# SAND vs Relic Waves

The clearest difference is price: SAND at Free against Relic Waves's $1.99. SAND also leads on update cadence (every 2 months vs every 11 months). Relic Waves's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 4) and rating (5.0 vs 4.6). On ratings volume, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

SAND is free to download; Relic Waves costs $1.99 up front. SAND sells 4 one-off in-app purchases. Relic Waves asks for nothing beyond the download.

Relic Waves holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.6. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 86 and 42 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 79% of SAND's written reviews are positive against 100% of Relic Waves's.

SAND ships an update every 2 months, Relic Waves every 11 months. The most recent releases landed on September 26, 2026 and September 22, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | SAND | Relic Waves |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **Free** | $1.99 |
| Rating | [4.6 (86 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sand-audio-midi-sequencer/id1642467684/reviews) | **[5.0 (42 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/relic-waves/id6472637691/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **86** | 42 |
| Positive reviews | 79.4% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 months** | Every 11 months |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Paid |
| Size | 54 MB | 6 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **12.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Matteo Caldari](https://appshunter.io/developer/325826466) | [Alexander Zolotov](https://appshunter.io/developer/324462547) |

## 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


### Relic Waves

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/relic-waves/id6472637691)

Generate unique Lo-Fi sounds, pads, and effects using advanced synthesis algorithms. Explore billions of sonic possibilities with intuitive controls and real-time recording. Perfect for musicians and sound designers seeking experimental audio.

**Highlights:** Billions of unique Lo-Fi sounds, Random sound generation with search, Multiple keyboard input options, Real-time audio recording to WAV, Export to WAV, SunVox, and clipboard, MIDI control and processing, iOS Audio Unit Extension (AUv3)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is SAND free?

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

### Is Relic Waves free?

Relic Waves costs $1.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, SAND or Relic Waves?

Relic Waves is rated higher. SAND averages 4.6 out of 5 from 86 ratings, while Relic Waves averages 5.0 from 42 ratings.

### Do SAND or Relic Waves have ads?

Neither SAND nor Relic Waves shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, SAND or Relic Waves?

SAND ships an update every 2 months, and Relic Waves every 11 months. Most recently, SAND was updated on September 26, 2026 and Relic Waves on September 22, 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.*