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Head-to-head · Music Sample Libraries

Splice Sounds vs Arcade by Output

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 4 checks side by side
Higher score Splice Sounds #2 in Music Sample Libraries 9.2/10 Paid ✓ 2 of 3 features Visit Splice Sounds
Arcade by Output #7 in Music Sample Libraries 8.3/10 7-day trial Free trial✓ 1 of 3 features Visit 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

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

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
  • 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
  • Unlimited downloads with royalty-free samples
  • Tempo and key synchronization for loop-based production
  • Standalone app plus VST, VST3, AU, and AAX plugins
Cons
  • No free plan
  • Downloads use credits, with some MIDI and presets costing more
  • Advanced DAW features depend on supported plugin formats
  • No free plan is available
  • Requires a monthly subscription after the 7-day trial
  • Runs on Windows and macOS only
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 →
  1. Splice SoundsMusic Sample Libraries 9.2Paid
  2. Arcade by OutputMusic Sample Libraries 8.37-day trial

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

More comparisons

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update