Head-to-head · Music Sample Libraries
BandLab Sounds vs Arcade by Output
BandLab Sounds leads on 1 check, Arcade by Output on 0, and 2 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 3 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreBandLab Sounds · 8.5/10
- Free planonly BandLab Sounds
- Free trialboth
BandLab Sounds scores higher on our rubric for music sample libraries: 8.5 against 8.3 out of 10; our editors rank them #5 and #7.
BandLab Sounds offers free plan; Arcade by Output doesn't. On download model, BandLab Sounds gives you Credit-based where Arcade by Output offers Unlimited.
BandLab Sounds is the better fit for free mobile and browser-based sample access. Arcade by Output is the better fit for loop-based instruments and curated production kits.
- BandLab Sounds fits best
Free mobile and browser-based sample access
- Arcade by Output fits best
Loop-based instruments and curated production kits
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Side by side
| Feature | BandLab Sounds 8.5/10 Visit ↗ | Arcade by Output 8.3/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 8.5 | 8.3 |
| Ranking | #5 in Music Sample Libraries | #7 in Music Sample Libraries |
| Best for | Free mobile and browser-based sample access | Loop-based instruments and curated production kits |
| Pricing model | Free plan + paid | Paid |
| Starting price | — | $12.99/mo |
| Free plan | ✓ (best) | — |
| Free trial | 3 days | 7 days |
| Free trial length | 3 days | 7 days · card required |
| Deployment | Cloud, Mobile | Cloud, Desktop |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android | Windows, macOS |
| Support | Tickets, Docs | Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise |
| Features BandLab Sounds 1/3 · Arcade by Output 1/3 | ||
| MIDI included | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Stems included | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Vocal content | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Specs | ||
| Included content | loops, samples, one-shots | Samplers, Instruments, Kits, Lines, and Samples |
| Sample count | 100 samples | Not checked yet |
| Download model | Credit-based | Unlimited |
| Sample formats | AAC, FLAC, M4A, MP3, WAV | WAV, AIFF, MP3, FLAC, VST, VST3, AU, AAX |
| Our review | ||
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | BandLab Sounds is a royalty-free sample library integrated with BandLab Studio. It is designed for musicians, beatmakers and producers who need loops, samples and one-shots for personal or commercial compositions. The library works on the… Read the review → |
Arcade by Output is a desktop sampler and instrument plugin for music producers who want curated loops, instruments, and production kits in one subscription. Its content is organized into Lines, Kits, Samplers, Instruments, and individual… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
BandLab Sounds — where it wins
- Free tier includes 20 BandLab Sounds claims per week
- Browse, preview and drag samples into BandLab Studio
- Web, iOS and Android access with royalty-free licensing
Where it doesn't
- Downloads use weekly claims rather than unlimited access
- Standalone redistribution of sounds is restricted
- My Sounds cloud management is for active members
Arcade by Output — where it wins
- Unlimited downloads with royalty-free samples
- Tempo and key synchronization for loop-based production
- Standalone app plus VST, VST3, AU, and AAX plugins
Where it doesn't
- No free plan is available
- Requires a monthly subscription after the 7-day trial
- Runs on Windows and macOS only
- BandLab Sounds8.5/10 · Free plan · 3-day trial
A flexible sample library for free browser and mobile music production.
Visit BandLab SoundsFull verdict → - Arcade by Output8.3/10 · 7-day trial
A curated, loop-focused sampler with unlimited downloads for $12.99 per month.
Visit OutputFull verdict →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update