# Ruismaker vs StepBud

The clearest difference is monetization model: StepBud at free against Ruismaker's paid. StepBud also leads on update cadence (fortnightly vs every 5 weeks). Ruismaker's advantage is rating (4.8 vs 4.4) and iOS requirement (11.0 vs 13.0). On price, review sentiment, ratings volume and ads there is nothing between them.

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

Ruismaker holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.4. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 58 and 38 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 74% of Ruismaker's written reviews are positive against 71% of StepBud's.

Ruismaker ships an update every 5 weeks, StepBud fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on November 6, 2026 and November 2, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Ruismaker | StepBud |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $4.99 | $4.99 |
| Rating | **[4.8 (58 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ruismaker/id1122156899/reviews)** | [4.4 (38 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stepbud-auv3-midi-sequencer/id1453104408/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **58** | 38 |
| Positive reviews | **74.1% of reviews** | 70.6% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 5 weeks | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free** |
| Size | 9 MB | 8 MB |
| Requires iOS | **11.0** | 13.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Bram Bos](https://appshunter.io/developer/325340444) | [Cem Olcay](https://appshunter.io/developer/523633853) |

## What reviewers say

### Ruismaker

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ruismaker/id1122156899)

This app is an analog drumsynth that creates sounds using authentic synthesis algorithms, not samples. It features a creative Euclidean sequencer for pattern programming and integrates seamlessly with AUv3 hosts like Garageband. It offers customizable sound models and MIDI control for flexible music production.

**Highlights:** Analog and FM synthesis sound modeling, Sample-free sound generation, Euclidean sequencer, AUv3 compatibility, MIDI CC control, WAV and MIDI export, Ableton Link sync

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🎵 Great analog drum sounds
- 🔌 AUv3 support
- 💻 Standalone and AUv3 use
- ✨ Flexible sound design
- 📱 User-friendly interface

**What reviewers complain about**

- ❌ No sound and crashes
- 🐛 Crashes on drum pad press
- 🐛 Empty screen on iPhone
- 🐛 Interface portions cut off
- 🐛 Delay and reverb missing in plugin mode

**Reported bugs**

- Crashes when pressing drum pads
- Empty screen on iPhone 11 Pro
- Interface cut off in standalone mode
- Delay and reverb controls missing in plugin mode
- Plugin mode does not use built-in sequencer

**Requested features**

- Randomize button for external MIDI control
- Patch randomize function for MIDI control
- Adjust note resolution for Euclidean sequencer
- Ratchet option for sequencer
- Manually edit hits on the grid


### 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 Ruismaker free?

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

### Is StepBud free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Ruismaker or StepBud?

Ruismaker is rated higher. Ruismaker averages 4.8 out of 5 from 58 ratings, while StepBud averages 4.4 from 38 ratings.

### Do Ruismaker or StepBud have ads?

Neither Ruismaker nor StepBud shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Ruismaker or StepBud?

Ruismaker ships an update every 5 weeks, and StepBud fortnightly. Most recently, Ruismaker was updated on November 6, 2026 and StepBud on November 2, 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.*