# StepPolyArp vs StepBud

The clearest difference is price: StepBud at $4.99 against StepPolyArp's $19.99. StepBud also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 2) and update cadence (fortnightly vs every 2 months). StepPolyArp's advantage is rating (4.8 vs 4.4) and review sentiment (87% vs 71%). On ratings volume, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

StepPolyArp costs $19.99 and StepBud $4.99 up front. StepPolyArp sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. StepBud asks for nothing beyond the download.

StepPolyArp holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.4. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 48 and 38 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 87% of StepPolyArp's written reviews are positive against 71% of StepBud's.

StepPolyArp ships an update every 2 months, StepBud fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 19, 2026 and October 15, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | StepPolyArp | StepBud |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $19.99 | **$4.99** |
| Rating | **[4.8 (48 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/steppolyarp/id1361313588/reviews)** | [4.4 (38 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stepbud-auv3-midi-sequencer/id1453104408/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **48** | 38 |
| Positive reviews | **87.0% of reviews** | 70.6% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free** |
| Size | 38 MB | 8 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **13.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac** | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Laurent Colson](https://appshunter.io/developer/381525765) | [Cem Olcay](https://appshunter.io/developer/523633853) |

## What reviewers say

### StepPolyArp

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/steppolyarp/id1361313588)

This app functions as a real-time polyphonic and polyrhythmic MIDI step arpeggiator and sequencer. It can generate melodic patterns from input or operate as a standalone sequencer. Save and sync unlimited presets with iCloud, featuring extensive customization for patterns and step controllers.

**Highlights:** Standalone app and AUv3 MIDI effect plugin, Arpeggiator and step sequencer modes, Programmable step matrix with transposition lines, Polyrhythmic step controllers, Internal sound bank, Ableton Link and MIDI sync support, Unlimited preset saving with iCloud sync

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Dance Horizons | $4.99 | one-time |
| Analog Sequence | $4.99 | one-time |


### StepBud

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stepbud-auv3-midi-sequencer/id1453104408)

This app is a versatile MIDI sequencer that allows for unlimited steps and detailed control over each step's parameters. It integrates with other music apps and supports various sequencing modes for creative performances.

**Highlights:** Unlimited steps, Step parameter control (note, velocity, rate, etc.), Custom MIDI CC messages, Step locking and skipping, Master fader with copy/shift modes, Step Editor for detailed note editing, Arpeggio modes (up, down, random)

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is StepPolyArp free?

StepPolyArp costs $19.99, and also offers in-app purchases.

### Is StepBud free?

StepBud costs $4.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, StepPolyArp or StepBud?

StepPolyArp is rated higher. StepPolyArp averages 4.8 out of 5 from 48 ratings, while StepBud averages 4.4 from 38 ratings.

### Do StepPolyArp or StepBud have ads?

Neither StepPolyArp nor StepBud shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, StepPolyArp or StepBud?

StepPolyArp ships an update every 2 months, and StepBud fortnightly. Most recently, StepPolyArp was updated on October 19, 2026 and StepBud on October 15, 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.*