Loopcloud vs Splice: Pricing, Credits & More (2026)

Whenever you consider a sample-library subscription, two major services always come up as candidates: Loopcloud and Splice. Both handle millions of royalty-free samples and both let you download on a monthly subscription. But there are clear differences in how the points and credits systems are designed, the bundled plugins, and what remains after you cancel.

In this article, based on information the Beat Lab editorial team checked on both companies' official sites and help centers as of August 2026, we compare pricing, how easy it is to find samples, bundled tools and post-cancellation rights, and lay out which to choose by user type. For detailed how-tos of each service on its own, also see our Splice guide and Loopmasters / Loopcloud guide.

The basics of both services: both are royalty-free sample subscriptions

First, as a premise, the samples both services distribute are royalty-free, and within the terms you can use them in commercial music (selling beats, releasing to streaming, monetizing on YouTube, etc.) with no additional usage fee. It's also common to both that "royalty-free" does not mean "copyright-free" — always check each service's terms of use for the exact scope of the license.

Loopcloud: the "points-based" service in the Loopmasters family

A sister service of the veteran sample-pack store Loopmasters. Its dedicated desktop app is the standout feature: you can audition samples synced to your DAW's tempo and key, and buy just the single sound you want from a pack with points. The official site lists the catalog as "4–5 million+ sounds" (the wording varies within the official pages).

Splice: one of the world's largest "credits-based" platforms

A comprehensive platform where, in addition to samples and presets, you can Rent-to-Own plugins such as Serum. On catalog size the company states only "millions." Search in the browser and desktop app is strong, with solid filtering by chord progression, BPM and key.

Pricing plan comparison (as of August 27, 2026)

Loopcloud first. All three plans share the same bundled plugins (below); the differences are the monthly point allowance and cloud storage.

*USD pricing, point allowances and annual terms confirmed on Loopcloud's official plan page on August 27, 2026. Yen figures are the site's Japan-facing display (confirmed by our team August 2026) and may change with exchange rates and display conditions.

Next, Splice. Rather than points, you spend "credits" to download: a sample is 1 credit, and MIDI or presets are up to 3 credits.

*Confirmed on Splice's official plan page and help center (updated March 2026) on August 27, 2026. There are also newly added INSTRUMENT plans without credits and DAW-integration plans. Yen billing amounts vary with exchange rates.

On entry-level cost, Loopcloud Artist (¥795) is the cheapest. Splice's cheapest, Sounds+, is $12.99, but from Creator up you get its own plugins, so it's priced to be considered "ecosystem included" rather than by cost per credit.

Most important difference #1: the design of points vs credits

The numbers look similar, but the design of "what happens to what you don't use" differs.

• Splice (credits): While subscribed, unused credits auto roll over to the next month. If you cancel, they expire 28 days after the end of your final billing period (restored if you re-subscribe within that window).
• Loopcloud (points): The company states "points do not expire." However, you can only use points while your subscription is active. In other words, they don't vanish if you cancel while holding a balance, but you need to re-subscribe to use them (this policy is based on the company's 2020 announcement, and we found nothing contradicting it in the current help; check the official FAQ for the latest handling).

If you anticipate a "cancel in months you don't produce, then come back" pattern, Loopcloud — where points remain — is psychologically easier. Conversely, for those who create consistently every month, there's essentially little practical difference between the two, since credits roll over.

Most important difference #2: what remains after you cancel

The bottom line: with both, samples you've downloaded (purchased) can still be used after you cancel. Both companies state this officially, so there's no need to worry that "cancelling makes songs I made before lose their license."

• Splice: The official help clearly states that "the license for content added to your library is yours in perpetuity." You can re-download acquired samples even after cancelling.
• Loopcloud: The official plan page clearly states you can "cancel anytime and keep your purchases forever."

On licensing: "royalty-free" means no extra fee is charged each time you use a sample — it does not mean the copyright itself is waived. Check each service's terms of use for the exact scope of what's permitted.

Differences in bundled plugins and ecosystem

Loopcloud: four in-house plugins on all plans

As of August 2026, the official plan page lists four plugins — Loopcloud Sync, Loopcloud Sounds, Loopcloud DRUM and Loopcloud PLAY — as bundled with all plans including Artist. Built around Sync, which lets you tempo-synced-audition samples in your DAW, it's a set that covers everything up to drum and melodic instruments.

Splice: Rent-to-Own and its own instruments are powerful

INSTRUMENT, which gives access to Splice's own synth "Astra," Beatmaker and premium presets, is bundled with the Creator plan and up. Even bigger is Rent-to-Own. You can start using the staple synth Serum 2 at $9.99 × 25 months (total $249) and, once paid off, it becomes a perpetual license — with 130+ plugins eligible. If you want to "grow your samples and plugin assets at the same time," this is a mechanism only Splice has.

Overall comparison table

*As of August 27, 2026. Based on information confirmed on both companies' official sites and help centers.

Conclusion: recommendations by type

• Want to minimize fixed costs / have an uneven production pace → Loopcloud. You can start from ¥795/mo, and since points don't expire it suits a "pause and return" pattern. DAW-synced auditioning also saves a lot of time.
• Want to grow plugin assets at the same time → Splice. Acquire Serum 2 and more in installments via Rent-to-Own while downloading carefully-chosen samples with credits. On the Creator plan you also get its own instruments.
• Want to avoid subscriptions entirely → buy-to-own Loopmasters. There's also the option of buying just the packs you need, one at a time (guide).

If you're unsure, a low-risk order is to first check with Loopcloud's 14-day trial whether "finding samples in an app" suits you, and if not, try Splice's search and Rent-to-Own. If sampling from real, existing records is also on your radar, Tracklib is another option.

Frequently asked questions

Q1. If I cancel, can I still use samples I've already downloaded?

A. With both, you can keep using them. Splice officially states its license is perpetual (in perpetuity), and Loopcloud officially states you can "keep your purchases forever." Note, however, that the handling of unused credits/points differs.

Q2. What's the difference between Splice credits and Loopcloud points?

A. Splice credits auto roll over to the next month while subscribed, and expire 28 days after the end of your final billing period once you cancel. Loopcloud points don't expire, but they can only be used while your subscription is active.

Q3. Which is cheaper?

A. The cheapest entry monthly price is Loopcloud Artist (¥795, 100 points). Splice's cheapest is Sounds+ ($12.99, 100 credits). Loopcloud gives two months free on annual billing. We recommend judging on overall strength, including bundled plugins and Rent-to-Own.

Q4. Can I try them for free?

A. Loopcloud has a 14-day free trial with 100 points (the official help notes an authorization charge of about $1 at the start). Splice lets you create a free account and runs promotions such as first-month discounts depending on the season.

Summary

Loopcloud and Splice sit in the same arena of "royalty-free sample subscriptions," yet they have different strengths: Loopcloud is low-price with the reassurance of points that stick around, while Splice is a credit-based ecosystem that extends all the way to plugins. Since it's common to both that downloaded samples remain usable after cancelling, whichever you pick, "the songs you made won't go to waste." First check the feel with a trial, and choose the one that fits your production pace. To check the BPM and key of downloaded samples, you can also use our free tool BPM/key detector.