Comparison

PF3 Remote vs Pianoteq 8

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

PF3 Remote

Features
Read full description

The remote control for the Pianoforce Performance player 2 allows you to control the playback, volume levels and all other functions of your acoustic player piano. It automatically connects to your player piano through Wi-Fi. Note: To use this service - You NEED to have the Pianoforce Performance Player (wwww.pianoforce.eu) V2.50+ connection to LAN and one Wi-FI access point for iPhone/iPad Touch connection. Or you can press the offline view to see how it works.

About

Pianoteq 8

This virtual instrument uses advanced physical modeling to generate realistic sounds for a wide range of instruments, including pianos, electric pianos, and guitars. It offers compact file sizes and faithful sound reproduction, making it ideal for musicians on the go. Connect a MIDI device and start playing, or use it as a plugin in other music applications.

Highlights
  • Physical modeling sound generation
  • Simulates pianos, electric pianos, guitars, and more
  • Realistic playability
  • Compact file size
  • Works as a plugin
  • MIDI device compatible
Features
Read full description

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).

Screenshots

PF3 Remote3 screens
Pianoteq 83 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: PF3 Remote at none against Pianoteq 8's 28. On price, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Pianoteq 8 sells 28 one-off in-app purchases. PF3 Remote asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

PF3 Remote ships an update every 6 weeks, Pianoteq 8 every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 26, 2026 and October 27, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference · 9 level
PF3 Remote versus Pianoteq 8: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterPF3 RemotePianoteq 8
PriceFreeFree
Rating—4.6 (133 ratings) — better
Positive reviews—73.6% of reviews
Number of ratings—133 — better
Update frequencyEvery 6 weeks — betterEvery 2 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
Monetization—Free with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS13.013.0
Further details — not scored
Size4 MB54 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperPianoforceModartt

Bugs and requests

PF3 Remote

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

Pianoteq 8

Reported bugs

8 issues
  • 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
Show 3 more
  • Impossible to order from App Store
  • Bug in purchase through App Store
  • MIDI file saving not working

Requested features

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

In-app purchases

None

PF3 Remote

No in-app purchases

28 purchases

Pianoteq 8

One-time28
  • Use existing licenceFree
  • Upgrade to latest version$29.99
  • Grand C. Bechstein DG$49.99
Show 25 more
  • Grand Blüthner$49.99
  • Celeste$49.99
  • Grand Grotrian$49.99
  • Electric Pianos$49.99
  • Hohner Collection$49.99
  • Grand Petrof$49.99
  • Grand Steingraeber$49.99
  • Grand Steinway B$49.99
  • Upright U4$49.99
  • Grand YC5$49.99
  • Classical Guitar$49.99
  • Grand K2$49.99
  • Grand Shigeru Kawai SK-EX$49.99
  • Vibes: Vibraphones V-B & V-M$49.99
  • Harp$49.99
  • Harpsichord$49.99
  • Kremsegg collection 1$49.99
  • Grand Steinway D$49.99
  • Karsten collection$49.99
  • Kremsegg collection 2$49.99
  • Grand Bösendorfer 280VC$49.99
  • Steelpans$49.99
  • Stage to Standard$129.99
  • Standard to Pro$129.99
  • Pianoteq STAGE$139.00

Questions

Is PF3 Remote free?
PF3 Remote is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Pianoteq 8 free?
Pianoteq 8 is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do PF3 Remote or Pianoteq 8 have ads?
Neither PF3 Remote nor Pianoteq 8 shows ads.
Which is updated more often, PF3 Remote or Pianoteq 8?
PF3 Remote ships an update every 6 weeks, and Pianoteq 8 every 2 months. Most recently, PF3 Remote was updated on October 26, 2026 and Pianoteq 8 on October 27, 2026.

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