Kontakt Player vs. Kontakt 7 Full – What Are the Differences?

Kontakt is an essential plugin every composer should have in their toolbox. But if you’re new to Kontakt, you might be confused between the full retail version and the free Kontakt Player

There are two versions of this software – Kontakt Player, and the full version simply known as Kontakt. (We’ll sometimes refer to it as Kontakt Full).

In this guide, we’ll explain the differences between the two current versions of Kontakt 7. We’ll discuss cost, what’s included, compatible libraries, and other features.

At a Glance: Kontakt Player vs. Kontakt 7 Differences

What Is Kontakt?

Kontakt is a sampler plugin created by Native Instruments. It’s the host program that powers many software instruments created by NI and other developers. It also lets you create your own instruments by importing samples and editing them within the plugin.

For a deeper explanation, check out our Kontakt 7 overview.

What Is Kontakt Player?

Kontakt Player is the free version of Kontakt. It only runs the sample-based instruments created by Native Instruments and select third parties. It lacks most of the sample editing features found in the full version.

How Much Do They Cost and What’s Included?

The most obvious difference is the price. Kontakt Player is free, whereas Kontakt Full costs money. Simple enough.

You can download Kontakt Player as a standalone plugin. You could also get it as part of the free Komplete Start Bundle. This includes 50+ instruments and sounds, as well as a few effects plugins.

As of this writing, the full version of Kontakt 7 costs $299, or just $99 if you’re upgrading from a previous version. It also comes with 55+ GB of sounds and samples.

Komplete Bundles

While you can buy the full version of Kontakt as a standalone product, you’ll get the most value from one of the Komplete bundles. These range in price from $599–1799.

We have a full guide explaining the differences between Komplete 14 Standard, Ultimate, and Collector’s Edition. But for now, here’s a quick overview:

Each one of these software packages comes with the full version of Kontakt 7, along with an incredible suite of instruments and plugins. Depending on the bundle, you can get the following:

• Synths and engines like Massive and Reaktor 6
• Virtual instruments and sample libraries that cover almost any genre
• Mixing, mastering, and effects plugins like reverbs, delays, and compressors
• Expansions for your Native Instruments products

What Libraries Are Compatible?

Both Kontakt and Kontakt Player are fully compatible with any Native Instruments sample library. That alone provides a lifetime of sounds to create with.

Getting the full version unlocks the ability to use any and all Kontakt libraries. This includes both “licensed” libraries (ones that show up in the Libraries browser) and “unlicensed” libraries (ones you have to load from your files).

Many other developers create libraries specifically for Kontakt, expanding your potential sound palette even further. Here are some of our favorite sample library companies, most of which make instruments for both Kontakt and Kontakt Player.

Sampling and Instrument Building

The full version of Kontakt is a powerful sampler you can use to build and edit your own instruments. Inside, you’ll find extensive tools to edit, stretch, slice, and loop your sounds.

Kontakt also boasts about 90 effects and filters to help you shape those sounds even further.

Most of these features are locked away in Kontakt Player. Instead, you’re restricted to a 15-minute demo mode. Here’s what you’ll see when the timer runs out:

How to Install Kontakt or Kontakt Player

Once you’ve purchased Kontakt, download Native Access. You’ll need it to manage, install, and update all the Native Instruments products tied to your account. It’s also where you’ll go to register serial numbers from third-party libraries.

Here’s how to install Native Access:

1. Go to the Native Access page on the Native Instruments website.
2. Scroll down and click either the “Download (Mac)” or “Download (Win)” buttons.
3. Save the .zip folder to your preferred file location.
4. Right click the folder, hit “Extract All” and save the installer.
5. Double-click the file called “Native Access 1.13.3 Setup” (It should show if it’s for PC or Mac)
6. Follow the installation instructions as prompted

It should have been installed in one of these folder locations:

• Mac: Macintosh HD > Applications > Native Access
• Windows: C: > Program Files > Native Instruments > Native Access

After you’ve installed Native Access and updated your preferences, follow these steps:

1. Click the “Not Installed” tab on the far left side of the Native Access browser.
2. Find Kontakt or Kontakt Player in your list of products.
3. Click “Install” on the far right side.

Kontakt should now be downloaded where your Native Instruments applications are stored.

Getting More Instruments for Kontakt

Kontakt by itself is a lot of fun. But what makes it even better is expanding it with third-party sample libraries. We’ve put together a few resources dedicated to Kontakt instruments:

• 3 ComposerCloud Alternatives You’ll Actually Own – These all-in-one bundles for Kontakt offer a comprehensive range of sample libraries: orchestras, synths, world instruments, and more.
• Kontakt Strings: What Are the Best String Libraries? – Our top picks for the best Kontakt string libraries for any situation.