Comparison

Solderbox vs GlitchStep

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

Head to head
About

Solderbox

This app is a compact, semi-modular synthesizer designed for generative music creation. It offers a comprehensive set of modular functions, aiming for analog-like sound and behavior with unique digital effects and an 'Instability Engine' for organic fluctuations.

Highlights
  • Generative synthesis tools
  • Analog-like sound emulation
  • Instability Engine for organic fluctuations
  • Audio Unit (AUv3) compatibility
  • Built-in Pulsequencer melody generator
  • Multiple filter modes
  • Stackable patch cables
Features
Read full description

Solderbox is a compact semimodular synthesizer, made in collaboration with Jakob Haq. It is heavily based on Jakob's own modular rack design (which features a lot of modules made by hand). The app is designed to offer a set of modular functions that is both comprehensive and eclectic, including several tools for generative synthesis, random signals and the surgical mangling of audio waves and modulation signals. A lot of effort went into making everything sound and behave as analog as digitally possible (with the exception of the unashamedly digital Entropy lo-fi effect processor). Additionally, the built-in Instability Engine injects the subtle fluctuations simulating the effects of crosstalk, leaky signals and expired electrical components. This is a living instrument with a soul of its own. - Full Audio Unit compatibility (AUv3 instrument, audio effect) - Universal design (iPhone, iPad, MacOS AUv3) - Built-in Pulsequencer (LFO-based generative melody generator with custom scales) - 4 mode Low-pass filter (6, 12, 18, 24 dB) - 3 voice polyphony - Drone mode - Stackable patch cables - DIY Lo-Fi digital delay circuit emulation - All synth settings exposed a AU Parameters (for automation and MIDI learning in your host of choice) Find the user manual on ruismaker.com

About

GlitchStep

This music app is a monophonic 16-step MIDI sequencer and AUv3 MIDI processor extension. It allows for real-time sequence rearrangement, song building with playlists, and dynamic performance variations. Integrate it with your favorite AUv3 hosts for enhanced music production.

Highlights
  • 16-step monophonic sequencer
  • AUv3 MIDI processor extension
  • Real-time sequence rearrangement
  • Pattern and slice playlists
  • Glitch effects with XY pad
  • Extensive scale options
  • Customizable sequence controls
Features
Read full description

Unleash Your Creativity with GlitchStep GlitchStep is a cutting-edge monophonic 16-step, performance-oriented sequencer and AUv3 MIDI processor extension. Dive into a world of musical possibilities as you play with your sequence and perform dynamic, captivating variations. Next-Level Sequence Manipulation: Inspired by GlitchCore, GlitchStep employs a slice grid for real-time sequence rearrangement. Both patterns and slices can be compiled into playlists, allowing you to build and modify songs on-the-fly for live performance or studio sessions. Effortless Integration: Load GlitchStep as an AUv3 MIDI Processor/MIDI FX in your favorite AUv3 hosts like AUM, Logic, Loopy Pro, Drambo, and more. Note: Standalone use is not supported. Features to Elevate Your Music: - 16 Steps - 8 Patterns - Unlimited Pattern Playlist Entries - Slice Grid with Drawing Mode - 8 Slice Patterns - Unlimited Slice Pattern Playlist Entries - Glitch Your Sequence with XY Pad and Sliders - Aggressive Glitch Capabilities - Extensive Scale Options - Customizable Start and End Sequence Positions - Control Sequence Direction - Global Sequence Rate Adjustments - Individual Pattern Rates - Pattern Note Slides - Swing - Randomize, Shift, Shuffle, Copy/Paste, and Initialize Patterns - Randomization Thresholds - Selective Randomization for Notes, Gates, Velocity, and Probability - Randomize, Shift, Copy/Paste, and Initialize Slices - Scale Key Adjustment - Minimum Octave and Octave Range Settings - 16 Themes Transform your music production with GlitchStep. Whether you're looking to add subtle variations or go all-in on aggressive glitches, this app has you covered.

Screenshots

Solderbox3 screens
GlitchStep4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: GlitchStep at every 3 days against Solderbox's every 6 weeks. GlitchStep also leads on price ($9.99 vs $12.99). Solderbox's advantage is iOS requirement (13 vs 17.2). On rating, 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

Solderbox costs $12.99 and GlitchStep $9.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for Solderbox against 4.9 for GlitchStep. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 27 and 19 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 90% of Solderbox's written reviews are positive against 89% of GlitchStep's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Solderbox ships an update every 6 weeks, GlitchStep every 3 days. Both last shipped on November 4, 2026.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
Solderbox versus GlitchStep: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSolderboxGlitchStep
Price$12.99$9.99 — better
Rating5.0 (27 ratings) — better4.9 (19 ratings)
Positive reviews90.0% of reviews — better88.9% of reviews
Number of ratings27 — better19
Update frequencyEvery 6 weeksEvery 3 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaidPaid
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — betteriPhone, iPad, Mac
Requires iOS13 — better17.2
Further details — not scored
Size8 MB6 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperBram BosAlex Matheu

Customer experience

Solderbox

All ratings27 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews10 reviews
Positive90.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative10.0%

GlitchStep

All ratings19 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews9 reviews
Positive88.9%
Neutral0.0%
Negative11.1%

In-app purchases

None

Solderbox

No in-app purchases

None

GlitchStep

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Solderbox free?
Solderbox costs $12.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is GlitchStep free?
GlitchStep costs $9.99, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Solderbox or GlitchStep?
Solderbox is rated higher. Solderbox averages 5.0 out of 5 from 27 ratings, while GlitchStep averages 4.9 from 19 ratings.
Do Solderbox or GlitchStep have ads?
Neither Solderbox nor GlitchStep shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Solderbox or GlitchStep?
Solderbox ships an update every 6 weeks, and GlitchStep every 3 days. Most recently, Solderbox was updated on November 4, 2026 and GlitchStep on November 4, 2026.

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