Comparison

Lo vs Etherpad

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

Head to head
About

Lo

This app offers a versatile sample-based keyboard with over 100 factory presets, featuring sounds from vintage synths and acoustic instruments. It includes extensive MIDI compatibility and four effect sections for sound manipulation. Ideal for musicians seeking a portable and powerful sound creation tool.

Highlights
  • 100+ Factory Presets
  • Vintage Synth & Acoustic Sounds
  • MIDI Compatible & MIDI Learn
  • 4 Effect Sections (Reverb, Filter, Flanger, Chorus)
  • Preset Browser
  • AUv3 Support
Features
Read full description

( 100 + ) Factory Presets Notes Recorded via Marantz PMD430 + Sony TC-900A Strings / Organ / Piano / E-Piano / Bells 80s Synths (DX100, CZ 101, etc) + Misc Acoustic Instruments MIDI compatible + MIDI Learn functionality: Route Knobs to External MIDI devices! ( 4 ) Effect Sections: Reverb / Filter / Flanger / Chorus Additional Features: - Preset Browser - Peak Limiter - Stereo Width - Mono Switch - Note Hold - Bluetooth MIDI - AUv3

About

Etherpad

Create evolving soundscapes and ambient textures with an intuitive touch-based music synthesizer. Explore generative music without needing music theory, perfect for relaxation or creative expression.

Highlights
  • Multi-touch synthesis
  • Multiple sound presets
  • Visual particle effects
  • Effect overlays
  • Scale selection
  • Landscape & portrait modes
  • Low-latency audio
Features
Read full description

Etherpad is an expressive touch-based music synthesis instrument for iPhone, iPad and your Mac. Sweep your fingers across the screen to create evolving soundscapes, ambient drones, and generative textures. (AUv3 support in Beta) Powered by the legendary Csound audio engine, Etherpad turns your device into a portable synthesizer that responds to every touch with rich, organic sound. No music theory required — just touch, listen, and explore. KEY FEATURES • Multi-touch synthesis — Each finger controls pitch and timbre independently • Distinct Soundscapes — Switch between evolving pad sounds and textures • Reactive Visuals — ripples, trails, rings, and column glow respond to every touch • 14 evolving sounds — from lush pads to Glass Choir, PWM Pad, and Morphwave • Advanced Scales & Tuning — Break out of standard keys and explore the Bohlen-Pierce scale, overtone series, pentatonics, and more • Jam Sessions — Load your own audio tracks directly into the app and play along with your creative flow • MIDI 2.0 — per-note expression and full MIDI support for connected controllers (Beta) • AUv3 plug-in — play Etherpad inside Logic Pro, GarageBand, AUM, and other hosts (Beta) • Ultra Low-latency audio — Built on Csound, the industry-standard audio engine PERFECT FOR • Ambient and drone musicians • Meditation and relaxation • Beginners exploring sound synthesis • Live performers and improvisers • Sound designers and experimental composers • Anyone curious about generative music Website: https://etherpad.app Touch the surface. Hear the universe.

Screenshots

Lo4 screens
Etherpad4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Etherpad at Free against Lo's $2.99. Etherpad also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 1) and update cadence (every 2 days vs every 5 months). Lo's advantage is iOS requirement (12.1 vs 17.0). On rating, ratings volume, 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Etherpad is free to download; Lo costs $2.99 up front. Lo sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Etherpad asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.8 for Lo against 4.9 for Etherpad. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 26 and 20 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 81% of Lo's written reviews are positive against 100% of Etherpad's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Lo ships an update every 5 months, Etherpad every 2 days. The most recent releases landed on October 11, 2026 and September 22, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 4 level
Lo versus Etherpad: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterLoEtherpad
Price$2.99Free — better
Rating4.8 (26 ratings)4.9 (20 ratings) — better
Positive reviews81.3% of reviews100.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings26 — better20
Update frequencyEvery 5 monthsEvery 2 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationPaidFree — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, Mac
Requires iOS12.1 — better17.0
Further details — not scored
Size80 MB9 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperWeston FletcherDinesh Yadav

Customer experience

Lo

All ratings26 ratings
Positive96.2%
Neutral3.8%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews16 reviews
Positive81.3%
Neutral12.5%
Negative6.3%

Etherpad

All ratings20 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews5 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

1 purchases

Lo

One-time1
  • ( 100 ) Preset Expansion$4.99
None

Etherpad

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Lo free?
Lo costs $2.99, and also offers in-app purchases.
Is Etherpad free?
Etherpad is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Lo or Etherpad?
Etherpad is rated higher. Lo averages 4.8 out of 5 from 26 ratings, while Etherpad averages 4.9 from 20 ratings.
Do Lo or Etherpad have ads?
Neither Lo nor Etherpad shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Lo or Etherpad?
Lo ships an update every 5 months, and Etherpad every 2 days. Most recently, Lo was updated on October 11, 2026 and Etherpad on September 22, 2026.

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