# K Machine audio visual engine vs STAELLA

The clearest difference is price: STAELLA at Free against K Machine audio visual engine's $8.99. STAELLA also leads on ratings volume (1.7K vs 25). K Machine audio visual engine's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 7) and ads (none vs shown). On rating, review sentiment, update cadence and device support there is nothing between them.

STAELLA is free to download; K Machine audio visual engine costs $8.99 up front. STAELLA sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. K Machine audio visual engine asks for nothing beyond the download.

STAELLA holds the better App Store score, 3.9 against 3.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: STAELLA has 1.7K ratings behind it against 25, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 45% and 45% positive.

K Machine audio visual engine ships an update every 4 weeks, STAELLA every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 21, 2026 and October 26, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | K Machine audio visual engine | STAELLA |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $8.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | [3.7 (25 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/k-machine-audio-visual-engine/id1095617380/reviews) | **[3.9 (1.7K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/staella-music-visualizer-vj/id1370376584/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 25 | **1.7K** |
| Positive reviews | **45.0% of reviews** | 44.8% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 4 weeks** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 175 MB | 256 MB |
| Requires iOS | **9.3** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Dominique Baillot](https://appshunter.io/developer/973863389) | [monocro](https://appshunter.io/developer/368219917) |

## What reviewers say

### K Machine audio visual engine

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/k-machine-audio-visual-engine/id1095617380)

Create dynamic and vibrant audio-visual animations with this powerful instrument. It combines a sound sample sequencer with a vertex shader sequencer for live-oriented audiovisual composition. Import your own sounds and visuals to craft unique experiences.

**Highlights:** Audio sample sequencer, Vertex shader sequencer, Import custom sounds (WAV, AIFF), Import custom vertex shaders, Live video capture, Second screen projection, Ableton Link synchronization

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### STAELLA

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/staella-music-visualizer-vj/id1370376584)

Create dynamic, real-time music visualizations with customizable effects. Import audio from various sources, record your creations, and share them on social media. Offers advanced control with MIDI integration and keyboard shortcuts.

**Highlights:** Real-time audio-reactive visuals, Customizable effects and colors, Import music from playlists, mic, or simulation, One-touch video recording, MIDI device integration, Keyboard shortcuts for control, Gesture controls

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

**In-app purchases (7)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| STAELLA Premium | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| STAELLA Premium | $49.99 | per year |
| Toolkit pro | $9.99 | one-time |
| STELLA | $9.99 | one-time |
| TERRA | $9.99 | one-time |
| MACHINA | $9.99 | one-time |
| NEX | $9.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Amazing visuals
- 👍 Great for music production
- 💡 Customizable effects
- 🚀 Responsive app
- 👍 Fantastic customer service

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔒 Locked behind paywall
- 🐛 Crashes and glitches
- 🔒 Limited free features
- 🐛 Buggy recording functionality
- 🔒 Restrictive music integration

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes on launch
- Music playback issues and controls not working
- Inability to import user's own music files
- Exported videos have poor quality and audio sync issues

**Requested features**

- Add support for streaming services
- Improve export and download options
- Expand customization and control over visuals
- Implement portrait mode and different aspect ratios
- Add ability to layer and blend multiple visuals


## Frequently asked questions

### Is K Machine audio visual engine free?

K Machine audio visual engine costs $8.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is STAELLA free?

STAELLA is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, K Machine audio visual engine or STAELLA?

STAELLA is rated higher. K Machine audio visual engine averages 3.7 out of 5 from 25 ratings, while STAELLA averages 3.9 from 1.7K ratings.

### Do K Machine audio visual engine or STAELLA have ads?

STAELLA shows ads; K Machine audio visual engine does not.

### Which is updated more often, K Machine audio visual engine or STAELLA?

K Machine audio visual engine ships an update every 4 weeks, and STAELLA every 2 months. Most recently, K Machine audio visual engine was updated on October 21, 2026 and STAELLA on October 26, 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.*