Is NI Komplete 15 Worth It? In-Depth Review

Is Komplete 15 worth it? The latest edition of Native Instruments “Komplete” package, Komplete 15, comes with some great upgrades to check out. 

NI Komplete 15 comes in 3 packages: Standard, Ultimate, and Collector’s Edition, which feature different amounts of instruments and libraries in the Native Instruments ecosystem, compatible with the NI sampler Kontakt, drum sampler Battery, wavetable synth Massive, and others.

So, I will walk through the forest of these features, instruments, and libraries to show you what these new upgrades, additions, and features are to create a detailed account of what you will get and whether that’s worthwhile for your investment.

From the installation process to actually using it in my DAW, FL Studio, I will explain whatever you need to know about this plugin.

So, grab your tea and biscuits, or coffee and cake, and let’s start! Does not matter if you are a veteran music producer, composer, audio engineer, or someone who’s just getting started in their journey; this Komplete 15 review will help you decide if you need the new Kontakt or not.

Let’s start by looking at the pricing first.

Pricing

Here’s an overview of what you get for your investments.

Installation

After purchasing Komplete 15, you will have to download and install Native Access for your specific operating system. It’s available for Mac M1/M2, Mac Intel, and Windows. Native Access is the central installer of the entire Native Instruments ecosystem.

On Native Access, you will find your libraries in the ‘Library’ menu, where you get different windows for installed and available instruments, tabs for the categories of instruments, whether they are Kontakt-based, Instruments, Effects plugins, etc. You also get a sound-based categorization by which you can browse the libraries.

I also found the search engine really helpful by which I could find the plugin or instrument I am looking for, for update or download. Once you install these apps, they will appear in the ‘Installed’ window like this.

Another thing to keep in mind is that since there’s more than 300 GB of content, you may need an external drive to store all the libraries. I use a separate external SSD (Solid State Drive) of 500 GB to store and access all Komplete 15 content.

Native Access gives you a convenient way of setting different file locations for different purposes, like download location, application location, content location, etc. As you can see, I have set the download and content location for my SSD and Application and VST locations for my local C Drive.

Now, let’s head over to FL Studio and see Komplete 15 in action.

Features

As most of Komplete 15 is on Kontakt, I will be using Kontakt 8 for any demonstration.

• Kontakt 8

The centerpiece of Komplete 15 is the updated Kontakt 8. The new chord and phrase tools stand out, which enable you to create complex chord progressions and melodies with just a single keystroke. This is a lifesaver for those who want to sketch out ideas or experiment with harmonic variations quickly.

The phrases tool is equally impressive, offering genre-specific melodic patterns that are customizable, making it perfect for everything from cinematic scores to pop productions. I covered these in detail in our Kontakt 8 review.

Kontakt 8 also stood out for me for its light CPU pull, its ‘Tools’ feature, the ability to combine different instruments simultaneously, and its overall improved interface. Here’s a brief summary of the new Kontakt 8 features and updates and what stood out for me:

• Phrases and Chords Tools

The new Chords tool is a lifesaver for quick harmonic inspiration. With over 100 pre-made chord sets, you can lock a scale or key, letting you play complex progressions easily, even if you’re not a piano player.  It’s perfect for jamming out ideas or adding rich harmonic layers to tracks.

The Phrases tool offers 100+ melodic phrases in different genres and styles. Each phrase is fully customizable, so you can adjust tempo, starting point, or swing for a unique feel. It’s an instant way to inject personality into your compositions without starting from scratch.

• Combined Tab

This feature layers multiple instruments together for richer, fuller sounds. It’s a time-saver for anyone looking to create cinematic textures or ambient vibes without manually stacking layers. Combined presets are clearly marked, and many come pre-enhanced with tools like Chords and Phrases for added depth.

• Leap Mode

Leap organizes curated expansions into a highly playable interface. Each expansion includes ready-made kits with loops, samples, and effects. White keys trigger sounds, black keys add effects, and you can tweak everything with macro knobs and performance FX for live or studio use.

• Loops & One-Shots Tabs

Kontakt 8 simplifies rhythmic creation with Loops and One-Shots. Loops are tempo-adjustable and easy to layer with instruments for added texture.

Interface and Workflow

Interface

In addition to the new features, Native Instruments Komplete 15 provides an improved and intuitive user interface for managing your large library of tools and sounds.

The new Native Access tool now centralizes installation, updates, and license management, allowing you to use just one app to get started with the unit.

Customizable file locations and powerful search filters make handling the 300GB of content simple. I particularly appreciated the ability to optimize storage by designating specific drives for downloads, applications, and libraries.

Within Kontakt 8, the heart of Komplete 15, the new 6-tab layout with Instruments, Combined, Tools, Leap, Loops, and One-Shots keeps everything organized and easy to access.

Whether layering textures, triggering rhythmic loops, or experimenting with melodic one-shots, the interface feels fluid and efficient. The modernized UI enhances productivity, especially for quickly locating sounds or presets.

Workflow

The workflow improvements in Komplete 15 make creativity feel effortless. The standout Chords and Phrases tools let you generate rich harmonic progressions and melodies with a single keystroke. These tools are ideal for sketching ideas or adding depth to compositions, especially for those less comfortable with music theory.

I liked the workflow improvements in Komplete 15 as they made the creative process more efficient. I would highlight Chords & Phrases as they allow you to create harmonic progressions and melodies. They’re great for tracing out ideas or fleshing out compositions for those who are less comfortable with music theory.

With the Combined Tab, you can layer several instruments at once. Leap Mode gives you carefully selected expansions in a performance-ready setup, with white keys triggering sounds and black keys adding effects.

I found the workflow to be really intuitive and useful for live performances or rapid sound design.

For rhythms, the Loops and One-Shots tabs are great for building beats or adding textures easily. The loops are tempo-synced, and the one-shots are great for quick character additions to your tracks.

Although the interface is very functional now, one negative is the lack of AI-driven search, as it could further simplify preset and sound navigation.

First Impressions and Sound

Let’s get to the good stuff, which are the sounds! When you invest in something like Komplete 15, you’re not just buying a music production tool; you’re diving headfirst into a treasure chest of sonic possibilities. Of course, covering all sounds will be beyond the scope of this article, but here’s my personal experience exploring some of its standout instruments.

• Cloud Supply: The Ear Candy Fix

Cloud Supply caught me off guard. I went in thinking, “Another synth, great,” but this thing delivers in ways I didn’t expect. It’s ridiculously versatile. Whether you’re crafting lo-fi beats, ambient soundscapes, or even trap bangers, this instrument is a secret weapon. One of my favorite moments was layering its dreamy pads under a gritty 808. It just worked.

• Cinematic Sounds with Senn Saffron

If you dabble in film scoring or game music, Senn Saffron is a nice little surprise. It’s not as packed as some of the bigger cinematic libraries, but what’s here is useful. The XY pad for blending sounds and effects is a cool touch.

Once, I used this library to create haunting soundscapes for a short film project, and it totally nailed it! I mean, it does not create wonders, but it gets the job done.

• Jersey Ride: Jersey Club with a Melodic Twist

Jersey Ride, the latest edition in this bundle, delivers the infectious energy of the Jersey club but mixes it up with soulful melodies and modern textures.

You’ve got those signature kick patterns, punchy drums, lush vocal loops, and analog-inspired synths, all layered perfectly to fit into hip-hop, R&B, afrobeat, or dance tracks. There’s plenty to dig into, with 656 loops, 328 drum samples, and 214 one-shots, plus kits for Maschine and Battery.

• Guara: Beyond Film Sounds

Guara surprised me. At first, it felt like it was purely for cinematic projects with its plucked, evolving tones, but the more I played with it, the more I found ways to incorporate it into other genres.

• Schema: Complex but Cool

Schema is one of those instruments that requires a bit of patience to master. It’s a Kontakt-based tool where you can create intricate rhythmic patterns.

Admittedly, the learning curve is steeper than I’d like, but once I wrapped my head around it, I managed to whip up some dynamic textures that added unexpected energy to my tracks. Think glitchy, cinematic, and a little unpredictable.

• Alicia’s Keys: A Personal Favorite

Alicia’s Keys is always a joy to play. This CP70 electric grand piano has a distinctive tone, recorded straight from Alicia Keys’ personal instrument. If you already own another CP70 instrument, you might not need this one, but honestly, this version sounds so polished that it’s hard to resist.

• Electric Keys: Vintage with a Modern Twist

The Electric Keys felt like a warm hug from the past. It features two main sounds: Diamond and Phoenix. Diamond leans more classic, while Phoenix adds a bit of a modern shimmer.

What stood out to me was the attention to detail. You can even turn on a mic setting that picks up the tiny mechanical clicks you’d hear in a real Rhodes.

• Fables: Cinematic Dreams in an Instrument

Fables is all about layering strings, choirs, and synths to create these gorgeous cinematic soundscapes. It’s massive in both size (57GB!) and sound.

• Session Bassist: Upright Bass Done Right

I didn’t think I’d care this much about an upright bass, but here we are. Session Bassist is sampled from a vintage upright, and it’s so detailed it almost feels like cheating. The preset phrases are incredible. Some are perfect for jazz, some for cinematic scores, or even adding a touch of class to a hip-hop beat.

• Conflux: A Synth to Remember

Conflux is one of the newer synths Native Instruments has introduced, and it’s a bit of a beast. It’s a wavetable synth with so much modulation that you can create evolving, movement-filled textures. I loved using it for cinematic intros and atmospheric breakdowns.

• Valves Pro: Phrase Creation Done Right

This brass phrase-creation tool is a showstopper. It’s so easy to use, and the realism is off the charts. The Pro version adds even more options, making it a no-brainer for anyone working with brass-heavy arrangements.

• Orchestral Sounds

If orchestral music is your thing, Komplete 15 Standard has some solid offerings, but it’s not the ultimate choice for cinematic scoring. For that, you’ll want to spring for Komplete 15 Ultimate or even the Collector’s Edition.

• • Action Woodwinds: Perfect for trailer music and beyond. These sound alive and energetic. I even found myself using them in non-cinematic contexts, as something about playability just works. 9/10.
  • Choir Omnia Essentials: This smaller version of the Choir Omnia is surprisingly versatile. While it lacks the depth of the full version, it’s more than enough for most needs. 7/10.

Compatibility

Final Thoughts

So again – Is Komplete 15 worth it? I’d be tempted to buy it, by all means, as a music producer and sound designer. However, let’s do an objective analysis of whether or not it’s worth spending so much money.

If you’re someone who already owns previous versions of Komplete and Kontakt, new features like Phrases and Chords tools could be worth considering as they can automate a lot of your composition process and give you creative ideas. If you struggle with music theory and are into scoring or game sound design, I’d suggest an update.

The new instruments like Kathara, Fables, Valves Pro, Jersey Ride, Vocal Colors, Schema, Alicia Electric Keys, etc., are, for sure, attractive, with their newer articulation styles, tonal changes, and realistic and innovative tones.

For those who are looking for a fresh buy, I have given you sufficient information to make a decision for yourself. It could be a hefty purchase, so please take into account the long-term value, monetization possibilities, current needs and projects, and other factors in mind.

I hope you make a wise purchase and keep creating amazing music. Thank you for reading.

Shaurya Bhatia

Shaurya Bhatia is a versatile content writer with a strong focus on music production, composition, and the technical aspects of audio engineering. With a deep understanding of the music industry, Shaurya specializes in creating insightful and engaging content around music production techniques, songwriting, audio engineering, and the intersection of technology and art in music. He loves to create content for musicians, audio engineers and sound designers.