Comparison

Ruismaker vs Agonizer

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

Head to head
About

Ruismaker

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
Read full description

What the reviews say: "A must-have drum synth for electronic music lovers on iOS" - Keyboard Mag "All of this comes together in a vision that’s really playable [...] this is another excellent choice for the iPad." - CreateDigitalMusic "Small, compact and easy to use, Ruismaker is both inexpensive and a perfectly credible choice if you are after solid drum synth sounds." - MusicAppBlog -- Ruismaker is a unique drumsynth plugin (i.e. it does not use samples), which is coupled with a creative Euclidean sequencer when run in standalone mode. The plugin is fully AUv3 (Audio Unit) compatible: - Seamless integration with Garageband and other AU hosts - Audio Unit Instrument: making music on iOS doesn't get more convenient - Supports Multi-Output AUv3 in AUM and ApeMatrix! - Each sound is modeled using authentic analog and FM algorithms; - Comes with dozens of unique customizable models - Does not use any samples; all sounds are synthesized in realtime, on the fly - Emulates analog components, introducing subtle, natural fluctuations in the sound - Light on the CPU, so you can run lots of Ruismakers simultaneously - Fully automatable parameters (requires host support) and MIDI CC controllable - Has its own preset manager The standalone sequencer is refreshingly different: - Program patterns using Euclidean algorithms - Powerful random feature and mutation probability settings per channel - Syncs with Ableton Link or MIDI Clock - Exports WAV and MIDI - Compatible with Audiobus 3 (including MIDI IN/OUT mode) - CoreMIDI In and Out - AU MIDI output for the on-screen pads User manual available on Ruismaker.com

About

Agonizer

This app is a monophonic synthesizer focused on bass sounds, developed with a synth bass expert. It features dual wavetable oscillators, a mangle section, and built-in stereo effects. It supports MPE controllers and various audio/MIDI connectivity options for standalone or app-to-app use.

Highlights
  • Monophonic synth engine for bass
  • Dual wavetable oscillators
  • Built-in stereo effects
  • MPE controller support
  • Standalone and AUv3 operation
  • 140+ factory presets
Features
Read full description

Agonizer is a monophonic synthesizer designed in collaboration with YouTuber and synth bass expert Jakob Haq of haQ attaQ Overview: * Monophonic Synth Engine with focus on Bass * Built-in stereo effects * 140+ fine tuned factory presets designed by Jakob Haq * Supports ROLI Seaboard and other MPE controllers out of the box * Standalone operation with support for USB audio interfaces, wired, network & bluetooth MIDI * Audio Unit v3 Extension * Inter App Audio support * Audiobus support * Ableton Link Synth Voice: * Dual Wavetable Oscillators with 40+ Wavetables, Morphing & X-Mod * Dedicated sub osc & noise source * Mangle Section with pre-filter Drive, Bitcrush, Lift and Push controls * VA Ladder filter * Wobulator (Highly tweak-able Sequenced LFO) * LFO with Key and BPM Sync * Variable Slope AD & ADSR Envelopes * Tube based master drive Effects: * 2x stereo effect units * Vintage Chorus * Digital Delay Presets: * Factory bank including 140+ presets designed by Jakob Haq * Preset Management with Templates & Categories * Shared User Presets between Standalone and AUv3 versions * Preset Export & Import Connectivity: * Standalone * AUv3 Instrument * Inter-App Audio Instrument * Audiobus Instrument Requirements: * iOS12+ * iPad Air 2 or newer

Screenshots

Ruismaker2 screens
Agonizer4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Ruismaker at $4.99 against Agonizer's $19.99. Ruismaker also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 3) and update cadence (every 5 weeks vs every 5 months). Agonizer's advantage is ratings volume (203 vs 57). On rating, review sentiment, ads and device support 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

Ruismaker costs $4.99 and Agonizer $19.99 up front. Agonizer sells 3 one-off in-app purchases. Ruismaker asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.8 for Ruismaker against 4.8 for Agonizer. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 57 and 203 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 74% of Ruismaker's written reviews are positive against 79% of Agonizer's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Ruismaker ships an update every 5 weeks, Agonizer every 5 months. The most recent releases landed on September 18, 2026 and September 22, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
Ruismaker versus Agonizer: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterRuismakerAgonizer
Price$4.99 — better$19.99
Rating4.8 (57 ratings)4.8 (203 ratings)
Positive reviews74.1% of reviews78.8% of reviews — better
Number of ratings57203 — better
Update frequencyEvery 5 weeks — betterEvery 5 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationPaidFree with in-app purchases — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS11.011.0
Further details — not scored
Size9 MB362 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperBram BosKai Aras

Customer experience

Ruismaker

All ratings57 ratings
Positive96.5%
Neutral1.8%
Negative1.8%
Written reviews54 reviews
Positive74.1%
Neutral5.6%
Negative20.4%

Agonizer

All ratings203 ratings
Positive95.6%
Neutral1.5%
Negative3.0%
Written reviews80 reviews
Positive78.8%
Neutral6.3%
Negative15.0%

Bugs and requests

Ruismaker

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

Agonizer

Reported bugs

16 issues
  • Keyboard does not properly handle legato/mono-synth note priority
  • Crashes in Audiobus, AUM, and Cubasis host applications
  • No sound output when used as AUv3 plugin in hosts
  • No sound in GarageBand integration
  • App freezes on splash screen with iOS 18.3
Show 11 more
  • Stuck notes and failed note triggering
  • Scream button malfunction when switching presets
  • Cutoff knob lag in AUv3 scenarios
  • UI jitter and text cutoff on iPhone
  • Favorite preset feature not working on iPhone
  • Program change not working properly in hosts
  • Always opens with init preset in host applications
  • Modulation matrix sensitivity too high (2% movement = large range)
  • Audio output peaks in red with no sound
  • Permanent clipping/damaged audio output
  • Misleading IAP pricing display (showing 'FREE' for paid content)

Requested features

10 requests
  • Polyphony mode or toggle between mono and poly
  • Envelope drawing capability instead of preset selection
  • Menu-based waveform selection instead of cycling
  • Arpeggiator function
  • Preset browser search and favorites filter
Show 5 more
  • Extended automation control for all knobs
  • Keytracking for filter
  • Reverb effect
  • Accelerometer/gyroscopic velocity sensitivity
  • Customizable number of keyboard keys

In-app purchases

None

Ruismaker

No in-app purchases

3 purchases

Agonizer

One-time3
  • Chrome Oasis Pack$3.99
  • Circuit Bender Pack$3.99
  • Neon Nightmare Pack$4.99

Questions

Is Ruismaker free?
Ruismaker costs $4.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is Agonizer free?
Agonizer costs $19.99, and also offers in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Ruismaker or Agonizer?
Ruismaker and Agonizer are both rated 4.8 out of 5 on the App Store, from 57 and 203 ratings respectively.
Do Ruismaker or Agonizer have ads?
Neither Ruismaker nor Agonizer shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Ruismaker or Agonizer?
Ruismaker ships an update every 5 weeks, and Agonizer every 5 months. Most recently, Ruismaker was updated on September 18, 2026 and Agonizer on September 22, 2026.

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