Output review
Updated October 17, 2026 · ForgeCue Editorial Team
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Our verdict
Output’s Arcade is available as an instrument plugin in VST, VST3, AU and AAX formats, and as a standalone application.
Key facts
- Best for
- Music makers choosing a standalone instrument or supported plugin format.
- Price from
- $9.99 (Source, checked October 17, 2026)
- Free trial length
- 7 days (Source, checked October 17, 2026)
- Platforms
- Mac, PC (Source, checked October 17, 2026)
- Legal entity
- Output Inc. (Source, checked October 17, 2026)
- Support channels
- Email (Source, checked October 17, 2026)
- Pricing model
- Free trial
- Official website
- output.com
Pros and cons
Pros
- Arcade has four listed plugin formats
- Arcade is also available standalone
Cons
- Co-Producer requires a DAW
Who it suits
- Music makers choosing a standalone instrument or supported plugin format.
Who should look elsewhere
- Producers who need a full audio workstation to build complete songs from scratch
- Listeners looking for ready-made albums rather than production tools
Features
Output’s Arcade is available as an instrument plugin in VST, VST3, AU and AAX formats, and as a standalone application. Co-Producer is separate and requires a digital audio workstation.
Built by musicians
Output creates music tools for musicians and says its plugins are shaped in studio sessions rather than in meeting rooms. The company designs the tools it wishes existed and then puts them into the hands of working producers. The range covers plugins, instruments, effects and apps, supporting sound design, sampling and mixing. Products run on Mac and PC systems, which makes the tools available to most home and studio setups.
How personal details are handled
The company publishes a privacy policy that explains what information it collects, how that information is used and how a person can ask to see it. The document covers visitors, service users and the software made available through its online presence and applications. It also notes that specific products can come with supplementary privacy notes at the moment information is collected. Anyone who wants to understand how their details are treated can start with that policy and follow its references.
Commitment to safeguarding information
The company says it deeply cares about privacy and is committed to protecting personal information, especially where it concerns visitors and service users. Its policy applies to the main online presence and to the software linked from it. Rights and choices for individuals are explained in the same text, which gives a clear route for anyone who wants to review what is held about them. Because the commitment is written down, people can weigh it with their own expectations before using the tools.
Our full take
Maker of music creation plugins, instruments and software for musicians and producers.
How Output compares
8.7 vs 9.0
8.7 vs 9.1- 8.7 vs 8.8
- 8.7 vs 9.3
- 8.7 vs 8.8
- 8.7 vs 8.0
8.7 vs 9.4
8.7 vs 9.5- 8.7 vs 8.8
- 8.7 vs 8.8
- 8.7 vs 8.9
8.7 vs 9.3
8.7 vs 9.2
8.7 vs 8.9- 8.7 vs 9.2
- 8.7 vs 8.9
- 8.7 vs 9.3
- 8.7 vs 9.3
- 8.7 vs 9.0
- 8.7 vs 8.8
8.7 vs 8.6
Frequently asked questions
Which kinds of sounds can be explored in the sample library?+
The sample library gives access to royalty cleared samples and instruments that can be explored, played and shaped. Material is updated regularly, so producers can keep finding fresh ideas. Samples can be matched to the rhythm and harmony of a track.
What effects are included in the plugin range?+
The range includes effects that transform audio into textured, spacious and evolving sounds. Other plugins add warmth, grit and character through saturation and distortion. Rhythmic motion tools make static parts move in time with the tempo.
What does the privacy document cover?+
The policy covers personal information collected through the company's online presence and its software. It explains what information is gathered, how it is used and how a person can request a copy. Specific products may come with their own supplementary notes, which add detail where a particular service collects information in a different way.
How does the company approach privacy overall?+
The company says privacy matters to it, particularly where personal information is concerned. Visitors and users of its services are the people the policy speaks to most directly. Rights and choices are set out in the document, so each person can see the options available before sharing details.
How much does Output cost?+
Output starts at $9.99. (Source, checked October 17, 2026)
Does Output offer a free trial?+
Output offers a free trial of 7 days. (Source, checked October 17, 2026)
Which platforms does Output support?+
Output supports Mac, PC. (Source, checked October 17, 2026)
How can I contact Output support?+
Output offers support through Email. (Source, checked October 17, 2026)
Sources
- output.com checked October 17, 2026
Backs: Free trial length, Description
“Try it free for 7 days—cancel anytime.”
- output.com/legal/privacy checked October 17, 2026
Backs: Legal entity
“describes the privacy practices of Output Inc. ( “Output”, “we”, “us”, or “our”)”
- output.com/legal/terms checked October 17, 2026
Backs: Support channels
“please provide all relevant details to support@output.com .”
- output.com/products/co-producer checked October 17, 2026
Backs: Platforms, Price from
“Output Co-Producer is supported by all major DAWs on Mac and PC.”
- output.com/products/output-one checked October 17, 2026
Backs: Pricing model
“New Output One subscribers get 7 days free.”
Compiled from 5 source pages, checked October 18, 2026. We did not open an account.
Not confirmed yet: Free version.