Aerodrums 2 vs Pianoteq 9
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Aerodrums 2
This app connects to a unique air drumming instrument, allowing users to visualize their drum kit in 3D. It offers features for configuring the instrument, selecting drum sets, playing along to songs, and recording performances.
- Connect to Aerodrums 2 device
- Visualize drum kit in 3D
- Configure instrument settings
- Select drum sets
- Play along to songs
- Record performances
- Create MIDI maps
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Companion app for the Aerodrums 2 air drumming instrument. Seamlessly connect to your Aerodrums 2 device over WiFi and visualize your drum kit, sticks, and feet in beautifully rendered 3D. The app allows you to: - Configure the Aerodrums 2 instrument - Select your drum set - Play along to songs - Use the built-in metronome - Record your performances - Create MIDI maps - Troubleshoot setup issues - Install new drum sets and other content - Update to the latest firmware - And much more! Aerodrums 2 is an expressive and versatile air drumming instrument. It is a standalone device that uses high-speed optical motion capture technology to accurately track the position of your drumsticks and feet in 3D. Unlike acoustic and traditional electronic drum sets, Aerodrums 2 is lightweight and portable, it is silent when used with headphones, and it takes up no space when not in use. To learn more about Aerodrums 2 visit aerodrums.com
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 rating: Pianoteq 9 at 4.9 against Aerodrums 2's 4.1. Pianoteq 9 also leads on update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 3 months) and ratings volume (63 vs 9). Aerodrums 2's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 10). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement 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. Aerodrums 2 asks for nothing beyond the download.
Pianoteq 9 holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.1. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Pianoteq 9 has 63 ratings behind it against 9, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 60% of Aerodrums 2's written reviews are positive against 68% of Pianoteq 9's.
Aerodrums 2 ships an update every 3 months, Pianoteq 9 every 3 weeks. Both last shipped on November 12, 2026.
| Parameter | Aerodrums 2 | Pianoteq 9 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.1 (9 ratings) | 4.9 (63 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 60.0% of reviews | 68.4% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 9 | 63 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | Every 3 weeks — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Free — better | Free with in-app purchases |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 15.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 156 MB | 73 MB |
| Age rating | 9+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Aerodrums | Modartt |
Customer experience
Aerodrums 2
Pianoteq 9
In-app purchases
Aerodrums 2
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









