AirMotion vs Pianoteq 9
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
AirMotion
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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.
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.
- Physical modeling sound generation
- Realistic playability
- Compact file size
- Wide range of instruments
- Plugin support for DAWs
- New Syngular synthesizer
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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
Verdict
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
Both are free to download. Pianoteq 9 sells 10 one-off in-app purchases. AirMotion asks for nothing beyond the download.
AirMotion ships an update monthly, Pianoteq 9 every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 7, 2026 and November 5, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | AirMotion | Pianoteq 9 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | 4.9 (61 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | — | 68.4% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | — | 61 — better |
| Update frequency | Monthly | Every 3 weeks — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | — | Free with in-app purchases |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 | 15.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 63 MB | 73 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Papritech ltd | Modartt |
In-app purchases
AirMotion
No in-app purchases
Pianoteq 9
- Use existing licenceFree
- Upgrade to latest version$29.00
- Grand Shigeru Kawai SK-EX$49.99
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- 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








