# Thesys vs Relic Waves

The clearest difference is price: Thesys at Free against Relic Waves's $1.99. Thesys also leads on update cadence (every 2 months vs every 11 months). Relic Waves's advantage is review sentiment (100% vs 59%) and in-app purchases (none vs 1). On ratings volume and ads there is nothing between them.

Thesys is free to download; Relic Waves costs $1.99 up front. Thesys sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Relic Waves asks for nothing beyond the download.

Relic Waves holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.7. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 85 and 43 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 59% of Thesys's written reviews are positive against 100% of Relic Waves's.

Thesys ships an update every 2 months, Relic Waves every 11 months. The most recent releases landed on October 29, 2026 and October 30, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Thesys | Relic Waves |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **Free** | $1.99 |
| Rating | [4.7 (85 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/thesys/id655513441/reviews) | **[5.0 (43 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/relic-waves/id6472637691/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **85** | 43 |
| Positive reviews | 59.3% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 months** | Every 11 months |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Paid |
| Size | 29 MB | 6 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.6 | **12.0** |
| Devices | iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Sugar Bytes GmbH](https://appshunter.io/developer/614418826) | [Alexander Zolotov](https://appshunter.io/developer/324462547) |

## 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 |


### Relic Waves

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/relic-waves/id6472637691)

Generate unique Lo-Fi sounds, pads, and effects using advanced synthesis algorithms. Explore billions of sonic possibilities with intuitive controls and real-time recording. Perfect for musicians and sound designers seeking experimental audio.

**Highlights:** Billions of unique Lo-Fi sounds, Random sound generation with search, Multiple keyboard input options, Real-time audio recording to WAV, Export to WAV, SunVox, and clipboard, MIDI control and processing, iOS Audio Unit Extension (AUv3)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Thesys free?

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

### Is Relic Waves free?

Relic Waves costs $1.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Thesys or Relic Waves?

Relic Waves is rated higher. Thesys averages 4.7 out of 5 from 85 ratings, while Relic Waves averages 5.0 from 43 ratings.

### Do Thesys or Relic Waves have ads?

Neither Thesys nor Relic Waves shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Thesys or Relic Waves?

Thesys ships an update every 2 months, and Relic Waves every 11 months. Most recently, Thesys was updated on October 29, 2026 and Relic Waves on October 30, 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.*