Poly 2 vs Pianoteq 8
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Poly 2
This app generates evolving musical patterns and melodies using polyrhythms. It offers extensive sound manipulation with a sampler, multiple effects, and the ability to store numerous configurations. Users can also import their own sounds and integrate with other music production tools.
- Generative polyrhythm sequencing
- Up to 8 simultaneous sounds
- Sampler with envelopes and filters
- Randomize capabilities
- Built-in delay, reverb, distortion, and EQ FX
- AUv3, Audiobus, and IAA support
- Import custom samples
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Poly 2 is a generative sequencer that creates evolving patterns and melodies based on the power of polyrhythms. Check out the promo video: https://youtu.be/ovCXtBynEkw Features: - Up to 8 different sounds at any time - Store up to 16 different configurations for each project - A sampler that includes envelopes, filters, loop crossfading, an LFO and more - Randomise capabilities - Delay, reverb, distortion and EQ FX - Over 100 samples included for free - 13 premade collections of sounds - 13 example projects - AUv3 support, both MIDI and Audio - Audiobus and IAA - Ableton Link - MIDI notes in / out, MIDI CC in / out and MIDI clock in - Import your own samples via iOS Files or WIFI transfer
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.
- Physical modeling sound generation
- Simulates pianos, electric pianos, guitars, and more
- Realistic playability
- Compact file size
- Works as a plugin
- MIDI device compatible
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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
Verdict
The clearest difference is rating: Poly 2 at 4.8 against Pianoteq 8's 4.6. Poly 2 also leads on review sentiment (84% vs 74%) and ratings volume (686 vs 133). Pianoteq 8's advantage is iOS requirement (13.0 vs 16.6). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases 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
Both are free to download. Poly 2 sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Pianoteq 8 sells 28 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.
Poly 2 holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Poly 2 has 686 ratings behind it against 133, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 84% of Poly 2's written reviews are positive against 74% of Pianoteq 8's.
Poly 2 ships an update every 4 weeks, Pianoteq 8 every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 16, 2026 and October 13, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Poly 2 | Pianoteq 8 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.8 (686 ratings) — better | 4.6 (133 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 84.1% of reviews — better | 73.6% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 686 — better | 133 |
| Update frequency | Every 4 weeks — better | Every 2 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better |
| Requires iOS | 16.6 | 13.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 153 MB | 54 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | James Milton | Modartt |
Customer experience
Poly 2
Pianoteq 8
User reviews
Poly 2
From 686 App Store ratingsWhat we love
- 🚀 Unique, creative, and powerful tool
- 👍 Intuitive and user-friendly interface
- 🎨 Excellent for ambient, experimental, and generative music
- 🎹 Great for drum grooves and rhythmic patterns
- 💻 Seamless integration with external hardware and software
Room to improve
- 🐛 Occasional crashes and bugs
- 🔇 Lack of sustain/voice ring-out when transport is stopped
- 📺 Small interface elements can be difficult to use on iPad
- 🔌 Compatibility issues with some third-party apps
Pianoteq 8
From 133 App Store ratingsWhat we love
- 🎶 Realistic piano sounds
- 💻 Cross-platform compatibility
- 💡 Physical modeling technology
- 🤏 Small app size
- 🎹 High playability and expressiveness
Room to improve
- 💸 Expensive pricing
- 🤔 Steep price for casual users
- 🛒 Difficult purchase process
- 💻 Requires additional license slot
- 👎 Terrible user interface
Bugs and requests
Poly 2
Reported bugs
3 issues- In-app purchase not working for some users
- MIDI connectivity issues with certain apps
- Crashes upon opening for some users
Requested features
8 requests- Ability to preview samples before importing
- Autoslice/autochop functionality for samples
- Support for larger sample imports and automatic slot filling
- Granulizer effect
- Note repeat and vinyl effects
Show 3 moreShow fewer
- More built-in effects and processing options
- Ability to create and arrange full songs
- M1 Mac compatibility
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 moreShow fewer
- 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
Poly 2
- Pro mode$11.99
Pianoteq 8
- Use existing licenceFree
- Upgrade to latest version$29.99
- Grand C. Bechstein DG$49.99
Show 25 moreShow fewer
- 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 Poly 2 free?
Is Pianoteq 8 free?
Which has better reviews, Poly 2 or Pianoteq 8?
Do Poly 2 or Pianoteq 8 have ads?
Which is updated more often, Poly 2 or Pianoteq 8?
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