Futures EP vs Pianoteq 8
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Futures EP
This music application offers a unique listening experience with its two-track open outcome record. Each playback presents a different sonic outcome, allowing for variety in recorded music.
- Open outcome record medium
- Two-track music release
- Variable sonic outcomes
- Artist-controlled playback variety
- Next-generation record concept
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Embodying a next-generation record medium known as the open outcome record, Futures EP is a two-track music release created by Adam Jansch, which has been designed to present a different sonic outcome every time it is played. The philosophy behind the open outcome record is that recorded music shouldn't be shackled by the fixity of the record medium; instead, the record artist should have the power to instil a degree of variety between renditions, through processes that operate within the record during playback.
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 in-app purchases: Futures EP at none against Pianoteq 8's 10. Futures EP also leads on review sentiment (100% vs 74%). Pianoteq 8's advantage is update cadence (every 2 months vs every 18 months) and ratings volume (133 vs 2). On price, rating, 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
Both are free to download. Pianoteq 8 sells 10 one-off in-app purchases. Futures EP asks for nothing beyond the download.
On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.5 for Futures EP against 4.6 for Pianoteq 8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Pianoteq 8 has 133 ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 100% of Futures EP's written reviews are positive against 74% of Pianoteq 8's.
Futures EP ships an update every 18 months, Pianoteq 8 every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on November 6, 2026 and November 3, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Futures EP | Pianoteq 8 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.5 (2 ratings) | 4.6 (133 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews — better | 73.6% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 2 | 133 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 18 months | Every 2 months — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Free — better | Free with in-app purchases |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 13.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 340 MB | 54 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Adam Jansch | Modartt |
Customer experience
Futures EP
Pianoteq 8
Bugs and requests
Futures EP
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
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- 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
Futures EP
No in-app purchases
Pianoteq 8
- Use existing licenceFree
- Upgrade to latest version$29.99
- Electric Pianos$49.99
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- Hohner Collection$49.99
- Classical Guitar$49.99
- Grand Shigeru Kawai SK-EX$49.99
- Grand Bösendorfer 280VC$49.99
- Stage to Standard$129.99
- Standard to Pro$129.99
- Pianoteq STAGE$139.00
Questions
Is Futures EP free?
Is Pianoteq 8 free?
Which has better reviews, Futures EP or Pianoteq 8?
Do Futures EP or Pianoteq 8 have ads?
Which is updated more often, Futures EP or Pianoteq 8?
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