Comparison

Branches vs Quarked

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Branches

This semi-modular synthesizer offers a "west coast" style of sound design, inspired by classic synthesizers. It functions as a standalone app with MIDI input or as an AUv3 plugin within a DAW, allowing for complex sound creation and experimentation.

Highlights
  • Semi-modular synthesis engine
  • Standalone app and AUv3 plugin support
  • West coast style sound processing
  • Duophonic synthesis with dual MIDI channels
  • Generative melody capabilities
  • Waveform fading and wave folding
Read full description

Branches is a semi-modular synthesizer inspired by classics of the past. It runs both as a standalone instrument with support for external MIDI input or as a plugin (AUv3) in your favorite DAW app. Audio from the oscillators are permanently hardwired into the lowpass gates and the default patch is setup to receive MIDI and trigger the lowpass gate for the complex oscillator. This way you can get up and running fast and are then free to experiment with your own patching. Branches is utilizing what is sometimes referred to as a "west coast" style of processing which in this case means timbre is adjusted by adding harmonics to a basic sine wave. One of the oscillators does this by fading between multiple waveforms freely, the other does it by employing a wave folder and blending it with another user selectable waveform. The first one can also modulate either frequency or amplitude of the second. Branches support MIDI input on two channels. This allows you to control each oscillator and low pass gate individually if you please, acting as a duophonic synthesizer. Utilizing the rest of the modules opens up a world of different possibilities - generative random melodies, timbre changing over time, modulation from your host app etc.

About

Quarked

Features
Read full description

Quarked is a high-performance granular synthesizer designed for precision sound design. Built around a native C-based audio engine, it prioritizes low-latency manipulation and a functional workflow that stays out of your way. Capture audio directly via the integrated tape-style recorder or import existing samples to begin deconstructing them. Quarked treats sound as a physical material, allowing you to zoom, slice, and re-texture with tactile, high-precision controls. The Engine: Granular Core: Independent control over grain size, density, position, and scan speed. Performance First: A native audio backend ensures smooth parameter interpolation without artifacts. Note-Level ADSR: Professional-grade envelope shaping with exponential curves for natural release. The Workflow Precision Ruler: Navigate waveforms with high-resolution sliders designed for micro-adjustments. Technical Aesthetic: A flat, distraction-free interface inspired by modern studio hardware. Dynamic FX Chain: A reorderable signal path featuring Delay, Reverb, Shimmer, and a 3-band technical EQ. Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

Quarked4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Branches at $5.99 against Quarked's $14.99. Quarked's advantage is iOS requirement (13.0 vs 18.6). On update cadence, ads, in-app purchases 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Branches costs $5.99 and Quarked $14.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Branches ships an update every 6 days, Quarked every 8 days. The most recent releases landed on October 2, 2026 and October 9, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
Branches versus Quarked: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterBranchesQuarked
Price$5.99 — better$14.99
Rating3.9 (12 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews36.4% of reviews—
Number of ratings12 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 6 days — betterEvery 8 days
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaid—
DevicesiPad, MaciPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS18.613.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size3 MB23 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperWillow & Oak ABSyam Anand

In-app purchases

None

Branches

No in-app purchases

None

Quarked

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Branches free?
Branches costs $5.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is Quarked free?
Quarked costs $14.99, with no in-app purchases.
Do Branches or Quarked have ads?
Neither Branches nor Quarked shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Branches or Quarked?
Branches ships an update every 6 days, and Quarked every 8 days. Most recently, Branches was updated on October 2, 2026 and Quarked on October 9, 2026.

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