# STEPS vs SAND

The clearest difference is price: SAND at Free against STEPS's $0.99. SAND also leads on rating (4.6 vs 3.9) and review sentiment (79% vs 56%). STEPS's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 4) and update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 2 months). On ads and device support there is nothing between them.

SAND is free to download; STEPS costs $0.99 up front. SAND sells 4 one-off in-app purchases. STEPS asks for nothing beyond the download.

SAND holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 3.9. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: SAND has 86 ratings behind it against 13, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 56% of STEPS's written reviews are positive against 79% of SAND's.

STEPS ships an update every 3 weeks, SAND every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 16, 2026 and October 14, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | STEPS | SAND |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $0.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | [3.9 (13 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/steps-midi-sequencer/id1224149283/reviews) | **[4.6 (86 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sand-audio-midi-sequencer/id1642467684/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 13 | **86** |
| Positive reviews | 55.6% of reviews | **79.4% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 weeks** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 7 MB | 54 MB |
| Requires iOS | **9.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Reactable Systems SL](https://appshunter.io/developer/381127669) | [Matteo Caldari](https://appshunter.io/developer/325826466) |

## What reviewers say

### STEPS

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/steps-midi-sequencer/id1224149283)

Create complex rhythmic patterns with this powerful MIDI sequencer. Control any MIDI-compatible app, send MIDI over network, and synchronize external hardware synths. Features a user-friendly interface for seamless performance and editing.

**Highlights:** MIDI-out system, Bluetooth LE MIDI support, Audiobus 3 support, External hardware synchronization, Performance and editing modes, Ableton Link integration, Global swing and BPM control

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### SAND

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sand-audio-midi-sequencer/id1642467684)

This app is a grid-based music sequencer that allows users to create compositions using AUv3 plugins and external MIDI devices. It offers extensive tools for arranging clips, editing notes, automating parameters, and routing MIDI.

**Highlights:** Grid-based MIDI sequencing, AUv3 plugin hosting, External MIDI device support, Advanced clip editing, Track and effect management, Song mode for arrangement, MIDI routing and mapping

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

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 14-day trial | Free | one-time |
| 14 Days Trial | Free | one-time |
| Unlock | $9.99 | one-time |
| Audio Tracks | $9.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Great UI and features
- 💡 Potential for music creation
- 🚀 Fast and creative workflow
- 👍 Easy to use, no instructions needed
- 💡 Most usable studio on small screen

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Record function always starts
- 🐛 Sand not opening in overview
- 🐛 Integration with other apps seems off
- 🐛 Record does not pick up data
- 🐛 Cannot save ideas from one app to another

**Reported bugs**

- Record function always starts when entering Midi Instrument or FX
- Sand not opening in overview
- Integration with other apps seems off
- Record does not pick up data
- Cannot save ideas from one app to another

**Requested features**

- Sand always open in overview
- Long press in sequence track window
- Random/chance abilities in clips (Polyend Play style)
- Semi-generative function or scale-based patterns/sequences
- Save AUv3 presets


## Frequently asked questions

### Is STEPS free?

STEPS costs $0.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is SAND free?

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

### Which has better reviews, STEPS or SAND?

SAND is rated higher. STEPS averages 3.9 out of 5 from 13 ratings, while SAND averages 4.6 from 86 ratings.

### Do STEPS or SAND have ads?

Neither STEPS nor SAND shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, STEPS or SAND?

STEPS ships an update every 3 weeks, and SAND every 2 months. Most recently, STEPS was updated on October 16, 2026 and SAND on October 14, 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.*