# Dorico vs Focusrite Control 2

The clearest difference is rating: Dorico at 4.6 against Focusrite Control 2's 2.6. Dorico also leads on review sentiment (55% vs 27%) and ratings volume (2.3K vs 28). Focusrite Control 2's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 3). On price, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Dorico sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per month. Focusrite Control 2 asks for nothing beyond the download.

Dorico holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 2.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Dorico has 2.3K ratings behind it against 28, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 55% of Dorico's written reviews are positive against 27% of Focusrite Control 2's.

Dorico ships an update every 3 weeks, Focusrite Control 2 fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on November 3, 2026 and November 4, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Dorico | Focusrite Control 2 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (2.3K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dorico-compose-music/id1556625090/reviews)** | [2.6 (28 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/focusrite-control-2/id6479611881/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **2.3K** | 28 |
| Positive reviews | **55.4% of reviews** | 27.1% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 975 MB | 20 MB |
| Requires iOS | **17** | 18.0 |
| Devices | iPad | **iPhone, iPad** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Steinberg Media Technologies GmbH](https://appshunter.io/developer/316698251) | [Focusrite Audio Engineering](https://appshunter.io/developer/321949338) |

## What reviewers say

### Dorico

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dorico-compose-music/id1556625090)

Create professional music notation and compositions with this powerful app. Easily input notes, edit performances, and share your work in various formats. It's suitable for beginners and professionals alike.

**Highlights:** Compose music notation, On-screen keyboard, drum pads, fretboard, MIDI editing tools, PDF, audio, MusicXML export, Print to AirPrint, Read mode with annotation, Automatic engraving

**Features:** Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Dorico Monthly Subscription | $5.99 | per month |
| Dorico Annual Subscription | $49.99 | per year |
| Dorico Lifetime Unlock | $119.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Powerful and full-featured notation app on iPad
- 👍 Seamless integration with desktop version
- 🚀 Efficient workflow with keyboard shortcuts
- 👍 Impressive engraving and layout capabilities
- 🚀 Comprehensive feature set for composing and arranging

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent crashes and stability issues
- 🔒 Subscription-only model, no option to purchase outright
- 🐛 Glitchy touch/scroll functionality
- 🐛 Inability to delete clefs or access certain settings
- 🐛 Inconsistent performance on older iPad models

**Reported bugs**

- Crashes when opening or editing projects
- Corrupted/lost files after app crashes
- Unresponsive keyboard and note input issues
- Scrolling and UI glitches, especially in Engrave mode
- Incompatibility with certain iPad models and iOS versions

**Requested features**

- Support for Apple Pencil and handwriting input
- Improved file management and organization
- Expanded audio unit/plugin integration
- More customization options for layout and engraving
- Ability to export/import flows and projects between iPad and desktop


### Focusrite Control 2

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/focusrite-control-2/id6479611881)

This app allows musicians and producers to remotely control their Scarlett 4th Gen audio interface. Adjust input gain, create custom headphone mixes for multiple users, and enjoy wireless freedom within your recording space.

**Highlights:** Wireless remote control, Adjust input gain, Create headphone mixes, Control level, pan, mute, solo, Multiple device headphone mix control

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Dorico free?

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

### Is Focusrite Control 2 free?

Focusrite Control 2 is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Dorico or Focusrite Control 2?

Dorico is rated higher. Dorico averages 4.6 out of 5 from 2.3K ratings, while Focusrite Control 2 averages 2.6 from 28 ratings.

### Do Dorico or Focusrite Control 2 have ads?

Neither Dorico nor Focusrite Control 2 shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Dorico or Focusrite Control 2?

Dorico ships an update every 3 weeks, and Focusrite Control 2 fortnightly. Most recently, Dorico was updated on November 3, 2026 and Focusrite Control 2 on November 4, 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.*