# MIDISynth Control vs Surface Builder

The clearest difference is price: MIDISynth Control at Free against Surface Builder's $14.99. MIDISynth Control also leads on iOS requirement (9.3 vs 13). Surface Builder's advantage is rating (4.7 vs 3.4) and in-app purchases (none vs 11). On ratings volume, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

MIDISynth Control is free to download; Surface Builder costs $14.99 up front. MIDISynth Control sells 11 one-off in-app purchases. Surface Builder asks for nothing beyond the download.

Surface Builder holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 3.4. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 12 and 15 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 64% of MIDISynth Control's written reviews are positive against 80% of Surface Builder's.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on June 1, 2026 and September 22, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | MIDISynth Control | Surface Builder |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **Free** | $14.99 |
| Rating | [3.4 (12 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/midisynth-control/id1366849280/reviews) | **[4.7 (15 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/surface-builder/id6449735778/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 12 | **15** |
| Positive reviews | 63.6% of reviews | **80.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | Every 3 weeks |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Paid |
| Size | 46 MB | 32 MB |
| Requires iOS | **9.3** | 13 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Lee Huddleston](https://appshunter.io/developer/1230479795) | [4Pockets.com](https://appshunter.io/developer/370131860) |

## What reviewers say

### MIDISynth Control

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/midisynth-control/id1366849280)

Control multiple MIDI synthesizers and drum machines from one app. Offers in-depth editing for built-in synths and customizable control maps for external gear. Sync with Ableton Link and add advanced features via in-app purchases.

**Highlights:** Centralized control for multiple MIDI synths, In-depth editing for popular built-in synths, Customizable control maps for external synths, Global layout creation for multiple devices, Patch storage, randomization, and morphing, Ableton Link support for syncing, Arpeggiator and drum repeat functionality

**In-app purchases (11)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Link+ | $5.99 | one-time |
| Keyboard/Drumpad+ | $6.99 | one-time |
| Control+ | $9.99 | one-time |
| Novation Circuit MonoStation | $10.99 | one-time |
| Rand/Morph/Performance | $12.99 | one-time |
| Novation LPX | $12.99 | one-time |
| Novation LCXL | $12.99 | one-time |
| Novation Circuit | $19.99 | one-time |
| Elektron Digitakt | $19.99 | one-time |
| Elektron Digitone | $19.99 | one-time |
| Novation Peak & Summit | $27.99 | one-time |


### Surface Builder

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/surface-builder/id6449735778)

Create custom MIDI control surfaces for audio applications. Design interfaces with buttons, knobs, and faders to send and receive MIDI data, control audio clips, and customize appearance. Supports AUv3 plugins and standalone use.

**Highlights:** Customizable MIDI control surfaces, AUv3 plugin and standalone modes, Send/receive MIDI data (notes, controllers, pitch bend), Audio clip playback control, Multi-scene interface design, Drag and drop interface customization

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is MIDISynth Control free?

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

### Is Surface Builder free?

Surface Builder costs $14.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, MIDISynth Control or Surface Builder?

Surface Builder is rated higher. MIDISynth Control averages 3.4 out of 5 from 12 ratings, while Surface Builder averages 4.7 from 15 ratings.

### Do MIDISynth Control or Surface Builder have ads?

Neither MIDISynth Control nor Surface Builder shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, MIDISynth Control or Surface Builder?

MIDISynth Control ships an update every 3 weeks, and Surface Builder every 3 weeks. Most recently, MIDISynth Control was updated on June 1, 2026 and Surface Builder on September 22, 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.*