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Arcade VST by Output: Price, Features, and Is It a Good Value in 2025?

GEAR, VST, REVIEWMathias Pageauoutput arcade, arcade output, arcade vst, arcade plugin, output arcade review, arcade by output, output arcade price, how much is output by arcade
Arcade VST by Output: Price, Features, and Is It a Good Value in 2025?

Music production tools are essential for modern-day creators, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced professional. One name that has become synonymous with innovative sample-based production is Output Arcade. With a sleek interface, a massive library of sounds, and tools designed for creativity, it’s no wonder that many beatmakers are interested in this sampler plugin. In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about Output Arcade and Output One’s pricing, the value it offers, and how it compares to other services like Splice and Loopcloud.

Updated October 2025: Includes latest pricing, subscription options, and what’s changed in Arcade this year.

 
 
 

How Much Does Output Arcade Cost?

Let’s start with the question on everyone’s mind: How much is Output Arcade?

Arcade operates on a subscription-based pricing model. As of March 2025, Arcade offers two main subscription options:

Both plans grant you unlimited access to everything Arcade has to offer. Importantly, they also offer a 7-day free trial, which allows you to try everything before committing. This means you can explore its vast library and functionality with no upfront costs, making it a risk-free option to test whether it fits your creative needs.

The best part? Even after you cancel your subscription, Arcade will still play any MIDI data sent to it, and your sessions will sound exactly as they did when you made them (although you won’t be able to access the interface or make any new tweaks inside the VST.)

While other services like Splice operate on a credit-based system (e.g., $7.99 for 100 credits), Arcade’s flat subscription pricing ensures that you always have unlimited access to their growing library of loops and samples. This is a significant advantage for producers needing a steady supply of sounds without worrying about credit budgeting.

Additionally, the yearly plan provides some pretty good savings for those who know they’ll be using Arcade long-term, offering nearly half-off the price compared to the monthly plan. If you plan to make Arcade a permanent fixture in your toolkit, the annual subscription is clearly the more cost-effective option.

 
 

What Do You Get for $12.99 a Month?

If you’re considering trying Arcade by Output, you’ve probably seen the plugin in action in a social media ad or a YouTube tutorial. You probably know that Arcade is a powerful tool—but maybe you'd like to learn more about what it can actually do..

Here are its best features in my opinion.

A Massive, Ever-Growing Library

Arcade’s library boasts over 50,000 loops and samples, organized into curated Sample Lines. Spanning genres from hip-hop and electronic to ambient, cinematic, and experimental, it’s built to adapt to any creative style.

Output keeps the library fresh — recent additions include afropop, hyperpop, and new ambient textures. Even if these aren’t your usual genres, exploring outside your wheelhouse often leads to fresh ideas.

New content is added regularly, so you won’t need to hunt down expansion packs or stress about running out of credits (as with Splice or Loopcloud). Everything is available under the flat US $12.99/month rate.

Customizable Kits and Sounds

In addition to loops, Arcade offers Tonal Kits and Drum Kits. These aren’t just static loops but playable instruments that give you the flexibility to create melodies, beats, and textures that are entirely your own. Arcade’s playable kits allow you to manipulate these sounds in real-time, ensuring that you can tailor them to fit your project’s exact needs.

One of the standout features is that you can also upload your own samples into Arcade to replace any sound in a kit. Once uploaded, these sounds can be manipulated using Arcade’s extensive array of effects, filters, and custom tools, making it a hybrid between a sample service and a fully customizable virtual instrument.

Seamless Integration

Arcade isn’t just about having access to a vast library of samples; it’s also about giving producers the tools they need to manipulate those sounds effortlessly. The Arcade plugin works as a VST, meaning you can load it directly into your DAW, and just like any other virtual instrument, it can be easily mapped to your favorite MIDI controller. This seamless integration allows you to work with Arcade in your projects without constantly jumping between external software and your DAW.

Arcade’s interface is one of its greatest strengths. Despite the sheer amount of content available, the layout is clean and intuitive. Even beginners can easily find what they need, whether it’s a sound pack or a sample-based instrument. Everything is organized into clear categories, and the search function makes it easy to locate sounds by genre, instrument, or mood.

Real-Time Customization

Each sound in Arcade is completely customizable in real-time. Once you load a module, you can use Arcade’s built-in effects, modulation, pitch-shifting, as well as its comprehensive sample-editing page to make it your own. This ability to customize in real-time is what sets Arcade apart from more traditional sample libraries where loops are often static and require external editing.

The macro controls also make it easy to tweak several parameters at once, allowing for smooth and dynamic sound changes. This level of control makes Arcade more than just a sample library—the possibilities are endless.

 
 
 

Output One: All of Output, in One Subscription

In 2025, Output expanded its ecosystem with Output One — a new all-in-one subscription that bundles Arcade with every major Output plugin and sound pack. Instead of paying separately for tools like Thermal, Portal, Movement, and Analog Brass & Winds, subscribers now get full access under a single plan.

 

What’s included

Output One gives you:

  • The complete Arcade experience (with its entire Line library and kit builder)

  • All Output effect plugins — Thermal, Portal, Movement, and others

  • All instrument plugins like Analog Strings, Analog Brass & Winds, Substance, and Exhale

  • Every expansion pack and preset library Output has released

  • Ongoing updates and future releases at no extra cost

 

Is it worth it?

If you already use multiple Output products, Output One can be a better deal than maintaining separate licenses. It also helps unify your creative workflow — every plugin, sound, and preset in one synced library. On the other hand, if Arcade is the only Output tool you use regularly, the standalone subscription still offers the best value.

 
 

Comparison: Arcade vs. Splice and Loopcloud

Now that we've explored what Arcade offers, let's compare it to two other popular sample services in the market: Splice and Loopcloud. Both platforms operate on subscription-based models but differ in their approaches to accessing samples and sound libraries.

 

Splice offers several subscription plans

 

Each credit allows you to download one sample, and unused credits roll over to the next month. This system offers flexibility, enabling users to pay only for the samples they need.

Splice as a much bigger pool of loops, too. A whole lot of quality stuff, but sometimes, there’s a fine line between abundance and “too much of a good thing.” If you’re just starting to work with loops, Splice’s library can feel a bit overwhelming, while Arcade is a bit more user friendly.

Bottom line: Both services are good on their own, but they get even better when you combine them!

If you want a more in-depth comparison of Splice VS Arcade, check out my post on the topic.

 

Loopcloud provides three main subscription tiers

  • Artist Plan: $7.99 per month for 100 points and 5 GB of cloud storage.​

  • Studio Plan: $11.99 per month for 300 points and 50 GB of cloud storage.​

  • Professional Plan: $21.99 per month for 600 points and 250 GB of cloud storage.​

 

Points can be exchanged for samples, with the number of points per sample varying based on complexity and rarity. Loopcloud also offers a 14-day free trial with 100 points to spend on samples and presets.

 

Output Arcade continues to operate on a flat-rate subscription model, offering unlimited access to its entire library for $12.99 per month (or 8.33$ with the annual plan). This approach is advantageous for producers who require a constant influx of new sounds without worrying about credits or additional costs.​

 

In summary, each platform offers unique benefits:​

  • Splice provides flexibility with its credit-based system, allowing users to pay only for the samples they need.​

  • Loopcloud offers a vast library and additional features like cloud storage and plugin integration, catering to producers seeking a comprehensive solution.​Loopcloud+1Loopcloud+1

  • Output Arcade stands out with its unlimited access model, making it ideal for those who prefer a flat-rate subscription without worrying about credits.​

Ultimately, the choice between these platforms depends on individual preferences and production needs. Some producers may even find value in using multiple services in tandem to fully harness the strengths of each.

 
 

Another Alternative: Excite Audio Bloom Bundle

A unique alternative to Arcade is the Excite Audio Bloom Bundle, a growing series of playable instruments designed around loops, one-shots, and phrases. Each Bloom plugin is like a curated sampler engine — think of it as a creative toolkit that combines sampling, sequencing, and expressive effects into one streamlined interface.

 

Instruments Included in the Bundle

 

What’s New in 2025

Recent updates (as of version 1.2) now allow user sample import, so you can load your own loops and one-shots into the engines and process them with Bloom’s effects and macros. This puts it more in line with what Arcade offers—only without the subscription.

 
 

Once you purchase any Bloom plugin, it’s yours forever—no subscription required. And each one includes 250+ presets and intuitive performance features like macro effects, sequence modifiers, and key-locked phrase triggering.

While it may not have the ever-expanding library Arcade offers, Bloom shines as a powerful, one-time-purchase toolkit that’s perfect for sparking ideas and layering unexpected textures into your music.

 
 

Is Output Arcade Worth It?

After breaking down the pricing, functionality, and versatility, let’s get to the heart of the matter: Is Output Arcade worth the price?

In short, yes—Arcade offers an incredible amount of value for just $12.99 per month. With its unlimited access to thousands of sounds, frequent updates, customizable kits, and real-time editing features, it’s a powerful tool for any producer.

Especially for beginners who feel intimidated by all the expensive VST plugins on the market right now in 2025, this is a great value. You could make an almost infinite amount professional beats using only Arcade.

Compared to Splice’s credit system and Loopcloud’s hybrid model, Arcade’s flat-rate subscription is often a better deal for producers who need a constant supply of sounds without worrying about credits. While Splice and Loopcloud are great services in their own right, Arcade’s blend of simplicity, versatility, and cost-effectiveness gives it a competitive edge.

The yearly plan sweetens the deal by offering a large discount, making it an even better investment if you’re committed to using Arcade long-term.

 

Hey, Just Try (For Free) and See!

In the fast-paced world of music production, there’s no better time to dive in and start creating. Whether you’re an experienced producer or just getting started, the tools available today allow you to craft incredible tracks without spending a fortune.

Take advantage of that free 7-day trial, experiment with its vast library of sounds, and see just how much music you can make in a short period. Even if you choose to cancel afterward, the experience and music you create will be yours forever. But be warned: you just might fall in love with the ease and creativity that Arcade unlocks!

 
 

Common Questions About Output Arcade

 

How much is Arcade by Output?

Arcade currently costs $12.99 per month, or you can opt for the yearly plan at $99.99, which comes out to about $8.33 per month. Both plans offer unlimited access to all features.

 

Is there a free trial?

Yes, Arcade offers a 7-day free trial, giving you full access to all sounds and features so you can test it out before deciding to subscribe. You can cancel your subscription at any time. Once canceled, you will continue to have access until the end of your current billing cycle.

And in case you’re wondering… If you cancel during the free trial, you won’t be charged anything!

 

Are the samples in Arcade copyright-free and royalty-free?

Yes — all samples in Arcade by Output are 100% royalty-free for commercial use. Once you download and use a sample in your track, you’re free to release, distribute, and monetize your music without needing to pay additional royalties or worry about copyright claims.

This includes both the loops and the kits available in Arcade. You’re also free to manipulate, edit, and combine them however you like to make your productions unique.

 

Can I cancel my subscription anytime?

Yes, you can cancel your subscription at any time. Once canceled, you will continue to have access until the end of your current billing cycle.

 

Will my projects using Arcade still open after I cancel my subscription?

Arcade will still play any MIDI data sent to it, and your sessions will sound exactly as they did when you made them

 
 
 
 

Disclosure: This blog contains affiliate links, which means Internet Tattoo may receive a commission if you purchase through these links at no additional cost to you.

Prices mentioned are approximate and provided as a general reference. For exact pricing, please verify with the retailer directly.

Internet Tattoo is not sponsored by Output.