Comparison

Aurora (MIDI Controller) vs Sonari Remote

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

Head to head
About

Aurora (MIDI Controller)

Transform space weather data into musical expression with this live MIDI controller. Connect to your DAW and map real-time electromagnetic readings to create unique soundscapes and dynamic tracks.

Highlights
  • Live data streaming from observatories
  • Flexible MIDI mapping
  • Connects to DAWs like Ableton Live
  • Cross-platform compatibility (iOS, macOS)
  • Creates ambient and techno music
Features
Read full description

Aurora is a live MIDI controller powered by real-time data from space weather observatories and satellites. Connect Aurora to your favorite DAW (like Ableton Live) and transform electromagnetic readings into musical expression. Features: • Live data streaming from NOAA and Dombås observatory • Flexible MIDI mapping for CC controls • Works across iPhone, iPad, and Mac Catalyst Whether you're crafting ambient soundscapes or building dynamic techno tracks, Aurora connects your music to the rhythms of the planet.

About

Sonari Remote

Read full description

Touch a note. Tilt your iPhone. Shape a sound with your breath. Sonari Remote adds low latency touch, motion and gesture control to Sonari on your Mac. Requires Sonari: MIDI Controller on an Apple silicon Mac on the same local network. This free companion controls the Mac instrument; it does not make sound on its own or connect directly to other music apps. SIX WAYS TO PLAY - Touch: play notes, chords, drum pads and ribbons on the screen. The notes follow the Mac's key and scale. - Hold: tilt, turn and lift your iPhone to shape a note. Add another control with your thumb. - Air: use breath and voice to change the sound, or hum a melody to control pitch. - Face: play with a smile, raised brows, jaw movement or a turn of your head. Requires a TrueDepth camera. - Camera: track your hands from a second angle, alongside or instead of the Mac's camera. - Space: turn the room into zones you can reach into and play. Requires an iPhone with LiDAR. Choose one way at a time. The app explains which features your iPhone supports. LOW LATENCY CONTROL, THROUGH YOUR MAC Play Sonari's built-in instruments or control software instruments through the Mac's MIDI and MPE output. Sensor processing stays on your devices, with musical control sent over your local network. Response depends on your iPhone, network and Mac audio setup. Add motion and breath expression while your other hand plays in front of the Mac camera. PICK THE SOUND. START THE MUSIC. Browse the Mac's sounds, choose a playing surface, change the key and scale, and start or stop the performance from your iPhone. Touch layouts include keyboards, drums, chords and continuous expression controls. TURN A SOUND INTO AN INSTRUMENT Record a sample of up to 30 seconds and send it to your paired Mac. Play it back as a new instrument in Sonari. CONNECT ONCE, PLAY AGAIN Open both apps on the same local network and pair them. They reconnect automatically. No cable or account is needed. Musical control travels over an encrypted connection between your devices. FREE COMPANION Sonari Remote has no in-app purchases or subscriptions. Sonari on the Mac offers a free 14-day trial, followed by a one-time purchase for continued playing. Requires iOS 26 or later and Sonari on macOS 26 or later. Allow Local Network to connect. Motion, microphone and camera access support the ways you choose.

Screenshots

Aurora (MIDI Controller)4 screens
Sonari Remote4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Sonari Remote at Free against Aurora (MIDI Controller)'s $2.99. Aurora (MIDI Controller)'s advantage is iOS requirement (16.6 vs 26.0). On 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

Sonari Remote is free to download; Aurora (MIDI Controller) costs $2.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
Aurora (MIDI Controller) versus Sonari Remote: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterAurora (MIDI Controller)Sonari Remote
Price$2.99Free — better
Rating5.0 (2 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews50.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings2 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 8 days—
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaid—
DevicesiPhone, iPad — betteriPhone
Requires iOS16.6 — better26.0
Further details — not scored
Size6 MB90 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperJason SnellShubhra Saha

In-app purchases

None

Aurora (MIDI Controller)

No in-app purchases

None

Sonari Remote

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Aurora (MIDI Controller) free?
Aurora (MIDI Controller) costs $2.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is Sonari Remote free?
Sonari Remote is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Aurora (MIDI Controller) or Sonari Remote have ads?
Neither Aurora (MIDI Controller) nor Sonari Remote shows ads.

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