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Best Free Alternatives to Output Arcade
Stop paying $10/mo. Discover professional-grade tools that won't break your budget.
Category: SamplingVerified for 2025
Top Recommended Replacements
Loopcloud (Free Plan)
FREEBest Professional Alternative
Why we like it
Includes a free tier with access to a massive library; features the Loopcloud VST which lets you preview, pitch, and tempo-sync samples directly in your DAW for $0.
Keep in mind
The 'best' samples require points (paid); the free tier has limited cloud storage for your own files.
BandLab Sampler
FREEBest for Quick Playability
Why we like it
Completely free, cloud-based sampler; allows you to create 16-pad playable kits from thousands of free loops or your own recordings; mirrors Arcade's 'playable kit' philosophy.
Keep in mind
Primarily web/mobile based; less advanced real-time 'modifiers' (FX) compared to Arcade's black-key system.
Momentum by Big Fish Audio
FREEBest Loop Manipulator VST
Why we like it
A powerful free plugin for slicing, stretching, and key-matching loops; allows you to manipulate samples with high-quality effects and pitch-shifting without a subscription.
Keep in mind
Does not come with a massive cloud library; you must provide your own loops or buy their specific packs.
Sitala
FREEBest Minimalist Sampler
Why we like it
Extremely lightweight; features a 16-pad layout with 'instant' controls for tuning, shape, and tone; supports drag-and-drop directly from your DAW or desktop.
Keep in mind
No built-in loop stretching or tempo-syncing; purely a 'one-shot' drum and melodic sampler.
TX16Wx Software Sampler
FREEBest for Sound Design
Why we like it
One of the most powerful free samplers available; features a professional mapping editor, beat slicer, and multi-mode filters; highly technical and precise.
Keep in mind
Interface is very industrial and intimidating for beginners; lacks the 'curated' feel of Arcade's presets.
Serato Studio (Free Edition)
FREEBest for Sampling Workflow
Why we like it
Includes the 'Serato Sample' engine for free; automatically detects the key and BPM of any loop; 'one-click' chopping of samples into playable pads.
Keep in mind
The free edition limits the number of decks and export formats; strictly for beat-making rather than being a generic VST instrument.
Sample Focus
FREEBest Community Library
Why we like it
The best 'search by sound' community; thousands of high-quality, user-uploaded loops that are tagged by key and tempo; great for manual sample hunting.
Keep in mind
No VST plugin; you must download samples and manually import them into your DAW or a free sampler like Sitala.
Grace
Best Workflow Speed
Why we like it
A workflow-focused sampler with a beautiful UI; handles SFZ patches and has a great internal browser; 100% free.
Keep in mind
Windows only; lacks the modern 'cloud-stream' feature that defines Arcade's ease of use.
Splice (Free Pack Search)
FREEBest for High-Quality Content
Why we like it
While Splice is paid, they release high-quality free packs from top producers regularly; includes an AI 'Create' tool that generates loops for free.
Keep in mind
The best search features are locked behind the monthly subscription; the desktop app can be resource-heavy.
Reason Studios ReCycle (Now Free)
FREEBest Legacy Slicer
Why we like it
As of 2025, the legendary loop-slicing software is free; the absolute gold standard for 'REX' files that lock to any tempo without artifacts.
Keep in mind
Standalone software (not a VST); workflow is a bit 'old school' compared to modern drag-and-drop tools.
LALAL.AI (Free Starter)
FREEBest for Stem Separation
Why we like it
If you use Arcade for its 'Hooked' (vocal) kits, use this to extract vocals from any song for free; high-quality AI isolation.
Keep in mind
The free tier is limited to a few minutes of audio processing; full use requires a 'pay-per-minute' package.
Cymatics.fm (Free Vault)
FREEBest for Modern Producers
Why we like it
The highest quality 'free' loops for Trap, Hip-Hop, and EDM; their free plugins (like Diablo Lite or Origin) help process samples to sound like Arcade's kits.
Keep in mind
No integrated player; these are sample packs you have to organize and load yourself.
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