Poly 2 vs Helio Sequencer
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Poly 2
This app generates evolving musical patterns and melodies using polyrhythms. It offers extensive sound manipulation with a sampler, multiple effects, and the ability to store numerous configurations. Users can also import their own sounds and integrate with other music production tools.
- Generative polyrhythm sequencing
- Up to 8 simultaneous sounds
- Sampler with envelopes and filters
- Randomize capabilities
- Built-in delay, reverb, distortion, and EQ FX
- AUv3, Audiobus, and IAA support
- Import custom samples
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Poly 2 is a generative sequencer that creates evolving patterns and melodies based on the power of polyrhythms. Check out the promo video: https://youtu.be/ovCXtBynEkw Features: - Up to 8 different sounds at any time - Store up to 16 different configurations for each project - A sampler that includes envelopes, filters, loop crossfading, an LFO and more - Randomise capabilities - Delay, reverb, distortion and EQ FX - Over 100 samples included for free - 13 premade collections of sounds - 13 example projects - AUv3 support, both MIDI and Audio - Audiobus and IAA - Ableton Link - MIDI notes in / out, MIDI CC in / out and MIDI clock in - Import your own samples via iOS Files or WIFI transfer
Helio Sequencer
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.
- Open-source music sequencer
- Aimed at hobbyist composers
- Supports game developers
- For indie artists
- Includes documentation
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Helio is a free and open-source music sequencer aimed at hobbyist composers, game developers, and indie artists. Follow the documentation to get started: https://docs.helio.fm
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Helio Sequencer at none against Poly 2's 1. Helio Sequencer also leads on iOS requirement (11.0 vs 16.6). Poly 2's advantage is rating (4.8 vs 4.4) and ratings volume (686 vs 13). On price, review sentiment, ads and device support there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. Poly 2 sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Helio Sequencer asks for nothing beyond the download.
Poly 2 holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Poly 2 has 686 ratings behind it against 13, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 84% of Poly 2's written reviews are positive against 86% of Helio Sequencer's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.
Poly 2 ships an update every 4 weeks, Helio Sequencer every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on October 8, 2026 and October 7, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Poly 2 | Helio Sequencer |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.8 (686 ratings) — better | 4.4 (13 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 84.1% of reviews | 85.7% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 686 — better | 13 |
| Update frequency | Every 4 weeks — better | Every 3 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free — better |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better |
| Requires iOS | 16.6 | 11.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 153 MB | 7 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | James Milton | Peter Rudenko |
Customer experience
Poly 2
Helio Sequencer
Bugs and requests
Poly 2
Reported bugs
3 issues- In-app purchase not working for some users
- MIDI connectivity issues with certain apps
- Crashes upon opening for some users
Requested features
8 requests- Ability to preview samples before importing
- Autoslice/autochop functionality for samples
- Support for larger sample imports and automatic slot filling
- Granulizer effect
- Note repeat and vinyl effects
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- More built-in effects and processing options
- Ability to create and arrange full songs
- M1 Mac compatibility
Helio Sequencer
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
Poly 2
- Pro mode$11.99
Helio Sequencer
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is Poly 2 free?
Is Helio Sequencer free?
Which has better reviews, Poly 2 or Helio Sequencer?
Do Poly 2 or Helio Sequencer have ads?
Which is updated more often, Poly 2 or Helio Sequencer?
Other comparisons
