Koala Sampler vs WaveLab
Koala Sampler
koalasampler.com
WaveLab
steinberg.netSide by side
| Figure | Koala Sampler | WaveLab |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| iOS | Yes | — |
| Android | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 11 | 3 |
| Spec score · Audio Editing Software | 9.0 (#8) | 9.1 (#4) |
| Documentation | The maker publishes a structured manual covering basics, sequencing, performance, plugins, specifications and desktop operation. | WaveLab help is available online at steinberg.help, with platform-independent documentation covering Windows and macOS workflows, setup, audio connections and editing concepts. |
| Free plan | Yes | No |
| Headquarters | Sidcup, Kent, United Kingdom | Hamburg, Germany |
| Integrations | iOS AUv3 operation works in hosts including AUM, GarageBand and Logic Pro, and Ableton Link enables Wi-Fi jamming. | WaveLab supports third-party VST3 plug-ins, external audio editors and hardware devices, and WaveLab Pro can operate as an ARA extension in compatible applications. |
| Privacy | The maker says iOS and Android apps do not require an account and do not send projects or audio to the maker; microphone, file, and photo permissions stay on the device. | Steinberg says personal data is used in accordance with applicable data protection rules including the GDPR and German data protection laws. |
| Purpose | Koala records sounds with a device microphone or imports sounds for making beats, adding effects, and creating tracks. | WaveLab is an audio mastering and editing suite with audio editing, audio montage, batch processing, and spectral editing tools. |
| Security and privacy | The maker says projects and audio stay on the user's computer, mobile apps need no account, and it does not sell data or use it for advertising. | Steinberg says its German account operation follows EU GDPR and the German Data Protection Act and exchanges account and computer details for licensing and support purposes. |
| Support | The help center provides knowledge-base articles, bug-report guidance, crash-log instructions and a contact route. | Steinberg’s imprint says technical support is available only to registered users. |
| What it does | Koala records microphone sounds or imports audio, turns them into beats, applies effects, sequences ideas and resamples performances. | WaveLab is Steinberg software for audio editing, restoration, analysis, mastering and publishing, with separate Audio Editor, Audio Montage, batch-processing and Dolby Atmos workspaces. |
Plans
Koala Sampler
- DesktopPrice not published
- Desktop Koala SamplerFree
- Desktop plugin trialFree
- Koala Sampler desktop plugin trialFree
- Koala Sampler (Mac, Windows, Linux, Raspberry Pi)Free
- Sample packs$2.99, paid once
- Samurai Edition$3.99, paid once
- Koala Sampler for Android$4.99, paid once
- Koala Sampler for iOS$4.99, paid once
- Koala Sampler (iOS)$4.99, paid once
WaveLab
- WaveLab LEFree
- WaveLab Elements 13$99.99, paid once
- WaveLab Pro 13$499.99, paid once
In their own words
Koala Sampler
Koala Sampler records sounds through a device microphone or imports audio for making beats and tracks. It can capture up to 64 samples and includes a high-resolution sequencer, keyboard mode, quantization, swing, and effects. Projects can be exported as WAV loops or tracks; the iOS version can also export Ableton Live Sets. MIDI control and Ableton Link support external control and Wi-Fi jamming. Optional in-app purchases add more tools: Samurai includes time-stretch algorithms, a piano roll, auto-chop, a three-band EQ, a polyphonic synth, and MIDI output. Mixer adds four channels, a main bus, and five effect slots per channel; its external plugin hosting is available on iOS, Mac, and Windows, but not Android. Koala Sampler is listed for Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, and Windows. Desktop builds for Mac, Windows, Linux, and Raspberry Pi are free for now, although the Windows build is in beta. The iOS app costs $4.99, paid once, with in-app purchases sold separately. The maker says mobile apps do not require an account and keep projects and audio on the device.
WaveLab
WaveLab is an audio mastering and editing suite for Windows and macOS. Its tools cover audio editing, audio montage, batch processing, and spectral editing, with multitrack editing, noise reduction, and video synchronization also listed. It supports VST 3 plug-ins from other manufacturers. The edition comparison lists podcasting integrations with SoundCloud, Spreaker, Podbean, Buzzsprout, and Castos, and says Pro and Elements can replace audio in video.
WaveLab Pro 13 includes Dolby Atmos mastering tools for ADM file editing, loudness control, and album assembly. It supports sample rates up to 384 kHz and more than 1,000 audio tracks; Elements 13 supports up to 96 kHz and eight tracks. Downloads are listed for Windows 10 64-bit version 22H2 or newer, Windows 11 version 24H2 or newer, and macOS 14, 15, or 26. The pricing note is From $99.99 · 60-day trial. A free WaveLab LE copy is available with qualifying hardware and a Download Access Code. The Pro trial requires signing in or creating a Steinberg ID.