# STAELLA vs DroneSynth

The clearest difference is rating: DroneSynth at 5.0 against STAELLA's 3.9. DroneSynth also leads on ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (every 4 days vs every 2 months). STAELLA's advantage is ratings volume (1.7K vs 1) and iOS requirement (15.0 vs 17.0). On price, in-app purchases, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. STAELLA sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days and DroneSynth sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

DroneSynth holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 3.9. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: STAELLA has 1.7K ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

STAELLA ships an update every 2 months, DroneSynth every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on October 22, 2026 and October 21, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | STAELLA | DroneSynth |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.9 (1.7K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/staella-music-visualizer-vj/id1370376584/reviews) | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dronesynth/id6804345659/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **1.7K** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 44.8% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 4 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 256 MB | 13 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [monocro](https://appshunter.io/developer/368219917) | [frederick bertram](https://appshunter.io/developer/6804345661) |

## What reviewers say

### STAELLA

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/staella-music-visualizer-vj/id1370376584)

Create dynamic, real-time music visualizations with customizable effects. Import audio from various sources, record your creations, and share them on social media. Offers advanced control with MIDI integration and keyboard shortcuts.

**Highlights:** Real-time audio-reactive visuals, Customizable effects and colors, Import music from playlists, mic, or simulation, One-touch video recording, MIDI device integration, Keyboard shortcuts for control, Gesture controls

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

**In-app purchases (7)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| STAELLA Premium | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| STAELLA Premium | $49.99 | per year |
| Toolkit pro | $9.99 | one-time |
| STELLA | $9.99 | one-time |
| TERRA | $9.99 | one-time |
| MACHINA | $9.99 | one-time |
| NEX | $9.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Amazing visuals
- 👍 Great for music production
- 💡 Customizable effects
- 🚀 Responsive app
- 👍 Fantastic customer service

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔒 Locked behind paywall
- 🐛 Crashes and glitches
- 🔒 Limited free features
- 🐛 Buggy recording functionality
- 🔒 Restrictive music integration

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes on launch
- Music playback issues and controls not working
- Inability to import user's own music files
- Exported videos have poor quality and audio sync issues

**Requested features**

- Add support for streaming services
- Improve export and download options
- Expand customization and control over visuals
- Implement portrait mode and different aspect ratios
- Add ability to layer and blend multiple visuals


### DroneSynth

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dronesynth/id6804345659)

Create ambient textures, evolving pads, and hypnotic soundscapes with an analog-style drone synthesizer. Shape your sound with multiple oscillators, envelopes, LFOs, and built-in effects like delay and reverb. Offers hands-on control without complex menus.

**Highlights:** Three independent oscillators, ADSR envelope and LFO modulation, Stereo-capable Moog Ladder filter, Tempo-syncable delay and reverb, Drone/sustain mode for hands-free use, On-screen keyboard with adjustable range, Save and recall unlimited presets

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Stereo Filters | $0.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is STAELLA free?

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

### Is DroneSynth free?

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

### Which has better reviews, STAELLA or DroneSynth?

DroneSynth is rated higher. STAELLA averages 3.9 out of 5 from 1.7K ratings, while DroneSynth averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do STAELLA or DroneSynth have ads?

STAELLA shows ads; DroneSynth does not.

### Which is updated more often, STAELLA or DroneSynth?

STAELLA ships an update every 2 months, and DroneSynth every 4 days. Most recently, STAELLA was updated on October 22, 2026 and DroneSynth on October 21, 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.*