# Poly 2 vs Pianoteq 8

Poly 2 and Pianoteq 8 both sit at 4.8 stars, but that hides the real split: 84% of Poly 2's written reviews are positive against 74% of Pianoteq 8's. Poly 2 also leads on ratings volume (694 vs 133). Pianoteq 8's advantage is iOS requirement (13.0 vs 16.6). On price, rating, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

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 694 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. Both last shipped on October 21, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Poly 2 | Pianoteq 8 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (694 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/poly-2/id1477029326/reviews)** | [4.6 (133 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pianoteq-8/id1642344241/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **694** | 133 |
| Positive reviews | **84.4% of reviews** | 73.6% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 4 weeks** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 153 MB | 54 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.6 | **13.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [James Milton](https://appshunter.io/developer/581503621) | [Modartt](https://appshunter.io/developer/1363148724) |

## What reviewers say

### Poly 2

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/poly-2/id1477029326)

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.

**Highlights:** 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

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pro mode | $11.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 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

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 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

**Reported bugs**

- In-app purchase not working for some users
- MIDI connectivity issues with certain apps
- Crashes upon opening for some users

**Requested features**

- 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


### Pianoteq 8

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pianoteq-8/id1642344241)

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:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (28)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Use existing licence | Free | one-time |
| Upgrade to latest version | $29.99 | one-time |
| 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 |
| Grand Petrof | $49.99 | one-time |
| Grand Steingraeber | $49.99 | one-time |
| Grand Steinway B | $49.99 | one-time |
| Upright U4 | $49.99 | 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 |
| Harp | $49.99 | one-time |
| Harpsichord | $49.99 | one-time |
| Kremsegg collection 1 | $49.99 | one-time |
| Grand Steinway D | $49.99 | one-time |
| Karsten collection | $49.99 | one-time |
| Kremsegg collection 2 | $49.99 | one-time |
| Grand Bösendorfer 280VC | $49.99 | one-time |
| Steelpans | $49.99 | one-time |
| Stage to Standard | $129.99 | one-time |
| Standard to Pro | $129.99 | one-time |
| Pianoteq STAGE | $139.00 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🎶 Realistic piano sounds
- 💻 Cross-platform compatibility
- 💡 Physical modeling technology
- 🤏 Small app size
- 🎹 High playability and expressiveness

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💸 Expensive pricing
- 🤔 Steep price for casual users
- 🛒 Difficult purchase process
- 💻 Requires additional license slot
- 👎 Terrible user interface

**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

**Requested features**

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


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Poly 2 free?

Poly 2 is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Pianoteq 8 free?

Pianoteq 8 is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Poly 2 or Pianoteq 8?

Poly 2 is rated higher. Poly 2 averages 4.8 out of 5 from 694 ratings, while Pianoteq 8 averages 4.6 from 133 ratings.

### Do Poly 2 or Pianoteq 8 have ads?

Neither Poly 2 nor Pianoteq 8 shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Poly 2 or Pianoteq 8?

Poly 2 ships an update every 4 weeks, and Pianoteq 8 every 2 months. Most recently, Poly 2 was updated on October 21, 2026 and Pianoteq 8 on October 21, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*