27*

Everything is great I just wish y’all can make it so all the full 88 keys are functional some keys do not work

### 1/5 — So far have to many issues

*2025-12-24*

I wanted a simple plug in that I could use right away without any issues…..I’m having significant latency issues. I thought it may be because I’m running on an iPad… so I downloaded on the app.  I can’t activate because I was not sent a serial number…I got an email saying my account was successfully created but it did not include a serial number so far it’s been a big headache.. there needs to be a phone contact for tech support !

### 4/5 — Very good app

*2025-11-03, version 8.4.4*

I would recommend this app. The quality of the piano sound is excellent and there’s a lot of possibilities to tweak such things as the sound of the sustained pedal hush and microphone placement in the virtual room. I think some more resources such as YouTube instructional videos might be helpful to get the best out of it.

### 5/5 — Most expressive piano

*2025-10-24*

it is simply the most expressive one by far. Really worth the price!!!
Some very unfair reviews here.

Ruybatera, some notes not working because you are in demo mode. Try buying the app.

The price is high because it is simply one of the best sounding pianos in any platform. If you buy the desktop version you also get the iOS one. Really nice'

### 5/5 — Maravilhoso

*2025-10-18*

O melhor de todos

### 5/5 — Amazing

*2025-10-18, version 8.4.4*

Works as well on my iPad Air M3 as it does on my PC and Mac Mini M4.
Thanks so much for including all the versions for one price

### 5/5 — Amazing app

*2025-10-17*

Unfortunately with version 9 release, I need to download a new app and pay again for upgrade.

### 5/5 — Best IOS Piano

*2025-10-16, version 8.4.4*

The search is over ! Definitely the best for that amazing sounds of Pianos ! My go 2

### 5/5 — The best of the best

*2025-10-15*

Simply put. The best of the best. 
If you are into any sort of piano work but do not have the space or money for acoustic / vintage electric pianos. This is a must have bar none. The fact that your account crosses over from iOS to windows/mac/linux is a breath of fresh air amongst developers and I hope (but highly doubt) that other devs follow in modartts footsteps.

## Frequently asked questions about Pianoteq 8

### What is Pianoteq 8?

Pianoteq 8 is an award-winning virtual instrument that uses advanced physical modeling to simulate the sound of a wide variety of instruments, including pianos, electric pianos, harpsichords, vibraphones, and guitars. It generates sounds in real-time by calculating the physics of how instruments produce sound, offering a more realistic and dynamic experience than traditional sample-based instruments.

### What instruments can I play with Pianoteq 8?

Pianoteq 8 can simulate a diverse range of instruments. This includes various types of pianos, electric pianos, harpsichords, vibraphones, guitars, and steel drums. The physical modeling technology allows for faithful reproduction of their unique characteristics and playability.

### How do I get started with Pianoteq 8?

To start playing, connect a MIDI device to your iPad or iPhone and launch the Pianoteq app. You can also use Pianoteq as a plugin within compatible Audio Unit host applications like GarageBand or Cubasis. All instruments are available in demo mode until a license is purchased.

### Is Pianoteq 8 free to use?

Pianoteq 8 offers a demo mode for all instruments, where some keys may be disabled. To unlock the full functionality and all instruments, you will need to purchase a Pianoteq STAGE license or link to an existing user account with a valid license. Licenses purchased on the App Store are cross-platform compatible.

### What are the benefits of using Pianoteq 8?

Pianoteq 8 stands out due to its realistic playability, achieved by modeling the physical properties of instruments. It also boasts a compact file size compared to traditional sample-based virtual instruments, making it ideal for mobile devices. Its sound reproduction is so faithful that it has been endorsed by renowned piano manufacturers.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 8.4.4 — 2025-10-10

- fix for rare crash.
- icon update.

### 8.4.3 — 2025-06-16

- fix startup issue created by previous release.
- small performance improvement.

### 8.4.2 — 2025-06-04

- Improve error reporting when a purchase on the App Store fails.

### 8.4.1 — 2025-03-20

- Correct incorrect envelope values in some presets when adjusting the mallet bounce envelope slider.

### 8.4.0 — 2024-11-06

- New grand piano: Grand Shigeru Kawai SK-EX.
- New microphones added: a perfect-cardioid microphone, and the legendary M49 tube microphone.
- Added copy/paste functionality in the note-edit menu for iOS users.
- Minor corrections to the Bösendorfer (C#4, E2).
- The app now creates a virtual MIDI input, allowing it to receive MIDI events from other iOS sequencers without using the AUv3 plugin.

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## More apps by Modartt

- [Pianoteq 9](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pianoteq-9/id6736754495)

All apps by Modartt: https://appshunter.io/developer/1363148724

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-26.*