Native Instruments offers an absurd range of bundles for their synths and samples. So the question becomes: Do you get the ever-changing Komplete Now subscription? Or do you save up for the full version of Komplete 14?
This post will pit Komplete Now vs. Komplete 14 Standard in a head-to-head comparison to see which one’s best for you.
Overview: Komplete Now vs. Komplete 14 Standard
Here’s a quick overview of each bundle. And if you want to know more about other Native Instruments bundles, check out our comparison of Komplete 14 Standard, Ultimate, and Collector’s Editions.
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$9.99/month
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$599
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- Expanding selection of instruments, effects, and presets
- New products added each month
- Includes Kontakt 7 Player
- Fixed set of 117 plugins and presets
- Includes Kontakt 7 (Full Version)
- 15 Synthesizers
- 36 Sampled instruments
- 9 Drums & percussion
- 19 Effects plugins
- 38 Expansions
What’s Included In Each?
Komplete Now is a subscription service that lets you access a rotating selection of instruments, effects, and expansions. New products get added each month, so you’ll never run out of sounds and ideas.
On the other hand, Komplete 14 is a one-time purchase that includes a fixed set of instruments and effects. You can keep your products forever and redownload them anytime from your Native Instruments account.
Kontakt
Both products come with a different version of Kontakt.
Komplete Now comes with Kontakt 7 Player. This is the basic version that runs most of the sampled instruments in the collection.
On the other hand, Komplete 14 Standard comes with the full version of Kontakt 7. This plugin is a powerful sampler that lets you create and edit your own instruments from imported samples.
The full version of Kontakt (and by extension, Komplete 14) also gives you full access to countless sample libraries from multiple companies.
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Free
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$299.99
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Licensed libraries only
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Licensed and unlicensed libraries
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6 GB of sounds, plus more via Now subscription
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55+ GB of sounds
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Restricted to 15 minute demo mode
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Extensive instrument editing tools, including a wave editor and 90 effects & filters
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For more info, check out our guide explaining the differences between Kontakt Player and the full version of Kontakt 7.
Synths & Sampled Instruments
Komplete Now includes an expanding collection of synths and Play Series instruments. But the biggest one of all is Massive X, one of Native Instruments’ flagship synthesizers.
Plus, a Now subscription includes preset expansions for Massive X. This opens up even more possibilities for the synth.
Then there’s Komplete 14, which not only includes Massive X, but also includes the original Massive.
On top of that, the standard bundle comes with 13 other synths and dozens of other sampled instruments, giving you the most bang for your buck.
One of Native Instruments' flagship synthesizers. It gives you all the wave shaping tools to create the most incredible leads, basses, and pads you'll ever hear. And with an ever-growing supply of presets, the possibilities are endless.
Massive is one of our go-to instruments. This powerhouse synthesizer is an uncompromising sonic monster. It's perfect for creating piercing leads, fat basses, and anything in between.
Battery
Both bundles come with a version of Battery 4, one of the most powerful drum samplers out there. You can browse an endless collection of drum kits, or import your own samples to create unique drum kits.
Battery: Now Edition comes with 60+ drum kits to start with. Plus, new kits are added each month.
Komplete 14 comes with the full version of Battery 4, which comes with hundreds of kits and samples. Plus, the Standard bundle comes with over 30 additional expansions, so you get even more kits to play with!
Other Drums
If you need more drums and percussion outside of Battery, both bundles have you covered.
Some of the shared drum kits between each bundle include:
- Empire Breaks: Old-school breaks from the golden age of hip hop.
- Studio Drummer: A fantastic acoustic drum kit loaded with thousands of MIDI patterns for every style.
As always, the Now subscription adds new products each month. So you can always be on the lookout for new drum kits in the future.
Standard comes with a total of nine drum kits, including more acoustic kits and ethnic percussion.
Mixing & Effects Plugins
Both Now and Standard come with an impressive set of mixing and effects plugins. All these plugins will help you get your tracks to radio-ready status.
As of this writing, both packages include the following plugins:
- Bite: A bitcrusher plugin that replicates classic hardware samplers
- Dirt: Replicates classic distortion pedals
- Freak: Transforms your sound by shifting frequencies
- Raum: A creative reverb tool for any situation
- Supercharger GT: Saturates your tracks with tube compression
- Transient Master: A simple dynamic effect tool with only three knobs
- Replika: A pretty standard delay tool
These tools alone give you the power to transform any sound into something truly special.
On top of all that, Komplete 14 offers even more mixing, mastering, and effects plugins.
In total, there are 19 effects plugins, including iZotope Ozone 10, an incredible suite of mastering plugins.
New Products Not Yet Released
From time to time, Now subscribers can get access to new product releases that aren’t available in any other Komplete bundle.
Komplete 14 owners would have to buy them separately.
Case in point, Komplete Now includes the Play Series: Duets instrument, which isn’t available in any other bundle.
Which Version Should You Get?
Both software packages are perfect for electronic musicians and beatmakers. So it’ll largely depend on what you value. Here are some general thoughts to help your decision:
Get Komplete Now if…
- You’ve never tried Native Instruments products before (the first month is free).
- You’re on a budget and want access to premium synths and sounds right away.
- You’re a hobbyist who doesn’t want to spend too much money.
- You don’t mind losing access to these products if your subscription ends.
Get Komplete 14 Standard if…
- You’ve tried Native Instruments products before and like them.
- You hate the idea of subscriptions and not owning products you pay for.
- You’re an experienced producer and would benefit from the additional software.
Our Pick: Komplete 14 Standard
For my money, Komplete 14 Standard is easily the better choice. It includes almost everything Now offers, and more.
If you’re thinking about subscribing to Komplete Now for more than a year, don’t. You may as well put that money toward the full version.
Komplete 14 Standard has all the core music software you need in one package. This bundle includes Native Instruments' flagship synths, expressive sampled instruments, and studio-grade effects.
What About Komplete 14 Select?
Frankly, Komplete 14 Select is a weird in-between package that doesn’t have much appeal.
- It’s too expensive for those looking at a low-priced monthly subscription.
- The price is close enough to Komplete 14 Standard that you may as well save up for it instead.
- The instrument selection isn’t really focused on any one type of musician.
- Both Komplete Now and Komplete 14 Standard have a better selection of effects plugins.
Still Not Enough? Compare These Other Komplete Bundles
Komplete Now and Komplete 14 Standard are great entry points into the world of Native Instruments. But they might not be enough for some folks.
We’ve put together a free guide comparing Komplete 14 Standard, Ultimate, and Collector’s Edition. Check that out if your at all interested in the Komplete bundles.
