Comparison

Pianoteq 9 vs DIGIPAD

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

Head to head
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.

About

DIGIPAD

Features
Read full description

The new multi-platform DIGIPAD app, available for tablets, smartphones and PC, lets you wirelessly control your PROEL DIGIPAD8 digital mixer. Thanks to the mixer's built-in Wi-Fi interface, you always have all your mixing parameters at your fingertips, with an intuitive interface optimized for both large and compact displays. Whether you're a musician, producer, or sound engineer, with DIGIPAD you're always in control of your mix, transforming every performance into a professional sound experience. The DIGIPAD App offers complete remote control of all DIGIPAD8 mixer functions: • Preamp Gain, Phase, Delay, Level, Pan, Mute, and Solo on all channels • 48V power supply on mic channels • 4-band EQ with LPF and HPF, Gate, and Compressor on all channels • 2 AUX sends • Studio-quality reverb • Main Mix and Aux 1 & 2 with 4-band EQ with LPF and HPF, Limiter, and Delay • Control of the Bluetooth input and USB In/Out interface • 10 scenes that can be saved and recalled with the complete mixer configuration

Screenshots

Pianoteq 94 screens
DIGIPAD4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: DIGIPAD at none against Pianoteq 9's 19. 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 19 one-off in-app purchases. DIGIPAD asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Pianoteq 9 ships an update every 3 weeks, DIGIPAD fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on September 22, 2026 and September 18, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference · 9 level
Pianoteq 9 versus DIGIPAD: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterPianoteq 9DIGIPAD
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (46 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews75.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings46 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeksFortnightly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — better
Requires iOS13.0 — better14.0
Further details — not scored
Size68 MB18 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperModarttProel

In-app purchases

19 purchases

Pianoteq 9

One-time19
  • Use existing licenceFree
  • Upgrade to latest version$29.00
  • Classical Guitar$49.99
Show 16 more
  • Steelpans$49.99
  • Grand Blüthner$49.99
  • Grand Petrof$49.99
  • Grand YC5$49.99
  • Harp$49.99
  • Grand Steinway B$49.99
  • Grand Shigeru Kawai SK-EX$49.99
  • Grand Steingraeber$49.99
  • 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
  • Standard to Pro$129.99
  • Pianoteq STAGE$139.00
None

DIGIPAD

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Pianoteq 9 free?
Pianoteq 9 is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is DIGIPAD free?
DIGIPAD is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Pianoteq 9 or DIGIPAD have ads?
Neither Pianoteq 9 nor DIGIPAD shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Pianoteq 9 or DIGIPAD?
Pianoteq 9 ships an update every 3 weeks, and DIGIPAD fortnightly. Most recently, Pianoteq 9 was updated on September 22, 2026 and DIGIPAD on September 18, 2026.

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