Comparison

Core Studio vs LIFT Music

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

Head to head
About

Core Studio

Features
Read full description

The official Core Studio app, where you can plan and manage your classes from your mobile or tablet. As a hybrid training studio we have a range of classes. Every class has a description so you know what your signing up for.

About

LIFT Music

Features
Read full description

Built for schools, clinics, and care homes, LIFT Music is an inclusive, accessible, gesture-controlled music app designed for people with cognitive, physical, or neurological challenges. With LIFT, anyone can create rich musical landscapes using simple gestures. The app adapts to your ability, offering a deeply personal and accessible experience every time. LIFT helps you create music using gestures, no instruments or musical training required. Use gestures to shape soundscapes in real time. The app adapts to your range of motion to offer inclusive music creation and emotional expression. Music therapy is a well-established method for supporting cognitive and emotional health. LIFT is a powerful tool for music therapy, special education, and inclusive wellbeing programs. Why LIFT Stands Out Unlike typical music‑making apps, LIFT is intentionally simplified and therapeutic, not gamified or reward-focused. Anchored in music therapy practices, the app has been extensively piloted with SEND schools, dementia centres, music therapists and neuro‑rehabilitation groups to support cognitive health, emotional regulation, and creative engagement. Lift Benefits for Cognitive Health & Therapy Fosters engagement and motivation Encourages Movement Hands-Free (inclusive and accessible for all abilities) Connection with Music Creative Expression Creates sense of accomplishment - empowering and confidence building Enhances Cognitive and Emotional Health (music therapy is proven to aid in memory, focus, and emotional regulation) Interactive and Inclusive - fosters participation, confidence and agency Engaging and Accessible - no complex hardware or specialised equipment Key Features Gesture‑based interface - Music creation controlled by gestures Adaptive calibration - Tailored to each user's abilities Open improvisation - No points, no levels, just musical flow Accessible design - Works for users with minimal movement or coordination. Set-up - Easy/Simple set-up, and then controlled through gestures. Selection of Music Genres - explore different starting points Selection of User Interfaces - Music Mirror, Animations or Plain Background. Visual Modes: Music Mirror - see yourself in screen, conducting music in real time Animated View - watch an orchestra come alive as you move, responding in real time Plain Background - a calm, sensory-friendly mode for users who find visuals overwhelming Music Genres: Create endless, unlimited unique music each time you use the App. Explore different music moods and modes: Acoustic/Folk (light & airy) Orchestral/Film (delicate to powerful) Beats/Electronic (bold & energetic) Who It's For Ideal for supporting people living with dementia, autism, brain injuries, or neurological conditions; therapists, carers, and educators in music therapy or inclusive tech; and wellness facilitators exploring accessible creative engagement. For Terms of Use, please visit: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

Core Studio4 screens
LIFT Music4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Core Studio at none against LIFT Music's 1. Core Studio also leads on iOS requirement (16.4 vs 18.6). LIFT Music's advantage is update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 2 months). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price Β· Rating Β· Positive reviews Β· Number of ratings Β· Update frequency Β· Ads Β· In-app purchases Β· Monetization Β· Best chart rank Β· Devices Β· Requires iOS

CostPrice Β· In-app purchases Β· Ads Β· Monetization

Both are free to download. LIFT Music sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $2.99 per month. Core Studio asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Core Studio ships an update every 2 months, LIFT Music every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 26, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences Β· 3 level
Core Studio versus LIFT Music: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterCore StudioLIFT Music
PriceFreeFree
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsEvery 3 weeks β€” better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo β€” betterYes
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS16.4 β€” better18.6
Further details β€” not scored
Size83 MB216 MB
Age rating17+4+
DeveloperCore Studio Gym LtdHeadsoup

In-app purchases

None

Core Studio

No in-app purchases

1 purchases

LIFT Music

Subscriptions1
  • LIFT Music Monthly1 Month trial$2.991 Month

Questions

Is Core Studio free?
Core Studio is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is LIFT Music free?
LIFT Music is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Core Studio or LIFT Music have ads?
Neither Core Studio nor LIFT Music shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Core Studio or LIFT Music?
Core Studio ships an update every 2 months, and LIFT Music every 3 weeks. Most recently, Core Studio was updated on October 24, 2026 and LIFT Music on October 26, 2026.

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