# AutoArp vs Pianoteq 8

The clearest difference is rating: Pianoteq 8 at 4.6 against AutoArp's 4.3. Pianoteq 8 also leads on update cadence (every 2 months vs every 4 months) and ratings volume (133 vs 26). AutoArp's advantage is review sentiment (82% vs 74%) and iOS requirement (10.0 vs 13.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. AutoArp 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.

Pianoteq 8 holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Pianoteq 8 has 133 ratings behind it against 26, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 82% of AutoArp's written reviews are positive against 74% of Pianoteq 8's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

AutoArp ships an update every 4 months, Pianoteq 8 every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 23, 2026 and October 21, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | AutoArp | Pianoteq 8 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.3 (26 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/autoarp/id413244255/reviews) | **[4.6 (133 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pianoteq-8/id1642344241/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 26 | **133** |
| Positive reviews | **82.1% of reviews** | 73.6% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Every 2 months** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 5 MB | 54 MB |
| Requires iOS | **10.0** | 13.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Drew Milloy](https://appshunter.io/developer/328220392) | [Modartt](https://appshunter.io/developer/1363148724) |

## What reviewers say

### AutoArp

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/autoarp/id413244255)

This app transforms your device into a unique musical instrument, blending auto-harp and analog synth sounds. Select chords and strum to create retro-futuristic music. A free version offers basic functionality, with advanced features available via in-app purchase.

**Highlights:** Strummable synth interface, Chord selection and configuration, Square, pulse, and sawtooth waveforms, Resonant low-pass filter, Tremolo and echo effects, Audiobus and inter-app audio support, MIDI support (paid)

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Full functionality | $0.99 | one-time |


### 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 AutoArp free?

AutoArp 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, AutoArp or Pianoteq 8?

Pianoteq 8 is rated higher. AutoArp averages 4.3 out of 5 from 26 ratings, while Pianoteq 8 averages 4.6 from 133 ratings.

### Do AutoArp or Pianoteq 8 have ads?

Neither AutoArp nor Pianoteq 8 shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, AutoArp or Pianoteq 8?

AutoArp ships an update every 4 months, and Pianoteq 8 every 2 months. Most recently, AutoArp was updated on October 23, 2026 and Pianoteq 8 on October 21, 2026.

---

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