Comparison

Senode vs polybeat

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

Head to head
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.

About

polybeat

This advanced music production tool generates complex polyrhythmic and polymetric patterns. It offers extensive control over sequence length, step length, and step modulation for each drum voice. Requires an AUv3-compatible host or external sound source to produce audio.

Highlights
  • Configurable sequence and step length per drum voice
  • Modulation of sequencer steps (accent, ratchet, chance, offset)
  • Sample-accurate sequencing engine
  • Sequence transformation actions (shift, rotate, randomize)
  • AUv3 preset and state saving
  • Offline functionality
  • No ads or in-app purchases
Features
Read full description

polybeat is an advanced and extremely flexible drum and percussion sequencer able to generate complex polyrhythmic and polymetric rhythmic patterns. nb: polybeat does not make sound by itself, you will need to load it in an AUv3-compatible host (such as AUM, Audiobus, ApeMatrix, Nanostudio 2, etc.) or connect it to an external drum machine, synthesizer, computer or any other sound generating device. features: - independently configurable sequence length per drum voice (ranging from 1 to 32 steps) - independently configurable step length per drum voice (ranging from double whole notes to 64th notes, including tuplets and dotted notes) - every sequencer step can be modulated by the following attributes: - accent on/off - ratchet (note repeats) - skip (note every *n* loops) - chance - timing offset - sample-accurate sequencing engine - slick and responsive native UI - undo/redo - individual drum voices can be muted or solo'ed - sequences can be instantly transformed by the following actions: - shift left/right - rotate - randomize - mirror - reverse - double - bisect - full AUv3 preset- and state-saving - ability to copy and paste patterns between instances of the plugin - mapping presets for popular AUv3 drum apps and hardware drum machines - includes musical scale presets for polybeat to be used as a melodic sequencer - responds to MIDI input for switching and selecting patterns, as well as performing pattern transformations - works offline - no push notifications - no ads or in-app purchases - no third-party behavioural tracking tools ongoing development and support, many new features on the roadmap

Screenshots

Senode2 screens
polybeat4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: polybeat at fortnightly against Senode's every 5 months. polybeat also leads on price ($7.99 vs $12.99). On rating, review sentiment, 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

Senode costs $12.99 and polybeat $7.99 up front. Senode sells 3 one-off in-app purchases and polybeat sells 2 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 — 4.6 for Senode against 4.5 for polybeat. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 35 and 20 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 68% of Senode's written reviews are positive against 72% of polybeat's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Senode ships an update every 5 months, polybeat fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and September 25, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
Senode versus polybeat: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSenodepolybeat
Price$12.99$7.99 — better
Rating4.6 (35 ratings) — better4.5 (20 ratings)
Positive reviews67.7% of reviews72.2% of reviews — better
Number of ratings35 — better20
Update frequencyEvery 5 monthsFortnightly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases — betterPaid
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS11.011.0
Further details — not scored
Size11 MB18 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperSebastian ArnoldCorne Driesprong

Customer experience

Senode

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

polybeat

All ratings20 ratings
Positive80.0%
Neutral15.0%
Negative5.0%
Written reviews18 reviews
Positive72.2%
Neutral22.2%
Negative5.6%

In-app purchases

3 purchases

Senode

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

polybeat

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

Questions

Is Senode free?
Senode costs $12.99, and also offers in-app purchases.
Is polybeat free?
polybeat costs $7.99, and also offers in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Senode or polybeat?
Senode is rated higher. Senode averages 4.6 out of 5 from 35 ratings, while polybeat averages 4.5 from 20 ratings.
Do Senode or polybeat have ads?
Neither Senode nor polybeat shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Senode or polybeat?
Senode ships an update every 5 months, and polybeat fortnightly. Most recently, Senode was updated on September 24, 2026 and polybeat on September 25, 2026.

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