# SAND vs STAR DEEJAY

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: STAR DEEJAY at none against SAND's 4. STAR DEEJAY also leads on rating (5.0 vs 4.6) and iOS requirement (13.4 vs 15.0). SAND's advantage is ratings volume (86 vs 1). On price, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. SAND sells 4 one-off in-app purchases. STAR DEEJAY asks for nothing beyond the download.

STAR DEEJAY holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: SAND has 86 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

SAND ships an update every 2 months, STAR DEEJAY every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on October 14, 2026 and October 7, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | SAND | STAR DEEJAY |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.6 (86 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sand-audio-midi-sequencer/id1642467684/reviews) | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/star-deejay/id6447108816/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **86** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 79.4% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 months** | Every 3 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 54 MB | 103 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **13.4** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Matteo Caldari](https://appshunter.io/developer/325826466) | [iDance](https://appshunter.io/developer/1680177485) |

## What reviewers say

### SAND

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sand-audio-midi-sequencer/id1642467684)

This app is a grid-based music sequencer that allows users to create compositions using AUv3 plugins and external MIDI devices. It offers extensive tools for arranging clips, editing notes, automating parameters, and routing MIDI.

**Highlights:** Grid-based MIDI sequencing, AUv3 plugin hosting, External MIDI device support, Advanced clip editing, Track and effect management, Song mode for arrangement, MIDI routing and mapping

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 14-day trial | Free | one-time |
| 14 Days Trial | Free | one-time |
| Unlock | $9.99 | one-time |
| Audio Tracks | $9.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Great UI and features
- 💡 Potential for music creation
- 🚀 Fast and creative workflow
- 👍 Easy to use, no instructions needed
- 💡 Most usable studio on small screen

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Record function always starts
- 🐛 Sand not opening in overview
- 🐛 Integration with other apps seems off
- 🐛 Record does not pick up data
- 🐛 Cannot save ideas from one app to another

**Reported bugs**

- Record function always starts when entering Midi Instrument or FX
- Sand not opening in overview
- Integration with other apps seems off
- Record does not pick up data
- Cannot save ideas from one app to another

**Requested features**

- Sand always open in overview
- Long press in sequence track window
- Random/chance abilities in clips (Polyend Play style)
- Semi-generative function or scale-based patterns/sequences
- Save AUv3 presets


### STAR DEEJAY

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/star-deejay/id6447108816)

Mix music on your iPad using over 200 integrated audio loops or your own library. Features animated turntables, tempo control, EQs, and a variety of effects. Learn DJ basics and connect with compatible hardware.

**Highlights:** Over 200 integrated audio loops, Mix with iPad audio library, Animated 2-turntable interface, Tempo control and EQs, Multiple audio effects, Pad FX for intuitive effect control, BPM engine for easy mixing

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is SAND free?

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

### Is STAR DEEJAY free?

STAR DEEJAY is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, SAND or STAR DEEJAY?

STAR DEEJAY is rated higher. SAND averages 4.6 out of 5 from 86 ratings, while STAR DEEJAY averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do SAND or STAR DEEJAY have ads?

Neither SAND nor STAR DEEJAY shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, SAND or STAR DEEJAY?

SAND ships an update every 2 months, and STAR DEEJAY every 3 months. Most recently, SAND was updated on October 14, 2026 and STAR DEEJAY on October 7, 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.*