# Sampletoy vs Poly 2

The clearest difference is rating: Poly 2 at 4.8 against Sampletoy's 4.2. Poly 2 also leads on update cadence (every 4 weeks vs every 7 months) and ratings volume (686 vs 104). Sampletoy's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and iOS requirement (8.0 vs 16.6). On price, review sentiment, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Poly 2 sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Sampletoy asks for nothing beyond the download.

Poly 2 holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.2. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Poly 2 has 686 ratings behind it against 104, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 90% of Sampletoy's written reviews are positive against 84% of Poly 2's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Sampletoy ships an update every 7 months, Poly 2 every 4 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 29, 2026 and September 30, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Sampletoy | Poly 2 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.2 (104 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sampletoy/id355918828/reviews) | **[4.8 (686 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/poly-2/id1477029326/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 104 | **686** |
| Positive reviews | **89.8% of reviews** | 84.1% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 7 months | **Every 4 weeks** |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 24 MB | 153 MB |
| Requires iOS | **8.0** | 16.6 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Mazbox Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/329604853) | [James Milton](https://appshunter.io/developer/581503621) |

## What reviewers say

### Sampletoy

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sampletoy/id355918828)

Capture and manipulate sounds using a unique musical instrument and plaything. This app allows you to record audio, then loop, pitch, and distort it live with multitouch controls. Explore creative sound design with filters, delays, and envelopes, and export your performances as high-quality audio files.

**Highlights:** Capture sounds via microphone, Live playback, looping, pitching, and distortion, Multitouch control for up to 5 notes, Resonant filters, delays, and envelopes, Stepped and free playback modes, Record and email performances as WAV files, Import audio from various sources

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### Poly 2

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/poly-2/id1477029326)

This app generates evolving musical patterns and melodies using polyrhythms. It offers extensive sound manipulation with a sampler, multiple effects, and the ability to store numerous configurations. Users can also import their own sounds and integrate with other music production tools.

**Highlights:** Generative polyrhythm sequencing, Up to 8 simultaneous sounds, Sampler with envelopes and filters, Randomize capabilities, Built-in delay, reverb, distortion, and EQ FX, AUv3, Audiobus, and IAA support, Import custom samples

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pro mode | $11.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Unique, creative, and powerful tool
- 👍 Intuitive and user-friendly interface
- 🎨 Excellent for ambient, experimental, and generative music
- 🎹 Great for drum grooves and rhythmic patterns
- 💻 Seamless integration with external hardware and software

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional crashes and bugs
- 🔇 Lack of sustain/voice ring-out when transport is stopped
- 📺 Small interface elements can be difficult to use on iPad
- 🔌 Compatibility issues with some third-party apps

**Reported bugs**

- In-app purchase not working for some users
- MIDI connectivity issues with certain apps
- Crashes upon opening for some users

**Requested features**

- Ability to preview samples before importing
- Autoslice/autochop functionality for samples
- Support for larger sample imports and automatic slot filling
- Granulizer effect
- Note repeat and vinyl effects


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Sampletoy free?

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

### Is Poly 2 free?

Poly 2 is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Sampletoy or Poly 2?

Poly 2 is rated higher. Sampletoy averages 4.2 out of 5 from 104 ratings, while Poly 2 averages 4.8 from 686 ratings.

### Do Sampletoy or Poly 2 have ads?

Neither Sampletoy nor Poly 2 shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Sampletoy or Poly 2?

Sampletoy ships an update every 7 months, and Poly 2 every 4 weeks. Most recently, Sampletoy was updated on September 29, 2026 and Poly 2 on September 30, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*