Comparison

iSequence HD vs VR

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

Head to head
About

iSequence HD

Create professional music on your iPad with an intuitive 8-track sequencer, a vast library of instruments, and flexible mixing with DSP effects. Record, edit, and arrange loops, beats, and melodies in real-time, controlling every aspect of your music project.

Highlights
  • 8-track sequencer
  • 160+ built-in instruments
  • Custom instrument sampler
  • Real-time recording and automation
  • Step sequencer and FX editor
  • Flexible mixer with DSP effects
  • Wi-Fi file sharing
Read full description

iSequence is a long-running iPad music app appreciated for its speed, simplicity, and distinctive workflow. Build beats, melodies, and arrangements with an intuitive 8-track sequencer with 32-step patterns, shape sounds with its sampler, and mix everything with flexible DSP effects. Whether you are sketching loops or building full tracks, iSequence keeps music creation direct and hands-on. FAST, FLUID WORKFLOW Create patterns, record parts in real time, and edit them without interrupting playback. Switch between tracks, instruments, step sequencing, and automation as you build your song. iSequence is built for sketching ideas quickly, jamming with loops, and arranging complete tracks in a simple, focused environment. INSTRUMENTS • 160 built-in instruments, including acoustic sounds, drum kits, pads, leads, sweeps, and ambient textures • Additional sound banks available in the BankShop • Play with the on-screen piano keyboard or drum pads • Create custom instruments with the built-in sampler • Supports CoreMIDI and MIDI instruments REAL-TIME RECORDING AND AUTOMATION • Record notes as you play • Change tracks and instruments during playback • Use the metronome and slowdown mode for easier recording • Record parameter changes in real time STEP SEQUENCER • 8 tracks with FX curve editing • 32 steps per row / pattern • Instruments are not tied to tracks, allowing flexible sequencing and layering • Edit notes with the piano keyboard, drum pads, and other controls • Adjust note duration, panning, velocity, and gliss • Copy, paste, move, and transpose patterns and selections • Arrange patterns into full song structures MIXER AND EFFECTS • Adjust tempo, master volume, and shuffle • Mute, solo, and set levels for each track • Route tracks to 5 configurable effect channels • Includes Filter, Reverb, Flanger, Delay, Ring Modulator, EQ, Lo-Fi Crusher, Live Looper, and Distortion SAMPLER • Import, record, or paste samples to build custom instruments • Edit loop points, ADSR envelope, and sample mapping • Slice loops and synchronize them to tempo automatically FILE SHARING • Export songs as HSQ, MIDI, or WAV • Import samples and presets • Copy tracks to the audio clipboard • Import HSQ songs

About

VR

This app offers graphical control over the parameters of specific Roland keyboard models, allowing for wireless adjustments to organ and synth tones via an iPad. A compatible Roland keyboard and optional wireless adapter are required for full functionality.

Highlights
  • Graphical parameter control
  • Organ Tone adjustment
  • Synth Tone adjustment
  • Wireless control via iPad
  • Large display interface
Read full description

VR-09 Editor provides graphical control of VR-09, VR-09-B or VR-730's parameters, such as Organ Tones and Synth Tones. * Sound generator is not included. * Any of Roland VR-09, VR-09-B or VR-730 is required to use this app. ● You can use the large display of iPad to control the parameters of Organ and Synth Tone. ● Roland Wireless Connect allows you to control the VR-09, VR-09-B or VR-730 wirelessly by your iPad. * In order to use the wireless connection, you'll need Roland WNA1100-RL, ONKYO UWF-1 or an equivalent wireless USB adaptor, and a wireless LAN access point (e.g., wireless LAN router) that supports WPS.

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: iSequence HD at 4.2 against VR's 2.0. iSequence HD also leads on update cadence (every 3 months vs every 29 months) and review sentiment (77% vs 54%). VR's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 8) and iOS requirement (8.0 vs 15.6). On price, 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

Both are free to download. iSequence HD sells 8 one-off in-app purchases. VR asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

iSequence HD holds the better App Store score, 4.2 against 2.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: iSequence HD has 33 ratings behind it against 4, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 77% of iSequence HD's written reviews are positive against 54% of VR's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

iSequence HD ships an update every 3 months, VR every 29 months. The most recent releases landed on October 23, 2026 and October 22, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard7 real differences · 3 level
iSequence HD versus VR: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameteriSequence HDVR
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.2 (33 ratings) — better2.0 (4 ratings)
Positive reviews76.6% of reviews — better53.8% of reviews
Number of ratings33 — better4
Update frequencyEvery 3 months — betterEvery 29 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree — better
DevicesiPadiPad
Requires iOS15.68.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size156 MB26 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperBeepStreetRoland Corporation

Customer experience

iSequence HD

All ratings32 ratings
Positive78.1%
Neutral0.0%
Negative21.9%
Written reviews222 reviews
Positive76.6%
Neutral9.0%
Negative14.4%

VR

All ratings4 ratings
Positive25.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative75.0%
Written reviews13 reviews
Positive53.8%
Neutral15.4%
Negative30.8%

Bugs and requests

iSequence HD

Reported bugs

4 issues
  • Crashes on startup or during use
  • Issues with sample loading and playback
  • Inconsistent behavior with certain features
  • Compatibility problems with newer iOS versions

Requested features

6 requests
  • Expanded track count
  • More effects and sound design capabilities
  • Audiobus and Inter-App Audio integration
  • Improved sample import and management
  • Support for more time signatures and rhythms
Show 1 more
  • Ability to save and load full projects

VR

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

8 purchases

iSequence HD

One-time8
  • Funny farm bank$1.99
  • Chiptunes bank$1.99
  • Acoustic bank$2.99
Show 5 more
  • Electro/house bank$2.99
  • Trance waves$2.99
  • Loops vol.1$2.99
  • Loops vol.2$2.99
  • Beat elements bank$2.99
None

VR

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is iSequence HD free?
iSequence HD is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is VR free?
VR is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, iSequence HD or VR?
iSequence HD is rated higher. iSequence HD averages 4.2 out of 5 from 33 ratings, while VR averages 2.0 from 4 ratings.
Do iSequence HD or VR have ads?
Neither iSequence HD nor VR shows ads.
Which is updated more often, iSequence HD or VR?
iSequence HD ships an update every 3 months, and VR every 29 months. Most recently, iSequence HD was updated on October 23, 2026 and VR on October 22, 2026.

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