Comparison

Flow Nodes vs Chromatose

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

Head to head
About

Flow Nodes

Create live graphics, video effects, custom interfaces, and 3D scenes using a node-based visual programming system. Build complex projects with a wide range of tools, including AI-powered features, and real-time inputs. Supports iCloud syncing and offers tutorials for easy learning.

Highlights
  • Node-based visual programming
  • Live graphics and video effects
  • 3D scene creation
  • AI-powered tools
  • Real-time inputs (sensors, NDI, OSC)
  • Custom UI building
  • iCloud syncing
Features
Read full description

Flow Nodes is a visual programming app for building live graphics, video effects, 3D scenes, and custom interfaces — just connect nodes, no code required. Start from ready-made presets in Discover, follow built-in tutorials, or build from scratch. Combine image processing, video, animation, math, networking, and UI with realtime inputs like camera, microphone, motion sensors, body, hand and face tracking, MIDI, OSC, and NDI. Built for realtime creation. Nodes arrange themselves as you connect them. Search and add nodes quickly, edit properties in the inspector, animate with a keyframe timeline, and reuse flows inside other flows. Organize projects in folders, split the canvas into tabs and panes, and navigate with a mini-map and live previews. Import and export images (including HDR), video, and 3D assets, record any output to video, and AirPlay content over Wi-Fi or HDMI. On supported devices, Apple Intelligence helps you understand and edit flows: read node docs, review connections, and use chat to create, connect, and update nodes with natural language. Automate flows with Shortcuts. Node Features - AI nodes for image generation, Image Playground, and chat - Live video: camera, background removal, chroma key, and text detection - Body, hand, and face tracking - Video playback, frame sampling, and recording - Keyframe timeline with bezier curves - OSC, MIDI, NDI, and network requests for realtime control - 3D rendering of geometry, particle fields, and Gaussian splats - Cameras, lights, projectors, and 360° equirectangular and cube map tools - Vector and geometry tools: shapes, clones, extrude, lathe, and transforms - UI nodes: buttons, sliders, labels, text fields, grids, stacks, and overlays - JavaScript and Metal shader nodes for custom logic and effects - Sensors: motion, microphone, location, game controllers, and haptics - Data and state: typed values, lists, maps, math, time, and signals Some nodes require Pro Nodes access. Your flows sync across devices with iCloud. Privacy Policy https://flownodes.app/privacy-policy.html Terms of Use https://flownodes.app/terms-of-use.html

About

Chromatose

Create and perform real-time, audio-reactive visuals with a powerful yet intuitive video synthesizer. Connect to external displays and customize your creations with a modular interface, extensive modulation options, and MIDI support. Ideal for live performers, VJs, and content creators.

Highlights
  • Audio-reactive visuals
  • Modular interface
  • MIDI support
  • 4 simultaneous generators
  • Unlimited effect chaining
  • HD/4K+ output
  • Patch saving and export
Features
Read full description

Chromatose is a real-time, audio-reactive visual synth for iPhone and iPad — a modular video synthesizer and visualizer that turns your input and sound into a hypnotic, trippy light show. Create original, generative visuals by hand. No coding, no AI prompts, no bulky hardware. Connect a TV or projector via HDMI or AirPlay to turn any space into an immersive atmosphere — for live performance, meditation, party, or chilling. Learn it in under an hour. Create fresh ideas for years. 〉Perfect for: Live performers, VJs, DJs, music producers, installation artists, concert and stage designers, content creators, music video directors, generative artists, and creative explorers. Works for raves, clubs, afterhours, festivals, ambient galleries, meditation spaces, and live loop sessions. 〉What you can make: A music visualizer for live sets. Audio-reactive video content for social media. Live camera filters. TV screensavers and projector backdrops for installations. Wallpapers, generative art pieces, meditation visuals — or anything else you can imagine. 〉Aesthetic range: From psychedelic, trippy, and surreal to cyberpunk, vaporwave, synthwave, retrowave, futuristic, vintage, nostalgic, dreamcore, weirdcore, liminal, and glitch. Dial in the whole rainbow spectrum of hues, refractions, liquid ripples, electric strobing, cosmic aurora, spiral warps, organice cymatics, kaleidoscope mandalas, and pure abstract procedural geometry. 〉FREE Plan Includes: • Access all generators & effects • No signup required • 100% ad-free • Max output resolution: Full 1080p HD • Saved patches: 2 • Record videos up to: 30 secs 〉Pro Plan Includes: • Access to all features • Saved patches: unlimited • Max output resolution: 4K+ • Record videos up to: 15 mins • Export Patches 〉Main Features: • Modular, intuitive interface • 4 simultaneous visual generators • Chain unlimited visual effects, filters, and modulation layers • Design View to build unique visuals from scratch • Performance View with MIDI support for external control • Metal-powered, iOS native graphics engine • 8-bit or 16-bit color (SDR and HDR) with deep gradient fidelity • Built specifically for iPhone and iPad 〉Modulation & Synthesis: • Dedicated LFOs per parameter • Multiple waveshapes • Nested modulation, sidechain routing, feedback loops • Envelope generators and signal followers • Animated visual indicators • Analog-style signal flow — reactive to every nuance 〉Connectivity: • Connect to any screen with HDMI (via USB-C or Lightning adapter) or AirPlay • MIDI Plug & Play with other Hardware and Software via: USB, Bluetooth, Network, Virtual MIDI (other apps on same device) • MIDI mappable Macro Controls • MIDI Clock Sync • Wireless display and dual-screen output 〉Audio Reactivity: • Visuals pulse and react to live audio in real time • 3 shapeable audio signal sources • BPM detection, beat-sync, and audio-to-visual translation • Signal followers and envelopes • Turn any sound into a visual trip 〉Sharing and Export: • Import and export patches as files for sharing and remixing • Record HD videos or screenshots optimized for social media • Save directly to iOS Photos library 〉Patch Library: • Intuitive browsing and organization • Tag, search, sort and filter by mood, genre, or aesthetic • Built-in presets included Chromatose is a Berlin based independent, creator-built passion project — a modular video synthesizer and visual instrument in your pocket, aiming to democratize real-time generative visual creation. Terms of Use: https://www.chromatose.app/en/terms/

Screenshots

Flow Nodes4 screens
Chromatose4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: Chromatose at 4.9 against Flow Nodes's 4.4. Chromatose also leads on iOS requirement (17.5 vs 26.0). Flow Nodes's advantage is update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 2 months) and device support (4 vs 2). On price, review sentiment, ratings volume and ads 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. Flow Nodes sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month and Chromatose sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Chromatose holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.4. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 8 and 16 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 75% of Flow Nodes's written reviews are positive against 82% of Chromatose's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Flow Nodes ships an update every 2 weeks, Chromatose every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on September 22, 2026 and September 14, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
Flow Nodes versus Chromatose: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterFlow NodesChromatose
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.4 (8 ratings)4.9 (16 ratings) — better
Positive reviews75.0% of reviews82.4% of reviews — better
Number of ratings816 — better
Update frequencyEvery 2 weeks — betterEvery 2 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFreemium
DevicesiPhone, iPad, Mac, Vision Pro — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS26.017.5 — better
Further details — not scored
Size222 MB36 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperAnton HeestandEdward Rooth

Customer experience

Flow Nodes

All ratings8 ratings
Positive75.0%
Neutral12.5%
Negative12.5%
Written reviews8 reviews
Positive75.0%
Neutral25.0%
Negative0.0%

Chromatose

All ratings16 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews17 reviews
Positive82.4%
Neutral0.0%
Negative17.6%

In-app purchases

6 purchases

Flow Nodes

Subscriptions2
  • Pro Nodes (Monthly)7 Days trial$2.991 Month
  • Pro Nodes (Yearly)14 Days trial$19.991 Year
One-time4
  • Code Node Bundle$3.99
  • Data Node Bundle$3.99
  • Visual Node Bundle$3.99
Show 1 more
  • All Nodes$49.99
3 purchases

Chromatose

Subscriptions3
  • Pro$5.991 Month
  • Pro$49.991 Year
  • Standard [DISCONTINUED]7 Days trial$59.991 Year

Questions

Is Flow Nodes free?
Flow Nodes is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Chromatose free?
Chromatose is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Flow Nodes or Chromatose?
Chromatose is rated higher. Flow Nodes averages 4.4 out of 5 from 8 ratings, while Chromatose averages 4.9 from 16 ratings.
Do Flow Nodes or Chromatose have ads?
Neither Flow Nodes nor Chromatose shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Flow Nodes or Chromatose?
Flow Nodes ships an update every 2 weeks, and Chromatose every 2 months. Most recently, Flow Nodes was updated on September 22, 2026 and Chromatose on September 14, 2026.

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