# MIDISynth Control vs Helio Sequencer

The clearest difference is rating: Helio Sequencer at 4.4 against MIDISynth Control's 3.4. Helio Sequencer also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 11) and review sentiment (86% vs 64%). MIDISynth Control's advantage is update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 3 months) and iOS requirement (9.3 vs 11.0). On price, ratings volume, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. MIDISynth Control sells 11 one-off in-app purchases. Helio Sequencer asks for nothing beyond the download.

Helio Sequencer holds the better App Store score, 4.4 against 3.4. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 12 and 13 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 64% of MIDISynth Control's written reviews are positive against 86% of Helio Sequencer's.

MIDISynth Control ships an update every 3 weeks, Helio Sequencer every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on June 1, 2026 and September 6, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | MIDISynth Control | Helio Sequencer |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.4 (12 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/midisynth-control/id1366849280/reviews) | **[4.4 (13 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/helio-sequencer/id6502380900/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 12 | **13** |
| Positive reviews | 63.6% of reviews | **85.7% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 weeks** | Every 3 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 46 MB | 7 MB |
| Requires iOS | **9.3** | 11.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Lee Huddleston](https://appshunter.io/developer/1230479795) | [Peter Rudenko](https://appshunter.io/developer/943796587) |

## 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 |


### Helio Sequencer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/helio-sequencer/id6502380900)

A free and open-source music sequencer designed for hobbyist composers, game developers, and indie artists. Comprehensive documentation is available to help users get started with its features.

**Highlights:** Open-source music sequencer, Aimed at hobbyist composers, Supports game developers, For indie artists, Includes documentation

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is MIDISynth Control free?

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

### Is Helio Sequencer free?

Helio Sequencer is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, MIDISynth Control or Helio Sequencer?

Helio Sequencer is rated higher. MIDISynth Control averages 3.4 out of 5 from 12 ratings, while Helio Sequencer averages 4.4 from 13 ratings.

### Do MIDISynth Control or Helio Sequencer have ads?

Neither MIDISynth Control nor Helio Sequencer shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, MIDISynth Control or Helio Sequencer?

MIDISynth Control ships an update every 3 weeks, and Helio Sequencer every 3 months. Most recently, MIDISynth Control was updated on June 1, 2026 and Helio Sequencer on September 6, 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.*