Comparison

Futures EP 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

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.

Highlights
  • Open outcome record medium
  • Two-track music release
  • Variable sonic outcomes
  • Artist-controlled playback variety
  • Next-generation record concept
Read full description

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.

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

Futures EP3 screens
Pianoteq 83 screens

Verdict

The call

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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Pianoteq 8 sells 10 one-off in-app purchases. Futures EP asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

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.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

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.

Scorecard6 real differences · 4 level
Futures EP versus Pianoteq 8: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterFutures EPPianoteq 8
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.5 (2 ratings)4.6 (133 ratings) — better
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews — better73.6% of reviews
Number of ratings2133 — better
Update frequencyEvery 18 monthsEvery 2 months — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree — betterFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS15.013.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size340 MB54 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperAdam JanschModartt

Customer experience

Futures EP

All ratings2 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews1 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

Pianoteq 8

All ratings133 ratings
Positive89.5%
Neutral2.3%
Negative8.3%
Written reviews91 reviews
Positive73.6%
Neutral4.4%
Negative22.0%

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
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

Futures EP

No in-app purchases

10 purchases

Pianoteq 8

One-time10
  • Use existing licenceFree
  • Upgrade to latest version$29.99
  • Electric Pianos$49.99
Show 7 more
  • 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?
Futures EP is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Pianoteq 8 free?
Pianoteq 8 is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Futures EP or Pianoteq 8?
Pianoteq 8 is rated higher. Futures EP averages 4.5 out of 5 from 2 ratings, while Pianoteq 8 averages 4.6 from 133 ratings.
Do Futures EP or Pianoteq 8 have ads?
Neither Futures EP nor Pianoteq 8 shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Futures EP or Pianoteq 8?
Futures EP ships an update every 18 months, and Pianoteq 8 every 2 months. Most recently, Futures EP was updated on November 6, 2026 and Pianoteq 8 on November 3, 2026.

Other comparisons