# Phasemaker vs PatternBud

Phasemaker and PatternBud both sit at 4.3 stars, but that hides the real split: 69% of Phasemaker's written reviews are positive against 44% of PatternBud's. Phasemaker also leads on ratings volume (33 vs 6) and iOS requirement (9.0 vs 13.0). On price, rating, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Phasemaker costs $3.99 and PatternBud $3.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.3 for Phasemaker against 4.3 for PatternBud. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Phasemaker has 33 ratings behind it against 6, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 69% of Phasemaker's written reviews are positive against 44% of PatternBud's.

Phasemaker ships an update every 3 weeks, PatternBud every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 18, 2026 and September 21, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Phasemaker | PatternBud |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $3.99 | $3.99 |
| Rating | [4.3 (33 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/phasemaker/id1161642832/reviews) | [4.3 (6 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/patternbud-midi-cc-sequencer/id1608966928/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **33** | 6 |
| Positive reviews | **68.8% of reviews** | 44.4% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Size | 16 MB | 7 MB |
| Requires iOS | **9.0** | 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

### Phasemaker

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/phasemaker/id1161642832)

This app is a powerful 6-operator FM synthesizer for iOS, inspired by classic 1980s digital synths. It offers deep sound design capabilities with 42 algorithms and 12 oscillators, producing unique timbres impossible with analog modeling. It integrates seamlessly with mobile DAWs and supports various MIDI and audio routing protocols.

**Highlights:** 6-Operator FM Synthesis, 42 FM Algorithms, 12 Oscillators, Audio Unit (AUv3) compatible, Standalone mode with CoreMidi, Custom preset management, Vintage chorus and reverb effects

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


### PatternBud

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/patternbud-midi-cc-sequencer/id1608966928)

This app sequences MIDI CC and Program Change messages to control patterns in music applications. It allows for sophisticated song arrangements by timing pattern changes in synthesizers and drum machines. Features include multi-track sequencing, flexible step durations, and an advanced action system for dynamic control.

**Highlights:** Multi-track sequencing, MIDI CC and Program Change support, Flexible step durations, Advanced action system, Tempo synchronization, AUv3 plugin format

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Phasemaker free?

Phasemaker costs $3.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is PatternBud free?

PatternBud costs $3.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Phasemaker or PatternBud?

Phasemaker and PatternBud are both rated 4.3 out of 5 on the App Store, from 33 and 6 ratings respectively.

### Do Phasemaker or PatternBud have ads?

Neither Phasemaker nor PatternBud shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Phasemaker or PatternBud?

Phasemaker ships an update every 3 weeks, and PatternBud every 2 weeks. Most recently, Phasemaker was updated on September 18, 2026 and PatternBud on September 21, 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.*