Decent Sampler vs sfizz
Decent Sampler
decentsamples.comsfizz
sfz.toolsSide by side
| Figure | Decent Sampler | sfizz |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | — | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | — |
| API | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 2 | 1 |
| Spec score · Sampler Software | 8.8 (#2) | 8.4 (#4) |
| What it does | Decent Sampler is a free sample player for instruments stored in the DecentSampler .dspreset and .dslibrary formats. | sfizz is a sample-based musical synthesizer centered on the SFZ instrument format. |
Plans
In their own words
Decent Sampler
Decent Sampler is a free sample player for libraries in DecentSampler format. It opens.dspreset and.dslibrary files and is available as a standalone app or a plugin. Supported systems include Windows 10 and later, Mac computers with Intel or Apple Silicon, Linux x64 and ARM64, and iOS; plugin formats differ by platform. Its supported sample formats include WAV, AIFF, and FLAC, and it offers sample mapping and round-robin playback. The product page lists version 1.34.0, with updates including shelf EQ, darker delay repeats, and the ability to turn modulators on or off. Usage guides cover Ableton Live, FL Studio, Logic, and GarageBand. Downloading requires an email address. The maker also provides library-creation documentation and directs creators to its Q&A page and Pianobook Discord help channel. Bug reports can be submitted through a contact form or bug tracker, which requires a separate account. The listed price is free.
sfizz
sfizz is a sample-based musical synthesizer built around the SFZ instrument format. It can load existing SFZ libraries or support the creation of personal instruments. The software supports SFZv1 and has partial compatibility with SFZv2, so some features of the newer format may not work fully. sfizz is available as VST3i, Audio Unit and LV2 plugins, as well as a standalone JACK client. Instrument makers can use hot reload to revise custom instruments and check changes without manually operating the software. Its streaming system loads sounds when needed and reclaims memory once sounds are no longer in use. Developers can integrate the engine into other programs with C and C++ API bindings; it accepts an SFZ file and MIDI-type events and renders audio through successive callbacks. Downloads include Linux packages, Windows 32-bit and 64-bit installers, and a universal macOS package for Intel and Apple Silicon. The project requires no payment to use, with optional donations. Its repository was archived on June 21, 2026 and is read-only.