MASCHINE vs Koala Sampler

MASCHINE9.2Visit Koala Sampler8.8Visit

Higher score MASCHINE #2 in Beat Making Software 9.2/10 Paid ✓ 3 of 3 features Visit MASCHINE

vs

Koala Sampler #4 in Beat Making Software 8.8/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 3 of 3 features Visit Koala Sampler

• MASCHINE fits best

  Beatmakers wanting hardware-style production workflows

• Koala Sampler fits best

  Portable sample-based beatmakers

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Side by side

Feature	MASCHINE 9.2/10 Visit ↗	Koala Sampler 8.8/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	9.2	8.8
Ranking	#2 in Beat Making Software	#4 in Beat Making Software
Best for	Beatmakers wanting hardware-style production workflows	Portable sample-based beatmakers
Pricing model	Paid	Free plan + paid
Starting price	$39 one-time	—
Free plan	—	✓ (best)
Free trial	—	—
Deployment	Desktop	Desktop, Mobile
Platforms	Windows, macOS	Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android
Support	Docs	Email, Docs
Integrations	11 integrations	7 integrations
Built for	Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise	Solo, Small business
Features MASCHINE 3/3 · Koala Sampler 3/3
Plugin support	✓	✓
MIDI support	✓	✓
Sample import	✓	✓
Specs
Platforms	Desktop	Cross_platform
Track limit	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Audio export	audio files in 16-, 24-, and 32-bit depth; MIDI files	WAV; .koala; .adg; Ableton Live Set
Our review
Pros	Combines sampling, slicing, arrangement, mixing, instruments, and effects Supports DAW plug-ins, MIDI sequencing, export, and stem separation Works with major DAWs and Windows or macOS desktop systems	Records, imports, chops, stretches and sequences audio Supports MIDI, plugins, stem separation and piano-roll editing Runs across iOS, Android, macOS, Windows and Linux
Cons	There is no free plan The $39 option is update-only for Maschine 2 users Platform support is limited to Windows and macOS	Mobile pricing varies by store and region External plugin hosting is limited to supported platforms Its workflow centers on samples rather than broad music production
Our verdict	MASCHINE is Native Instruments’ beat-making and music production system for producers and performers. It supports beat and pattern creation, audio sampling, sample slicing, clip-based arrangement, mixing, sound design, and performance. The… Read the review →	Koala Sampler is a pocket-sized sampler, sequencer and mixer for beat makers who build tracks from recorded or imported sounds. It records through a device microphone, imports audio files and video-derived audio, and arranges samples into… Read the review →

Strengths and trade-offs

• MASCHINE — where it wins

  • Combines sampling, slicing, arrangement, mixing, instruments, and effects
  • Supports DAW plug-ins, MIDI sequencing, export, and stem separation
  • Works with major DAWs and Windows or macOS desktop systems

  Where it doesn't

  • There is no free plan
  • The $39 option is update-only for Maschine 2 users
  • Platform support is limited to Windows and macOS

• Koala Sampler — where it wins

  • Records, imports, chops, stretches and sequences audio
  • Supports MIDI, plugins, stem separation and piano-roll editing
  • Runs across iOS, Android, macOS, Windows and Linux

  Where it doesn't

  • Mobile pricing varies by store and region
  • External plugin hosting is limited to supported platforms
  • Its workflow centers on samples rather than broad music production

• MASCHINE9.2/10 · Paid

  A capable beat-making system for producers who want sampling, sequencing, and hardware-style workflows.

  Visit MASCHINEFull verdict →
• Koala Sampler8.8/10 · Free plan

  A flexible cross-platform beat maker for sample-based workflows and Ableton exports.

  Visit Koala SamplerFull verdict →