Comparison

JAM BUDDY II vs MGP

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

Head to head
About

JAM BUDDY II

Features
Read full description

JAM BUDDY is a versatile 3-in-1 desktop smart amp, it adopts stereo design.40W, delivering fabulous tone and dynamic for both music playing and jamming.

About

MGP

This app offers advanced guitar tone processing for live performance and production. It supports offline use with high-fidelity amp models and cabinet impulse responses. Capture ideas on mobile and refine them on desktop with a consistent sound.

Highlights
  • AUv3 plug-in workflow
  • Neural Amp Modeler (NAM) Architecture 2 support
  • Dual NAM slots (Pedal + Amp)
  • Cabinet IR simulator
  • Noise gate
  • Low-latency real-time processing
  • Preset workflow
Features
Read full description

MGP-2 Makk Guitar Processor is a modern AUv3 guitar processor built for live performance and DAW production. Designed for iPhone, iPad, and Mac, MGP-2 provides a consistent tone workflow across devices: capture ideas on mobile and continue production on desktop with the same sound character. 【Highlights】 Now fully supporting Neural Amp Modeler Architecture 2 (A2) files! MGP-2 brings the latest generation of Neural Amp Modeler (NAM) playback directly to your device. Combined with the brand-new Dual NAM slots (Pedal + Amp) and Cabinet IR simulator, you can run high-fidelity amp models and shape your ultimate guitar tones completely offline, anywhere you go. Core processing chain • Input Level • Amp Section (Off / Solid State / Tube / NAM) • Cabinet IR (Standard): load .wav impulse responses with convolution • EQ and drive shaping • Noise gate (NAM idle hiss and input chain) • Chorus • Pre-emphasis • Mic Simulation • Stereo Width • Output Level Key features • AUv3 plug-in workflow for compatible host apps • NAM amp modeling (Standard): Neural Amp Modeler Architecture 2 (A2) compatible .nam files • Dual NAM slots: Pedal and Amp — load separate models, per-slot bypass, and Input/Output gain (Pedal → Amp when both are loaded) • Cabinet IR simulator (Standard): load .wav IRs, recent history, and recall with user presets • Noise gate for cleaner NAM and input-chain playing • Fast, low-latency real-time processing • Preset workflow for quick recall • Unified UI across iOS, iPadOS, and macOS Editions Free • Basic processing workflow with limited controls • NAM amp mode and cabinet IR are not available in Free Standard (subscription or lifetime purchase) • Full gain/effect controls while subscribed or after lifetime purchase • NAM amp modeling: A2-compatible .nam load/unload, Pedal + Amp dual slots, recent history per slot, and metadata-based In/Out gain when available • Cabinet IR: load, unload, and manage .wav impulse responses • On-device, offline AI-assisted Tone Match: approximate starting points for MGP-2 parameters (EQ, Pre-emphasis, Mic, and more) from a selected .nam reference — not a full NAM clone; available in Solid State and Tube amp modes only • Advanced tone-shaping controls and expanded parameter access, including selectable Low/High dB pre-emphasis presets • Future Standard feature updates included during active subscription Pricing • Free: Available with feature limitations • Standard: Price varies by region and is shown in-app in your local currency Subscription notes • Auto-renewable subscription • Billed amount is shown in-app before purchase • Manage or cancel subscriptions in App Store account settings Compatibility • iOS / iPadOS 16.0 or later, or macOS 13.0 or later • AUv3-compatible host app required for plug-in usage (e.g. GarageBand, Logic Pro, MainStage; Makk host on Mac) Privacy All audio processing, NAM/IR loading, and AI tone assistance run locally on your device; no network connection is required. Imported .nam and .wav files are used only for on-device processing. Terms and Policies • Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ • Privacy Policy: https://makkmgp.github.io/mgp2/legal/privacy-policy-en-US.html

Screenshots

JAM BUDDY II4 screens
MGP4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: JAM BUDDY II at none against MGP's 4. JAM BUDDY II also leads on iOS requirement (12.0 vs 17.6). MGP's advantage is update cadence (every 4 days vs every 12 months). On price, ads and device support 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. MGP sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. JAM BUDDY II asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

JAM BUDDY II ships an update every 12 months, MGP every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on November 8, 2026 and November 5, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
JAM BUDDY II versus MGP: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterJAM BUDDY IIMGP
PriceFreeFree
Rating—5.0 (3 ratings) — better
Positive reviews—100.0% of reviews
Number of ratings—3 — better
Update frequencyEvery 12 monthsEvery 4 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
Monetization—Freemium
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPad, Mac — better
Requires iOS12.0 — better17.6
Further details — not scored
Size28 MB8 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperChangsha Melofty Audio Technology Co., Ltd.MAKOTO INOMA

In-app purchases

None

JAM BUDDY II

No in-app purchases

3 purchases

MGP

Subscriptions1
  • MGP-2 Standard Monthly2 variants$1.991 Month
One-time2
  • MGP-2 Lifetime Standard$19.99
  • MGP-2 Standard Lifetime$19.99

Questions

Is JAM BUDDY II free?
JAM BUDDY II is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is MGP free?
MGP is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do JAM BUDDY II or MGP have ads?
Neither JAM BUDDY II nor MGP shows ads.
Which is updated more often, JAM BUDDY II or MGP?
JAM BUDDY II ships an update every 12 months, and MGP every 4 days. Most recently, JAM BUDDY II was updated on November 8, 2026 and MGP on November 5, 2026.

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