# Fugue Machine vs StepBud

The clearest difference is price: StepBud at $4.99 against Fugue Machine's $19.99. Fugue Machine's advantage is rating (4.9 vs 4.4) and review sentiment (90% vs 71%). On update cadence, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Fugue Machine costs $19.99 and StepBud $4.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Fugue Machine holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Fugue Machine has 624 ratings behind it against 38, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 90% of Fugue Machine's written reviews are positive against 71% of StepBud's.

Fugue Machine ships an update every 8 days, StepBud fortnightly. Both last shipped on October 29, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Fugue Machine | StepBud |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $19.99 | **$4.99** |
| Rating | **[4.9 (624 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fugue-machine-midi-sequencer/id1014191410/reviews)** | [4.4 (38 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stepbud-auv3-midi-sequencer/id1453104408/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **624** | 38 |
| Positive reviews | **90.3% of reviews** | 70.6% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 8 days** | Fortnightly |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free** |
| Size | 8 MB | 8 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 13.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Alexandernaut](https://appshunter.io/developer/508173422) | [Cem Olcay](https://appshunter.io/developer/523633853) |

## What reviewers say

### Fugue Machine

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fugue-machine-midi-sequencer/id1014191410)

This music sequencer uses multiple playheads to create complex melodic patterns inspired by Baroque and serialist composition techniques. Manipulate speed, direction, and pitch to generate unique soundscapes.

**Highlights:** Multi-playhead piano roll, Manipulate speed, direction, and pitch, Create complex melodic patterns, Inspired by Baroque and serialist music, Supports MIDI, AUv3 MIDI, Ableton Link, Inter-App Audio and Audiobus compatibility

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


### StepBud

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stepbud-auv3-midi-sequencer/id1453104408)

This app is a versatile MIDI sequencer that allows for unlimited steps and detailed control over each step's parameters. It integrates with other music apps and supports various sequencing modes for creative performances.

**Highlights:** Unlimited steps, Step parameter control (note, velocity, rate, etc.), Custom MIDI CC messages, Step locking and skipping, Master fader with copy/shift modes, Step Editor for detailed note editing, Arpeggio modes (up, down, random)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Fugue Machine free?

Fugue Machine costs $19.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is StepBud free?

StepBud costs $4.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Fugue Machine or StepBud?

Fugue Machine is rated higher. Fugue Machine averages 4.9 out of 5 from 624 ratings, while StepBud averages 4.4 from 38 ratings.

### Do Fugue Machine or StepBud have ads?

Neither Fugue Machine nor StepBud shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Fugue Machine or StepBud?

Fugue Machine ships an update every 8 days, and StepBud fortnightly. Most recently, Fugue Machine was updated on October 29, 2026 and StepBud on October 29, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*