Head-to-head · Music Sample Libraries
Splice Sounds vs Arcade by Output
Splice Sounds leads on 0 checks, Arcade by Output on 0, and 4 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 4 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreSplice Sounds · 9.2/10
- Free trialonly Arcade by Output
- Most featuresSplice Sounds · 2 of 3
Splice Sounds scores higher on our rubric for music sample libraries: 9.2 against 8.3 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #7.
On download model, Splice Sounds gives you Credit-based where Arcade by Output offers Unlimited.
Splice Sounds is the better fit for broad sample discovery with advanced DAW search. Arcade by Output is the better fit for loop-based instruments and curated production kits.
- Splice Sounds fits best
Broad sample discovery with advanced DAW search
- Arcade by Output fits best
Loop-based instruments and curated production kits
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Side by side
| Feature | Splice Sounds 9.2/10 Visit ↗ | Arcade by Output 8.3/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.2 | 8.3 |
| Ranking | #2 in Music Sample Libraries | #7 in Music Sample Libraries |
| Best for | Broad sample discovery with advanced DAW search | Loop-based instruments and curated production kits |
| Pricing model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting price | $12.99/mo | $12.99/mo |
| Free plan | — | — |
| Free trial | — | 7 days |
| Deployment | Cloud, Desktop, Mobile | Cloud, Desktop |
| Platforms | Web, Windows, macOS | Windows, macOS |
| Support | Docs | Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise |
| Features Splice Sounds 2/3 · Arcade by Output 1/3 | ||
| MIDI included | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stems included | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Vocal content | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Specs | ||
| Included content | samples, presets, MIDI | Samplers, Instruments, Kits, Lines, and Samples |
| Sample count | 100 samples | Not checked yet |
| Download model | Credit-based | Unlimited |
| Sample formats | WAV, MIDI, AU, VST3, AAX | WAV, AIFF, MP3, FLAC, VST, VST3, AU, AAX |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | Splice Sounds is a royalty-free library for music producers, composers and other creators who need samples, loops, one-shots, MIDI patterns and presets. Its browsing tools cover genre, instrument, key and BPM, while text and audio search… 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
Splice Sounds — where it wins
- Search by genre, instrument, key, BPM, text or audio
- DAW plugin supports AU, VST3 and AAX formats
- Credits roll over and licensing supports commercial use
Where it doesn't
- No free plan
- Downloads use credits, with some MIDI and presets costing more
- Advanced DAW features depend on supported plugin formats
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
- Splice Sounds9.2/10 · Paid
A broad, credit-based sample library with advanced search and DAW plugins.
Visit Splice 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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All music sample libraries comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update







