# Thesys vs SAND

Thesys and SAND both sit at 4.7 stars, but that hides the real split: 79% of SAND's written reviews are positive against 59% of Thesys's. SAND also leads on device support (3 vs 1) and iOS requirement (15.0 vs 17.6). On price, rating, ratings volume and update cadence there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Thesys sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and SAND sells 4 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.7 for Thesys against 4.6 for SAND. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 85 and 89 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 59% of Thesys's written reviews are positive against 79% of SAND's.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 29, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Thesys | SAND |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (85 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/thesys/id655513441/reviews)** | [4.6 (89 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sand-audio-midi-sequencer/id1642467684/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 85 | **89** |
| Positive reviews | 59.3% of reviews | **79.4% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 29 MB | 54 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.6 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Sugar Bytes GmbH](https://appshunter.io/developer/614418826) | [Matteo Caldari](https://appshunter.io/developer/325826466) |

## What reviewers say

### Thesys

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/thesys/id655513441)

This app is a powerful and intuitive MIDI step sequencer for creating complex musical patterns. It offers extensive control over MIDI devices, enabling organic bass lines, leads, and pads for studio or live performance. Advanced features allow for real-time pattern manipulation directly from a MIDI keyboard.

**Highlights:** MIDI Step Sequencer, Pattern Creation, Live Performance Options, Real-time Pattern Manipulation, Integrated Synth, Action Section (Gatetime, Looper, Slowdown), Ableton Link Support

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Thesys Full Version | $19.99 | one-time |


### SAND

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

This app is a grid-based music sequencer that allows users to create compositions using AUv3 plugins and external MIDI devices. It offers extensive tools for arranging clips, editing notes, automating parameters, and routing MIDI.

**Highlights:** Grid-based MIDI sequencing, AUv3 plugin hosting, External MIDI device support, Advanced clip editing, Track and effect management, Song mode for arrangement, MIDI routing and mapping

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing, Vision Pro 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 Thesys free?

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

### Is SAND free?

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

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

Thesys is rated higher. Thesys averages 4.7 out of 5 from 85 ratings, while SAND averages 4.6 from 89 ratings.

### Do Thesys or SAND have ads?

Neither Thesys nor SAND shows ads.

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

Thesys ships an update every 2 months, and SAND every 2 months. Most recently, Thesys was updated on October 29, 2026 and SAND on October 24, 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.*