Comparison

cykle vs Senode

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

Head to head
About

cykle

This app is a powerful melodic step sequencer that generates complex musical patterns through the interaction of simple elements. It requires connection to a separate MIDI synthesizer app or hardware to produce sound. Offers extensive customization for musical parameters and sequence transformations.

Highlights
  • Semi-generative melodic step sequencer
  • Decoupled sequencer lanes for musical parameters
  • AUv3 MIDI plugin and standalone modes
  • Sample-accurate sequencing engine
  • Pattern snapshots and song mode
  • Extensive sequence transformation actions
  • MIDI clock output and Ableton Link support
Features
Read full description

cykle is an inventive, semi-generative melodic step sequencer for iOS, iPadOS and Mac (Catalyst). cykle abstracts every musical parameter into its own sequence using decoupled sequencer lanes, producing complex and musically engaging patterns from the interactions between simple elements. nb: cykle does not make sound by itself, you will need to connect it to a MIDI-compatible synthesizer app on your device, load it in an AUv3-compatible host (such as Logic Pro, Audiobus or AUM), or connect it to an external synthesizer, computer or any other MIDI-compatible sound generating device. features: - universal app (works on both iPhone and iPad) - works in both portrait and landscape mode - works as an Audio Unit (AUv3) MIDI plugin or as a standalone (CoreMIDI) app - sample-accurate sequencing engine - slick and responsive native UI - pattern snapshots selectable via MIDI input - song mode / pattern chaining - pitch playable by MIDI note input (arp and chord modes) - configurable tempo, scale and key - every channel can be routed to a separate MIDI destination and channel - every channel sends MIDI note- and pitch-bend data as well as an arbitrary number of MIDI continuous control (CC) messages - full AUv3 state- and preset-saving - randomization features - save and load patterns - decoupled sequencer lanes for the following parameters: - pulse - pitch - rest - step length - chance - velocity - accent - gate length - chance - ratchet (note repeat) - accidental (flatten/sharpen) - transpose - chord inversion - octave - harmonize - pitch bend - mappable MIDI CC values (e.g., filter cutoff, resonance, envelope, etc.) sequences can be instantly transformed by the following actions: - shift left/right/up/down - rotate - randomize - mutate - mirror - reverse - double - bisect - configurable clock division rate per sequencer lane - configurable playback mode per sequencer lane (forward, backward, random, jump) - MIDI clock output - Ableton Link support - works without internet connection - no push notifications - no ads or in-app purchases - no third-party behavioural tracking tools - ongoing development and support

About

Senode

This app offers a unique approach to music creation using a generative node-based sequencer. It allows for complex, probabilistic sequencing and real-time performance control. Integrate with other music apps or control external hardware for a versatile creative experience.

Highlights
  • Generative node-based sequencing
  • Probabilistic steps
  • MIDI control and binding
  • AUv3 plugin integration
  • Ableton Link sync
  • Integrated subtractive synthesizer
  • Real-time performance control
Features
Read full description

SENODE is an innovative music app based on the idea of finite state machines. It works like a polyphonic modular step sequencer with probabilistic steps. This app is perfect for generative music and complex sequencing setups. Senode syncronizes its clock to Ableton Link or integrates as AUv3 plugin. All actions are MIDI bindable, so the steps can be triggered in real time from drum pads, sensors or other apps – a real live-performance instrument! "Senode is something quite different when it comes to sequencing" - Create Digital Music "I highly recommend Senode to everyone who is interested in generative music. It's such a fun app to work with!" - haQ attaQ "A Killer App!" - A4iRebirth CREATE COMPLEX SEQUENCES WITH RANDOMIZATION The core of Senode is a graph of nodes connected by edges. You decide if Senode acts like a simple vending machine or a complex pinball game. Each node triggers a sound when activated, while edges determine the direction of travel. Instruments are controlled by emitters which send their tokens onto the graph and generate MIDI signals. That means, you can compose a generative music piece for a whole orchestra using the graph notation and a couple of emitters! It gets more interesting if you add random directions or emit multiple tokens at different time positions. GRAPHICAL MULTI-TOUCH INTERFACE Compose and perform your music live using the intuitive multi-touch interface. Create, drag and connect nodes with multiple fingers. The on-screen keyboard helps you to visualize and edit notes easily. INTEGRATED SYNTHESIZER The standalone app contains a simple but powerful subtractive synthesizer with main OSC (sine, saw, square, noise), sub OSC (sine), 1-pole lowpass filter, stereo reverb and ADSR envelope. Try the demo patches to get inspired! MIDI CONTROL AND STEP RECORDING Use the step record function to create new nodes on the fly, from single notes or using the chord detection. Use a drum kit, wearable sensors or any other MIDI device to control the steps of Senode. Enjoy the unique experience of being your own clock! CONTROL MUSIC APPS AND EXTERNAL DEVICES Senode is the perfect sequencer for all MIDI-capable apps. Play in sync with other apps using Ableton Link. Integrate with your favourite DAW using the AUv3 plugin (in-app purchase required). If you connect a MIDI interface, you can even control your hardware synths with the app. REALTIME CONTROL Senode is made for live music performance. There are no default "beats" or "bars" and all actions are performed in real time. Tokens can be quantized to a clock (16th resolution) and support catch-up, which means you can hit all functions like a drummer "on the spot" and stay in sync, even if you're too early or a little late. By the way, the really cool stuff will happen if you break free from 4/4 bar schemes, start your sequences on off-beat timings or create crazy polyrhythmic cycles... KEY FEATURES - innovative non-linear graphical sequencer with draggable multi-touch interface - standalone app and AUv3 MIDI plugin (in-app purchase required) for iPad and iPhone - unlimited notes or chords per step with velocity, legato or fixed-length notes - unlimited number of steps and directions: cycles, randomized, round-robin, one-shot - multi-timbral patches with polyphonic emitters - live arpeggiator mode with hold and monophonic option - integrated polysynth with sine, square, saw and noise OSC, ADSR, filter, reverb - real-time sequencer control with clock sync and catch-up quantization - scene handling for creating song arrangements - MIDI device input and output - velocity-sensitive binding support for all sequencer operations like step, emit, tick, trigger or clear - tempo and start/stop synchronization using Ableton Link - step recording with chord detection - copy and paste functionality - transpose and clock divide functions - comes with tutorial and example patches that you can instantly play See senode.org for more details.

Screenshots

cykle4 screens
Senode2 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: cykle at monthly against Senode's every 5 months. cykle also leads on review sentiment (80% vs 68%). Senode's advantage is monetization model (free with in-app purchases vs paid) and iOS requirement (11.0 vs 13.0). On price, rating, ratings volume and ads 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

cykle costs $12.99 and Senode $12.99 up front. cykle sells 2 one-off in-app purchases and Senode sells 3 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.7 for cykle against 4.6 for Senode. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 34 and 35 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 80% of cykle's written reviews are positive against 68% of Senode's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

cykle ships an update monthly, Senode every 5 months. The most recent releases landed on September 23, 2026 and September 1, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
cykle versus Senode: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParametercykleSenode
Price$12.99$12.99
Rating4.7 (34 ratings) — better4.6 (35 ratings)
Positive reviews80.0% of reviews — better67.7% of reviews
Number of ratings3435 — better
Update frequencyMonthly — betterEvery 5 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationPaidFree with in-app purchases — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS13.011.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size6 MB11 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperCorne DriesprongSebastian Arnold

Customer experience

cykle

All ratings34 ratings
Positive91.2%
Neutral2.9%
Negative5.9%
Written reviews20 reviews
Positive80.0%
Neutral5.0%
Negative15.0%

Senode

All ratings35 ratings
Positive88.6%
Neutral5.7%
Negative5.7%
Written reviews31 reviews
Positive67.7%
Neutral16.1%
Negative16.1%

In-app purchases

2 purchases

cykle

One-time2
  • Small tip$1.99
  • Big tip$5.99
3 purchases

Senode

One-time3
  • AUv3 pluginFree
  • Small Tip$1.99
  • Generous Tip$4.99

Questions

Is cykle free?
cykle costs $12.99, and also offers in-app purchases.
Is Senode free?
Senode costs $12.99, and also offers in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, cykle or Senode?
cykle is rated higher. cykle averages 4.7 out of 5 from 34 ratings, while Senode averages 4.6 from 35 ratings.
Do cykle or Senode have ads?
Neither cykle nor Senode shows ads.
Which is updated more often, cykle or Senode?
cykle ships an update monthly, and Senode every 5 months. Most recently, cykle was updated on September 23, 2026 and Senode on September 1, 2026.

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