Comparison

AirMotion vs Pianoteq 9

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

AirMotion

Features
Read full description

AirMotion is the latest generation of MIDI breath and motion controller. This controller is the world's first wireless controller that can be quickly configured via your smartphone to send MIDI control change messages to your musical instrument. MIDI control change messages are sent when breathing into the device or moving the head to bring extreme realism and expression to their studio recordings or live performances. AirMotion was made with a passion for detail and a strong focus on durability, this cutting-edge design goes far beyond what is technically possible with other controllers available on the market.

About

Pianoteq 9

This virtual instrument app uses advanced physical modeling to generate realistic sounds for pianos, electric pianos, harpsichords, and more. It offers compact file sizes and is trusted by renowned instrument makers. Unlock full instrument access with a license.

Highlights
  • Physical modeling sound generation
  • Realistic playability
  • Compact file size
  • Wide range of instruments
  • Plugin support for DAWs
  • New Syngular synthesizer
Features
Read full description

PIANOTEQ 9: 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: - Natural Playability: Physical modeling captures many of the subtle interactions and dynamic nuances found in acoustic instruments, providing a responsive playing experience. - Compact Size: Without relying on large sample libraries, Pianoteq requires only a fraction of the storage space of many virtual instruments, making it ideal for iPhone and iPad. Trusted by the Best: Steinway, Kawai, Bösendorfer, 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). Already own Pianoteq 8? Upgrade to Pianoteq 9 at an attractive upgrade price and unlock a new level of realism and expression. Simply launch Pianoteq 9, click “Restore Purchases”, and follow the instructions. Here’s what’s new in Pianoteq 9: - Richer tone and enhanced spatial depth: all modern and historical grands have been thoroughly revoiced. - A beautiful new Italian Triple Harp joins the Harp pack. - Electric pianos (MKII, Reeds) have been updated. - Expressive new “Sombre” presets for cinematic playing. - A refined, more intuitive mixer panel. - Portrait orientation and windowed mode now supported. - A new instrument: the Syngular synthesiser. Experience your instruments like never before, more vivid, expressive, and alive.

Screenshots

AirMotion4 screens
Pianoteq 94 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: AirMotion at none against Pianoteq 9's 10. On price, update cadence, 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 9 sells 10 one-off in-app purchases. AirMotion asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

AirMotion ships an update monthly, Pianoteq 9 every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 7, 2026 and November 5, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference · 9 level
AirMotion versus Pianoteq 9: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterAirMotionPianoteq 9
PriceFreeFree
Rating—4.9 (61 ratings) — better
Positive reviews—68.4% of reviews
Number of ratings—61 — better
Update frequencyMonthlyEvery 3 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
Monetization—Free with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS15.615.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size63 MB73 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperPapritech ltdModartt

In-app purchases

None

AirMotion

No in-app purchases

10 purchases

Pianoteq 9

One-time10
  • Use existing licenceFree
  • Upgrade to latest version$29.00
  • Grand Shigeru Kawai SK-EX$49.99
Show 7 more
  • Grand Bösendorfer 280VC$49.99
  • Electric Pianos$49.99
  • Hohner Collection$49.99
  • Upright U4$49.99
  • Syngular$49.99
  • Stage to Standard$129.99
  • Pianoteq STAGE$139.00

Questions

Is AirMotion free?
AirMotion is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Pianoteq 9 free?
Pianoteq 9 is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do AirMotion or Pianoteq 9 have ads?
Neither AirMotion nor Pianoteq 9 shows ads.
Which is updated more often, AirMotion or Pianoteq 9?
AirMotion ships an update monthly, and Pianoteq 9 every 3 weeks. Most recently, AirMotion was updated on October 7, 2026 and Pianoteq 9 on November 5, 2026.

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