Comparison

GeoShred vs SWAM Viola

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

GeoShred

This app is a fluidly expressive musical instrument for multi-touch devices. It offers a unique performance surface with advanced pitch rounding and physical modeling of various instruments. Expand your sonic palette with a wide range of purchasable instrument add-ons.

Highlights
  • Fluidly expressive playing surface
  • Physically modeled guitar and effects
  • Extensive in-app instrument purchases
  • AUv3 plugin support
  • MIDI/MPE IN/OUT support
  • Support for world scales and temperaments
Features
Currently charting
Read full description

GeoShred Pro Version 7 With in-app purchases for GeoSWAM and Naada instruments on devices running iOS 13 or later. Imagine a new kind of musical instrument, an instrument that lets performers fluidly express multiple independent voices. An instrument with continuous pitch control that also helps players precisely land on the right note in any temperament. GeoShred Pro is an award-winning, deeply expressive musical instrument for multi-touch devices. Its innovative performance surface features “almost magic” pitch-rounding algorithms and is coupled to physically modeled instruments and effects. GeoShred Pro also supports AUv3, MIDI In/Out, MPE, and 3D Touch. It combines Jordan Rudess’ groundbreaking performance concepts with powerful physically modeled guitar and effects technology based on the research of Dr. Julius O. Smith III of Stanford/CCRMA. GeoShred’s expressive control surface can also be used to play external synthesizers. 300,000 artists in over 120 countries perform with GeoShred, with a strong global community that includes many musicians in India. Awards include: • 2nd Place Winner, 2022/2025 MIDI Innovation Award for Software • Gold Medal Winner, 2019 Denny Award • Winner, 2019 Guthman New Musical Instrument Award • Winner, 2017 Electronic Musician Editor’s Choice Award GeoShred Pro Version 7 Features • Send/Connect support so GeoShred for iOS/iPadOS can control GeoShred Studio for macOS • A fluid, expressive playing surface with finger vibrato, slide, and intelligent pitch rounding • Built-in physically modeled guitar • Physically modeled effects including Distortion, Wah, EQ, VCF, Flanger, Phaser, Chorus, Tremolo, Reverb, Sympathetic Resonator, Echo Looper, Multi-Tap Echo, Amp and Cabinet Modeling, Modeled Feedback for Guitar, and VCF effects • In-app purchases for 22 Naada instruments: Bansuri, Bass, Bass Clarinet, Carnatic Violin, Cello, Dizi, Duduk, Erhu, Gaohu, Guan, Nadaswaram, Pan Flute, Pipa, Rudra Veena, Sarangi, Saraswati Veena, Sarod, Shehnai, Sitar, Suona, Viola, and Zhonghu • In-app purchases for 11 GeoSWAM instruments: GeoViolin, GeoFlute, GeoTenorSax, GeoCello, GeoClarinet, GeoOboe, GeoTrumpet, GeoBassTrombone, GeoBassFlute, GeoViola, and GeoPizzBass • AUv3 plug-in support with parameter automation • iCloud preset synchronization • MIDI/MPE In/Out support • MIDI configuration presets • Customizable control surface mapping to physical MIDI controls • Diatonic keyboard mode, where every key is in the scale • Support for world scales and temperaments, including Indian ragas, Arabic scales, and Balinese scales • 3D Touch support on compatible iPhones • Backing tracks • Built-in arpeggiator • Easy preset sharing via email or iCloud The GeoSWAM and Naada instruments can be performed from the GeoShred keyboard, MPE controllers, conventional MIDI controllers, and wind controllers. Praise for the GeoShred Family of Apps “GeoShred is brilliant—it’s a real instrument.” — Eddie Jobson “A fantastic new invention which is going to revolutionize the way music is played, expressed and learned! ‘GeoShred’ is one of the foremost best musical inventions I’ve had the pleasure to experience in recent years. Definitely 5 stars out of 5! GIGANTASTIVISSIMO…..R…A…Z!!!!!” — Patrick Moraz “That’s just nuts. You’re the best guitarist without a guitar of all time.” — Joe Satriani Our Commitment We are dedicated to providing the highest level of musical instrument experience for our customers worldwide. If you enjoy GeoShred, we would greatly appreciate your positive review on the App Store. If you have any questions, we would love to hear from you at: support@moforte.com Minimum Requirements iOS 13 or later is required for AUv3, iCloud, and GeoSWAM and Naada instruments. * Note: Due to App Store limitations, previously purchased individual instrument in-app purchases cannot be applied toward the purchase of collection in-app purchases.

About

SWAM Viola

This virtual instrument uses physical modeling to generate realistic string performances in real-time, responding dynamically to your playing style. It offers advanced spatial control with a built-in room simulator and can be used standalone or as an AUv3 plugin. Designed for expressive control, it's suitable for various musical styles and accessible to visually impaired users.

Highlights
  • Physical modeling sound generation
  • Real-time dynamic response
  • Built-in Room Simulator (Ambiente)
  • Standalone and AUv3 plugin support
  • Intuitive interface for all users
  • MPE and MIDI controller support
  • Customizable timbre, vibrato, and dynamics
Read full description

SWAM Viola for iOS: Unmatched Realism and Expressive Power in Your Hands Experience the cutting-edge Physical Modeling technology of SWAM Viola for iOS, now featuring the revolutionary Room Simulator "Ambiente"! Unlike sampled libraries, this virtual instrument doesn’t play pre-recorded sounds but generates authentic string performances in real-time, responding dynamically to your every nuance, just like a real violist. These instruments are NOT sample libraries. Unlike sampling, which uses recordings to replicate the sound of an instrument, physical modeling doesn’t generate a sound as such but creates the conditions for the system to create it according to an external input (like someone playing on a keyboard). This means every note is unique, and the instrument responds dynamically to your playing style. With SWAM Viola, you can unleash your creativity across any musical style—from classical to modern, film scoring to microtonal music. Whether you're performing live or producing music on the go, SWAM Viola is your ultimate companion. New Features and Key Benefits: Room Simulator "Ambiente": Take advantage of advanced spatial control with the built-in Room Simulator "Ambiente," which allows you to position the instrument in a realistic acoustic space, interact dynamically with other SWAM instruments in the same virtual room, and create truly immersive performances. Additionally, the legacy Reverb, EQ, and Compressor effects are available for fine-tuning your sound. Standalone and AUv3 Plugin: Perform in real time or integrate SWAM Viola seamlessly into your mobile production workflow. Intuitive, Inclusive Interface: Designed for everyone, including blind and visually impaired users. Expressive Control: Play with unmatched expressivity using the exclusive virtual bowing surface, MPE controllers, keyboards, breath controllers, or other MIDI devices. Top Features at a Glance: Access a library of presets, create your own, or import presets from the desktop version. Customize every detail of your sound, including timbre, vibrato, and dynamics. Micro-tune the instrument with the Pitch Manager, supporting devices like MAQAM for advanced tuning systems. Add built-in effects like EQ, and Compressor. Play with different viola bodies to explore unique tonal variations. Use AUv3 to integrate with your mobile DAW (Logic, Cubasis, AUM) or apps like Camelot PRO for live performances. Who is SWAM Viola for iOS Designed For? Wind Controller Players: Looking for a mobile setup to perform live without needing a computer while still achieving an incredible sound. Keyboard Players: Frustrated by the limited expressive capabilities of normal sample-based plugins? SWAM Viola unlocks the full range of expression. Music Producers: Need a mobile setup to produce music from anywhere without carrying around expensive gear? SWAM Viola is the solution. Musicians Seeking Expressivity: Looking for a virtual instrument that allows you to express the full range of your musicality easily on your iPhone or iPad. IMPORTANT: To fully harness the expressive power of SWAM Viola, a controller capable of continuous expression (such as a breath controller, expression pedal, MPE device, or wind controller) is required. Just like a bow is essential for a real violist, SWAM Viola needs expressive input for maximum realism. With SWAM Viola for iOS, you have the freedom to create lifelike string performances on your iPhone or iPad. Redefine your music with unparalleled realism and expressive depth—anytime, anywhere.

Screenshots

GeoShred4 screens
SWAM Viola4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: SWAM Viola at none against GeoShred's 10. SWAM Viola also leads on review sentiment (100% vs 91%). GeoShred's advantage is rating (4.8 vs 4.3) and ratings volume (1.4K vs 6). On ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

GeoShred costs $24.99 and SWAM Viola $29.99 up front. GeoShred sells 10 one-off in-app purchases. SWAM Viola asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

GeoShred holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: GeoShred has 1.4K ratings behind it against 6, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 91% of GeoShred's written reviews are positive against 100% of SWAM Viola's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

GeoShred ships an update every 2 weeks, SWAM Viola every 5 weeks. Both last shipped on November 2, 2026.

Scorecard8 real differences · 3 level
GeoShred versus SWAM Viola: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterGeoShredSWAM Viola
Price$24.99 — better$29.99
Rating4.8 (1.4K ratings) — better4.3 (6 ratings)
Positive reviews90.7% of reviews100.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings1.4K — better6
Update frequencyEvery 2 weeks — betterEvery 5 weeks
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases — betterPaid
Best chart rank#97 — better—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS15.015.0
Further details — not scored
Size837 MB103 MB
Age rating+94+
DeveloperWizdom Music LLCAudio Modeling

Customer experience

GeoShred

All ratings1,418 ratings
Positive95.9%
Neutral1.6%
Negative2.5%
Written reviews528 reviews
Positive90.7%
Neutral2.7%
Negative6.6%

SWAM Viola

All ratings6 ratings
Positive83.3%
Neutral0.0%
Negative16.7%
Written reviews1 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

Bugs and requests

GeoShred

Reported bugs

2 issues
  • Inconsistent performance and note retention issues when used with other apps
  • Occasional crashes and freezes, especially after updates

Requested features

5 requests
  • More classic acoustic and electric guitar sounds
  • Improved scale and mode selection interface
  • Ability to save and load custom presets
  • Support for external MIDI controllers and keyboards
  • Recording and looping capabilities within the app

SWAM Viola

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

10 purchases

GeoShred

One-time10
  • GeoClarinet$14.99
  • GeoCello$14.99
  • GeoViolin$14.99
Show 7 more
  • GeoTenorSax$14.99
  • GeoFlute$14.99
  • GeoTrumpet$14.99
  • Naada Bansuri$14.99
  • GeoSWAM Collection II$59.99
  • GeoSWAM Collection Classic$74.99
  • GeoSWAM Collection I & II$119.99
None

SWAM Viola

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is GeoShred free?
GeoShred costs $24.99, and also offers in-app purchases.
Is SWAM Viola free?
SWAM Viola costs $29.99, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, GeoShred or SWAM Viola?
GeoShred is rated higher. GeoShred averages 4.8 out of 5 from 1.4K ratings, while SWAM Viola averages 4.3 from 6 ratings.
Do GeoShred or SWAM Viola have ads?
Neither GeoShred nor SWAM Viola shows ads.
Which is updated more often, GeoShred or SWAM Viola?
GeoShred ships an update every 2 weeks, and SWAM Viola every 5 weeks. Most recently, GeoShred was updated on November 2, 2026 and SWAM Viola on November 2, 2026.

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