# KDJ vs SAND

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: KDJ at none against SAND's 4. KDJ also leads on rating (4.8 vs 4.6) and iOS requirement (10.0 vs 15.0). SAND's advantage is review sentiment (79% vs 67%) and ratings volume (89 vs 17). On price, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. SAND sells 4 one-off in-app purchases. KDJ asks for nothing beyond the download.

KDJ holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: SAND has 89 ratings behind it against 17, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 67% of KDJ's written reviews are positive against 79% of SAND's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

KDJ ships an update every 3 months, SAND every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 25, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | KDJ | SAND |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (17 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/kdj-one/id1385367500/reviews)** | [4.6 (89 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sand-audio-midi-sequencer/id1642467684/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 17 | **89** |
| Positive reviews | 66.7% of reviews | **79.4% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Every 2 months** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 82 MB | 54 MB |
| Requires iOS | **10.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [CyberStep, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/459682825) | [Matteo Caldari](https://appshunter.io/developer/325826466) |

## What reviewers say

### KDJ

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/kdj-one/id1385367500)

Create music on your smartphone with a portable audio workstation. Compose original songs or mix existing tracks using over 400 instruments and 200 preset samples. Ideal for beginners and on-the-go musicians.

**Highlights:** Compose music in 5 minutes, Over 200 preset tracks, Over 400 instruments, Sequencer, Synthesizer, Sampler modes, Song Mode for arrangement, Personal DJ machine functionality

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### SAND

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sand-audio-midi-sequencer/id1642467684)

This app is a grid-based music sequencer that allows users to create compositions using AUv3 plugins and external MIDI devices. It offers extensive tools for arranging clips, editing notes, automating parameters, and routing MIDI.

**Highlights:** Grid-based MIDI sequencing, AUv3 plugin hosting, External MIDI device support, Advanced clip editing, Track and effect management, Song mode for arrangement, MIDI routing and mapping

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

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 14-day trial | Free | one-time |
| 14 Days Trial | Free | one-time |
| Unlock | $9.99 | one-time |
| Audio Tracks | $9.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Great UI and features
- 💡 Potential for music creation
- 🚀 Fast and creative workflow
- 👍 Easy to use, no instructions needed
- 💡 Most usable studio on small screen

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Record function always starts
- 🐛 Sand not opening in overview
- 🐛 Integration with other apps seems off
- 🐛 Record does not pick up data
- 🐛 Cannot save ideas from one app to another

**Reported bugs**

- Record function always starts when entering Midi Instrument or FX
- Sand not opening in overview
- Integration with other apps seems off
- Record does not pick up data
- Cannot save ideas from one app to another

**Requested features**

- Sand always open in overview
- Long press in sequence track window
- Random/chance abilities in clips (Polyend Play style)
- Semi-generative function or scale-based patterns/sequences
- Save AUv3 presets


## Frequently asked questions

### Is KDJ free?

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

### Is SAND free?

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

### Which has better reviews, KDJ or SAND?

KDJ is rated higher. KDJ averages 4.8 out of 5 from 17 ratings, while SAND averages 4.6 from 89 ratings.

### Do KDJ or SAND have ads?

Neither KDJ nor SAND shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, KDJ or SAND?

KDJ ships an update every 3 months, and SAND every 2 months. Most recently, KDJ was updated on October 25, 2026 and SAND on October 24, 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.*