LinuxSampler vs Speedrum 2

LinuxSampler9.3Visit SSpeedrum 28.6Visit

Higher score LinuxSampler #1 in Sampler Software 9.3/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 3 of 4 features Visit LinuxSampler

vs

S Speedrum 2 #7 in Sampler Software 8.6/10 Paid ✓ 3 of 4 features Visit Apisonic Audio

• LinuxSampler fits best

  Open-source users needing broad sampler compatibility

• Speedrum 2 fits best

  Drum producers needing sequencing and layered pads

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Side by side

Feature	LinuxSampler 9.3/10 Visit ↗	SSpeedrum 2 8.6/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	9.3	8.6
Ranking	#1 in Sampler Software	#7 in Sampler Software
Best for	Open-source users needing broad sampler compatibility	Drum producers needing sequencing and layered pads
Pricing model	Free	Paid
Starting price	Free plan	€99 one-time
Free plan	✓ (best)	—
Free trial	—	—
Deployment	Self-hosted, Desktop	Desktop
Platforms	Windows, macOS, Linux	Windows, macOS, Linux
Support	Community, Docs	Community, Docs
Built for	Solo, Small business, Mid-market	Solo, Small business
Features LinuxSampler 3/4 · Speedrum 2 3/4
Sample mapping	✓	✓
Round-robin playback	✓	✓
Granular engine	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Standalone app	✓	✓
Specs
Plugin support	Both	Both
Maximum polyphony	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Supported sample formats	Gigasampler/GigaStudio (.gig), DLS, Akai, SoundFont 2 (.sf2), SFZ, KORG	WAV, AIF, FLAC, MP3, OGG, REX
Our review
Pros	Supports Giga, SoundFont, SFZ, DLS, Akai, and KORG engines Runs standalone or as VSTi, Audio Unit, DSSI, and LV2 plugins Adds disk streaming, scripting, round-robin, and MIDI/network control	64 pads with up to 16 sample layers per pad Step sequencing, MIDI export, slicing, and round-robin playback VST, VST3, AU, AAX, standalone, and three operating systems
Cons	Its backend architecture may require selecting a separate graphical frontend Multiple host and control options can add configuration complexity Its focus is sampler playback rather than a broader music production suite	No free plan; the full product costs €99 one-time The demo disables drumkit loading and plugin-state reloading Sales are final, subject to EULA exceptions
Our verdict	LinuxSampler is a free, open-source software sampler engine from The LinuxSampler Project. It is designed for streaming sample libraries with low latency and supports GigaStudio/Gigasampler, SoundFont, SFZ, DLS, Akai, and KORG sampler… Read the review →	Speedrum 2 is a sample-based MPC-style drum machine and sequencer for music producers who want layered pad performance, drum programming, and sample manipulation in one instrument. Its 64 drum pads support up to 16 sample layers per pad,… Read the review →

Strengths and trade-offs

• LinuxSampler — where it wins

  • Supports Giga, SoundFont, SFZ, DLS, Akai, and KORG engines
  • Runs standalone or as VSTi, Audio Unit, DSSI, and LV2 plugins
  • Adds disk streaming, scripting, round-robin, and MIDI/network control

  Where it doesn't

  • Its backend architecture may require selecting a separate graphical frontend
  • Multiple host and control options can add configuration complexity
  • Its focus is sampler playback rather than a broader music production suite

• Speedrum 2 — where it wins

  • 64 pads with up to 16 sample layers per pad
  • Step sequencing, MIDI export, slicing, and round-robin playback
  • VST, VST3, AU, AAX, standalone, and three operating systems

  Where it doesn't

  • No free plan; the full product costs €99 one-time
  • The demo disables drumkit loading and plugin-state reloading
  • Sales are final, subject to EULA exceptions

• LinuxSampler9.3/10 · Free plan

  A flexible free sampler backend for users who value format and host compatibility.

  Visit LinuxSamplerFull verdict →
• SSpeedrum 28.6/10 · Paid

  A €99 sampler for layered drum sequencing, slicing, effects, and flexible routing.

  Visit Apisonic AudioFull verdict →