# Cellular Synthesizer vs GrainHeads

The clearest difference is update cadence: GrainHeads at every 5 days against Cellular Synthesizer's every 2 months. GrainHeads also leads on monetization model (free vs freemium). Cellular Synthesizer's advantage is iOS requirement (12.0 vs 17.6). On price, rating, ratings volume and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Cellular Synthesizer sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month and GrainHeads sells 10 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.6 for Cellular Synthesizer against 4.7 for GrainHeads. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 5 and 14 respectively.

Cellular Synthesizer ships an update every 2 months, GrainHeads every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Cellular Synthesizer | GrainHeads |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.6 (5 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cellular-synthesizer/id6455370670/reviews) | **[4.7 (14 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/grainheads/id6760582834/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 5 | **14** |
| Positive reviews | 36.4% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 5 days** |
| Monetization | Freemium | **Free** |
| Size | 20 MB | 106 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 17.6 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Valery Mironov](https://appshunter.io/developer/1699945726) | [Andrei Nevar](https://appshunter.io/developer/1885164055) |

## What reviewers say

### Cellular Synthesizer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cellular-synthesizer/id6455370670)

Generate complex sound signals using a cellular automata field. Control parameters like pitch, filters, and effects through evolving cell states. Offers multiple modes for signal interpretation and a built-in sequencer for composition.

**Highlights:** Cellular automata sound generation, Parameter modulation (pitch, filters, effects), Multiple signal interpretation modes, Configurable oscillators and voices, DC saturation, filter, and echo effects, Step sequencer with MPE support

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| All Access  (1 Month) | $1.99 | per month |
| All Access  (1 Year) | $9.99 | per year |
| All Access (Lifetime) | $19.99 | one-time |


### GrainHeads

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/grainheads/id6760582834)

Transform any sound into unique textures and evolving sonic landscapes. This granular synthesizer offers deep control over individual sound grains, complex modulation, and a powerful step sequencer for experimental music creation.

**Highlights:** Multi-source granular engine, Shape individual grains with envelopes, Summing modulation matrix, Step sequencer with parameter lanes, Macros for expressive control, Re-routable effects chain

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

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Event Horizon | $3.99 | one-time |
| Arrakis | $3.99 | one-time |
| Solaris | $3.99 | one-time |
| Protomolecule | $3.99 | one-time |
| Heptapod | $3.99 | one-time |
| Tannhäuser | $3.99 | one-time |
| Rama | $3.99 | one-time |
| Ansible | $3.99 | one-time |
| Unlock GrainHeads Pro | $11.99 | one-time |
| The Archive | $24.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Cellular Synthesizer free?

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

### Is GrainHeads free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Cellular Synthesizer or GrainHeads?

GrainHeads is rated higher. Cellular Synthesizer averages 4.6 out of 5 from 5 ratings, while GrainHeads averages 4.7 from 14 ratings.

### Do Cellular Synthesizer or GrainHeads have ads?

Neither Cellular Synthesizer nor GrainHeads shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Cellular Synthesizer or GrainHeads?

Cellular Synthesizer ships an update every 2 months, and GrainHeads every 5 days. Most recently, Cellular Synthesizer was updated on October 24, 2026 and GrainHeads on October 25, 2026.

---

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