# MidiBus vs SAND

The clearest difference is price: SAND at Free against MidiBus's $2.99. SAND also leads on ratings volume (90 vs 2) and update cadence (every 2 months vs every 5 months). MidiBus's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 4) and rating (5.0 vs 4.6). On ads and device support there is nothing between them.

SAND is free to download; MidiBus costs $2.99 up front. SAND sells 4 one-off in-app purchases. MidiBus asks for nothing beyond the download.

MidiBus holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: SAND has 90 ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 94% of MidiBus's written reviews are positive against 80% of SAND's.

MidiBus ships an update every 5 months, SAND every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on November 1, 2026 and November 12, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | MidiBus | SAND |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $2.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | **[5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/midibus/id648856167/reviews)** | [4.6 (90 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sand-audio-midi-sequencer/id1642467684/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 2 | **90** |
| Positive reviews | **93.8% of reviews** | 80.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 5 months | **Every 2 months** |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 2 MB | 52 MB |
| Requires iOS | **5.1.1** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Audeonic Apps](https://appshunter.io/developer/351607509) | [Matteo Caldari](https://appshunter.io/developer/325826466) |

## What reviewers say

### MidiBus

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/midibus/id648856167)

Synchronize MIDI clock signals between apps and devices with adjustable BPM and time signatures. Monitor the accuracy and stability of MIDI clock sources, including the app itself. Discover surprising performance metrics from your connected gear.

**Highlights:** MIDI clock sync generation, Adjustable BPM and time signature, Multiple MIDI destinations, MIDI clock signal monitoring, Accuracy and stability measurement, iOS MIDI development library based

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


### SAND

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sand-audio-midi-sequencer/id1642467684)

This mobile music creation tool allows you to sketch ideas, compose with MIDI and audio clips, and host AUv3 plugins. It's designed for a fast and creative workflow, enabling you to build musical projects anywhere. The app offers a free trial before unlocking full features via in-app purchases.

**Highlights:** Grid sequencer for MIDI and audio clips, Instrument and MIDI tracks with effects, Audio tracks for recording and editing, AUv3 plugin hosting, Song mode for arranging sections, Automation of parameters, MIDI routing and mapping

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

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 14-day trial | Free | one-time |
| 14 Days Trial | Free | one-time |
| Unlock | $9.99 | one-time |
| Audio Tracks | $9.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Great UI and features
- 💡 Potential for music creation
- 🚀 Fast and creative workflow
- 👍 Easy to use, no instructions needed
- 💡 Most usable studio on small screen

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Record function always starts
- 🐛 Sand not opening in overview
- 🐛 Integration with other apps seems off
- 🐛 Record does not pick up data
- 🐛 Cannot save ideas from one app to another

**Reported bugs**

- Record function always starts when entering Midi Instrument or FX
- Sand not opening in overview
- Integration with other apps seems off
- Record does not pick up data
- Cannot save ideas from one app to another

**Requested features**

- Sand always open in overview
- Long press in sequence track window
- Random/chance abilities in clips (Polyend Play style)
- Semi-generative function or scale-based patterns/sequences
- Save AUv3 presets


## Frequently asked questions

### Is MidiBus free?

MidiBus costs $2.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is SAND free?

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

### Which has better reviews, MidiBus or SAND?

MidiBus is rated higher. MidiBus averages 5.0 out of 5 from 2 ratings, while SAND averages 4.6 from 90 ratings.

### Do MidiBus or SAND have ads?

Neither MidiBus nor SAND shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, MidiBus or SAND?

MidiBus ships an update every 5 months, and SAND every 2 months. Most recently, MidiBus was updated on November 1, 2026 and SAND on November 12, 2026.

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