# ModWheels vs Koala Sampler

The clearest difference is rating: Koala Sampler at 4.8 against ModWheels's 4.0. Koala Sampler also leads on ratings volume (1.4K vs 9) and update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 3 months). ModWheels's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 8) and price ($1.99 vs $4.99). On review sentiment, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

ModWheels costs $1.99 and Koala Sampler $4.99 up front. Koala Sampler sells 8 one-off in-app purchases. ModWheels asks for nothing beyond the download.

Koala Sampler holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Koala Sampler has 1.4K ratings behind it against 9, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 81% of ModWheels's written reviews are positive against 88% of Koala Sampler's.

ModWheels ships an update every 3 months, Koala Sampler every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 21, 2026 and October 12, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | ModWheels | Koala Sampler |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **$1.99** | $4.99 |
| Rating | [4.0 (9 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/modwheels/id519468137/reviews) | **[4.8 (1.4K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/koala-sampler-beat-maker/id1449584007/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 9 | **1.4K** |
| Positive reviews | 81.3% of reviews | **88.2% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Best chart rank | — | **#5** |
| Size | 4 MB | 59 MB |
| Requires iOS | **9.1** | 14.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Matthias Schorer](https://appshunter.io/developer/290579382) | [Mazbox Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/329604853) |

## What reviewers say

### ModWheels

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/modwheels/id519468137)

This app emulates classic synthesizer modulation and pitch wheels on your iPhone or iPod. Connect a MIDI interface to control any MIDI-enabled synth or keyboard, and utilize a pitch ribbon for vintage synth performance.

**Highlights:** Synthesizer modulation wheels, Pitch wheels, Pitch ribbon controller, MIDI interface support, MIDI over WIFI support

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### Koala Sampler

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/koala-sampler-beat-maker/id1449584007)

**Currently charting:** #5 Top Paid · Music, #25 Top Paid (US App Store)

This app allows you to record sounds with your phone's microphone, transform them with effects, and create beats and tracks. Its intuitive interface focuses on a fast and fun music-making process.

**Highlights:** Record up to 64 samples with mic, Apply 16 built-in effects, Load and use own samples, Create beats with high-resolution sequencer, Export loops and tracks as WAV, AI sample separation, AUv3 and MIDI compatibility

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

**In-app purchases (8)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Koala AUv3 Plugin | $1.99 | one-time |
| Ese-O's Sample Pack | $2.99 | one-time |
| Solar Studies Samplepack | $2.99 | one-time |
| Soon Come Dub Sample Pack | $2.99 | one-time |
| Analog Astronaut Samplepack | $2.99 | one-time |
| Cirrus Cuts Sample Pack | $2.99 | one-time |
| Samurai Edition | $3.99 | one-time |
| Mixer | $4.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Intuitive and easy to use
- 🚀 Smooth workflow and fast performance
- 💡 Powerful sampling and sequencing capabilities
- 🔥 Excellent value for the price
- 🎨 Creative and inspiring sound design

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional crashes and stability issues
- 🔇 Limited effects and sound manipulation options
- 📁 Difficulty managing and organizing samples/projects
- 🎚️ Lack of advanced MIDI mapping and control options
- 🔍 Unclear or confusing UI elements in certain areas

**Reported bugs**

- Samples not loading or disappearing after app updates
- Sequencer timing and quantization issues
- Crashes when using certain features or with large projects

**Requested features**

- Ability to record and edit MIDI sequences
- More comprehensive effects and sound processing tools
- Improved sample management and organization features
- Support for external MIDI controllers and hardware integration
- Customizable color schemes and UI themes


## Frequently asked questions

### Is ModWheels free?

ModWheels costs $1.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Koala Sampler free?

Koala Sampler costs $4.99, and also offers in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, ModWheels or Koala Sampler?

Koala Sampler is rated higher. ModWheels averages 4.0 out of 5 from 9 ratings, while Koala Sampler averages 4.8 from 1.4K ratings.

### Do ModWheels or Koala Sampler have ads?

Neither ModWheels nor Koala Sampler shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, ModWheels or Koala Sampler?

ModWheels ships an update every 3 months, and Koala Sampler every 3 weeks. Most recently, ModWheels was updated on September 21, 2026 and Koala Sampler on October 12, 2026.

---

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