Samples vs Soundly: Sound Library Comparison 2026
Compare Samples and Soundly for sound effects and audio libraries. See pricing, features, and which sound library tool is right for your audio production workflow.
Updated 2026-07 · 2026
Samples
Royalty-free sample library for music producers
Strengths
- +Affordable subscription pricing for unlimited downloads
- +Large collection of music loops and samples
- +Good for music production and beat making
Weaknesses
- -Limited sound effects compared to dedicated SFX libraries
- -Smaller overall library than competitors
- -Basic search and filtering capabilities
Best for
Music producers and beat makers looking for affordable loops and samples
Soundly
Professional sound effects library and workflow tool
Strengths
- +Free desktop app with access to thousands of sounds
- +Excellent search and preview capabilities
- +Direct integration with major DAWs and video editors
Weaknesses
- -Cloud storage requires paid subscription ($9.99/mo)
- -Focuses on SFX rather than music samples
- -Can be overwhelming for beginners
Best for
Sound designers, video editors, and post-production professionals needing SFX
Feature Comparison
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Free Tier | No free tier | Free desktop app with library access |
| Monthly Cost | $9.99/month | Free (cloud storage $9.99/mo optional) |
| Library Size | ~50,000+ samples | ~500,000+ sound effects |
| Music Loops/Samples | Extensive collection | Limited, mainly SFX focused |
| Sound Effects | Basic collection | Professional-grade library |
| DAW Integration | Manual drag-and-drop | Direct plugin integration (Pro Tools, Logic, etc.) |
| Video Editor Integration | Not available | Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, DaVinci Resolve |
| Offline Access | Downloaded files only | Desktop app with offline library |
| Search Quality | Basic keyword search | Advanced metadata and similarity search |
| Preview Quality | Standard preview | Waveform visualization and instant preview |
| Content Updates | Monthly additions | Regular library expansions |
| Best Use Case | Music production | Video/film post-production |
The Verdict
Soundly wins for sound effects and post-production work with its free desktop app and massive SFX library, making it the better value for video editors and sound designers. Samples is better suited for music producers who need loops and musical content rather than sound effects. If you're doing video work, Soundly's free tier is hard to beat.