Comparison

Thesys vs X808

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

Head to head
About

Thesys

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
Read full description

Thesys is an extremely powerful and intuitive MIDI Step Sequencer app, giving you control over just about all aspects of your favorite MIDI devices. Use Thesys to create varied and organic bass lines, screaming leads, pulsating chords, and organic pad sounds in the studio or on stage. For live musicians, Thesys provides an extremely versatile palette of performance options which can be triggered right from your MIDI keyboard: you can transpose, manipulate, twist up, mutate, and mangle your patterns without even getting near your iPad. No other MIDI sequencer plugin offers you the ease and power of Thesys. It is 100% MIDI compliant and therefore provides the ultimate MIDI sequencing solution. iPad Edition Features: • Integrated Synth • Action Section (Gatetime, Looper, Slowdown...) • Pattern Sequencer • Standalone & Audio Unit v3 • Ableton Link Support • MIDI file Export • MIDI Support (Virtual, Netzwerk, Extern, Bluetooth), MIDI Learn & Host Automation • MIDI Clock Sync (Master & Slave) • Preset iCloud Sync • Preset Share • Zoom

About

X808

Read full description

X808 is designed for the iDance RM-808 iPad controller. Connect your RM-808 in Bluetooth to your iPad There is no cable, Totally Wireless from X808 and RM-808 RM-808 is a Rhythm machine controller, with Mixer, Looper, Recorder, with 13 potentiometers and 63 buttons, which are all working with X808 in real time, without latency. Its realistic and clear interface recalls the analog machine from the past, for all the vintage fanatics. You can play with the rhythm presets included or you can create your own patterns, songs, and create instant fly’s sessions which can be recalled at any time. The RM-808 controls 4 Music modules: - 16 steps sequencer with 11 instruments - Bass synthesizer and sequencer - Versatile Mixer with all the controls you need to shape your sound - Double DSP processor, as a Twin KAOSS, effects on the Bass Line, and effect on the drums. The X808 app embeds all the famous and resampled sound of the TR808, but also more than 10 of the most famous rhythm machine. We added as well 4x LOOPER access to boost your live performances. Features: - Interface like the real drum machine from the 80's - 16 steps sequencer with 11 instruments - Save the pattern you've created and play your songs - 3 DRUMS KIT; TR808, TR808 Perc, TR606 (more available on in-app) - 1 BASS line with BASS SYTH mode (more available on in-app) - 24 Patterns per Session – infinity Session available - Song Mode with Easy Drag and Drop Patterns at the position you want - Session mode for Patterns and Songs memory - Copy Write and Delete mode for Session - Copy Pattern mode - A versatile Mixer with all the controls you need to shape your sound - Mixer Page with Drumkit pieces parameters control (tuning, decay, tone level and mute) - Tap tempo and SWING mode - A double DSP processor, as a Twin KAOSS, effects on the Bass Line, and effect on the drums. - 3 effects available (more on in-app) for the DRUMS and for the BASS: Disco, Delay, Reverb (more available on in-app) - Dry/Wet for both Effects Processor. Check the videos on http: https://youtu.be/U64P9JLxyjw Support: info@idanceintl.com

Screenshots

X8084 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: Thesys at every 2 months against X808's every 5 months. X808's advantage is device support (3 vs 1) and iOS requirement (13.4 vs 17.6). On price, ads and in-app purchases 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. Thesys sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and X808 sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Thesys ships an update every 2 months, X808 every 5 months. The most recent releases landed on November 1, 2026 and November 3, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
Thesys versus X808: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterThesysX808
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.7 (86 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews59.3% of reviews—
Number of ratings86 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 2 months — betterEvery 5 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPadiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS17.613.4 — better
Further details — not scored
Size29 MB23 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperSugar Bytes GmbHiDance

In-app purchases

1 purchases

Thesys

One-time1
  • Thesys Full Version$19.99
1 purchases

X808

One-time1
  • X808 Full Version$6.99

Questions

Is Thesys free?
Thesys is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is X808 free?
X808 is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Thesys or X808 have ads?
Neither Thesys nor X808 shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Thesys or X808?
Thesys ships an update every 2 months, and X808 every 5 months. Most recently, Thesys was updated on November 1, 2026 and X808 on November 3, 2026.

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