# StepBud vs VAPolyFM

StepBud and VAPolyFM both sit at 4.4 stars, but that hides the real split: 71% of StepBud's written reviews are positive against 17% of VAPolyFM's. StepBud also leads on update cadence (fortnightly vs every 17 months) and ratings volume (38 vs 6). VAPolyFM's advantage is price ($3.99 vs $4.99). On rating, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

StepBud costs $4.99 and VAPolyFM $3.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.4 for StepBud against 4.5 for VAPolyFM. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: StepBud has 38 ratings behind it against 6, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 71% of StepBud's written reviews are positive against 17% of VAPolyFM's.

StepBud ships an update fortnightly, VAPolyFM every 17 months. The most recent releases landed on October 29, 2026 and October 26, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | StepBud | VAPolyFM |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $4.99 | **$3.99** |
| Rating | [4.4 (38 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stepbud-auv3-midi-sequencer/id1453104408/reviews) | **[4.5 (6 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vapolyfm/id6737108540/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **38** | 6 |
| Positive reviews | **70.6% of reviews** | 16.7% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Fortnightly** | Every 17 months |
| Monetization | **Free** | Paid |
| Size | 8 MB | 17 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 16.6 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, Mac |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Cem Olcay](https://appshunter.io/developer/523633853) | [Ryo Togawa](https://appshunter.io/developer/1474193056) |

## What reviewers say

### StepBud

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stepbud-auv3-midi-sequencer/id1453104408)

This app is a versatile MIDI sequencer that allows for unlimited steps and detailed control over each step's parameters. It integrates with other music apps and supports various sequencing modes for creative performances.

**Highlights:** Unlimited steps, Step parameter control (note, velocity, rate, etc.), Custom MIDI CC messages, Step locking and skipping, Master fader with copy/shift modes, Step Editor for detailed note editing, Arpeggio modes (up, down, random)

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### VAPolyFM

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vapolyfm/id6737108540)

Create music with a versatile hybrid synthesizer offering both FM and virtual analog subtractive synthesis. Explore a wide range of effects, a built-in sequencer, and extensive MIDI support. Save and share projects seamlessly across iPhone, iPad, and Mac.

**Highlights:** FM synthesizer with 6 operators, Virtual analog subtractive synthesizer, Built-in effects (delay, chorus, reverb), Sequencer with piano roll editor, AudioUnit Extension (AUv3) support, Ableton Link and MIDI 2.0 support, iCloud Drive project sharing

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is StepBud free?

StepBud costs $4.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is VAPolyFM free?

VAPolyFM costs $3.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, StepBud or VAPolyFM?

VAPolyFM is rated higher. StepBud averages 4.4 out of 5 from 38 ratings, while VAPolyFM averages 4.5 from 6 ratings.

### Do StepBud or VAPolyFM have ads?

Neither StepBud nor VAPolyFM shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, StepBud or VAPolyFM?

StepBud ships an update fortnightly, and VAPolyFM every 17 months. Most recently, StepBud was updated on October 29, 2026 and VAPolyFM 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.*