# STEPS vs NERD Synth A2x + AUv3

The clearest difference is rating: NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 at 4.9 against STEPS's 3.9. NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 also leads on review sentiment (89% vs 56%) and ratings volume (1.4K vs 13). STEPS's advantage is price ($0.99 vs $5.99) and iOS requirement (9.0 vs 14.4). On update cadence, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

STEPS costs $0.99 and NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 $5.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 3.9. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 has 1.4K 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 89% of NERD Synth A2x + AUv3's.

STEPS ships an update every 3 weeks, NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on November 3, 2026 and November 13, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | STEPS | NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **$0.99** | $5.99 |
| Rating | [3.9 (13 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/steps-midi-sequencer/id1224149283/reviews) | **[4.9 (1.4K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nerd-synth-a2x-plus-auv3/id6478898564/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 13 | **1.4K** |
| Positive reviews | 55.6% of reviews | **89.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Size | 7 MB | 242 MB |
| Requires iOS | **9.0** | 14.4 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Reactable Systems SL](https://appshunter.io/developer/381127669) | [AudioKit Pro](https://appshunter.io/developer/1307785645) |

## 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


### NERD Synth A2x + AUv3

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nerd-synth-a2x-plus-auv3/id6478898564)

This virtual analog synthesizer offers a powerful and intuitive sound design experience, inspired by classic hardware. Explore over 40 classic waveforms, a versatile arpeggiator, step sequencer, and lush effects to craft unique electronic music.

**Highlights:** Virtual Analog Synthesizer, 40+ Classic Waveforms, Arpeggiator, Step Sequencer, Lush Effects Suite, Four-voice Unison, AUv3 Plugin Support

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- ⭐ Outstanding synth
- 👍 Very nice and rich sounding
- 🎨 Great presets and sound design
- 🔧 Easy to use and intuitive
- 💻 Works well in AUv3 environments

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Doesn't show up in Logic
- 🔧 Needs to be more Mac-compatible
- 🔧 Changing presets can be sluggish
- 🔧 Missing aftertouch/expression support

**Reported bugs**

- Doesn't fit properly in Logic Pro for iPad
- Keyboard keys get stuck when using a controller

**Requested features**

- Dark mode option
- Undo/redo functionality
- Improved Logic Pro integration
- Ability to change color scheme


## Frequently asked questions

### Is STEPS free?

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

### Is NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 free?

NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 costs $5.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, STEPS or NERD Synth A2x + AUv3?

NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 is rated higher. STEPS averages 3.9 out of 5 from 13 ratings, while NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 averages 4.9 from 1.4K ratings.

### Do STEPS or NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 have ads?

Neither STEPS nor NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, STEPS or NERD Synth A2x + AUv3?

STEPS ships an update every 3 weeks, and NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 fortnightly. Most recently, STEPS was updated on November 3, 2026 and NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 on November 13, 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.*