# STAELLA vs 531sampler

The clearest difference is price: STAELLA at Free against 531sampler's $2.99. STAELLA also leads on device support (3 vs 1) and iOS requirement (15.0 vs 17.0). 531sampler's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 7) and ads (none vs shown).

STAELLA is free to download; 531sampler costs $2.99 up front. STAELLA sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. 531sampler asks for nothing beyond the download.

STAELLA ships an update every 2 months, 531sampler every 4 days. Both last shipped on October 26, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | STAELLA | 531sampler |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **Free** | $2.99 |
| Rating | **[3.9 (1.7K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/staella-music-visualizer-vj/id1370376584/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **1.7K** | — |
| Positive reviews | 44.7% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 4 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 256 MB | 2 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [monocro](https://appshunter.io/developer/368219917) | [AKIHIKO YOSHIDA](https://appshunter.io/developer/1877362692) |

## 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


### 531sampler

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/531sampler/id6807727804)

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is STAELLA free?

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

### Is 531sampler free?

531sampler costs $2.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Do STAELLA or 531sampler have ads?

STAELLA shows ads; 531sampler does not.

### Which is updated more often, STAELLA or 531sampler?

STAELLA ships an update every 2 months, and 531sampler every 4 days. Most recently, STAELLA was updated on October 26, 2026 and 531sampler on October 26, 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.*