# Thesys vs CalmusNotation

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Thesys at 59% against CalmusNotation's 0%. Thesys also leads on rating (4.7 vs 4.4) and ratings volume (85 vs 5). CalmusNotation's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and device support (4 vs 1). On price, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Thesys sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. CalmusNotation asks for nothing beyond the download.

Thesys holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Thesys has 85 ratings behind it against 5, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 59% of Thesys's written reviews are positive against 0% of CalmusNotation's.

Thesys ships an update every 3 months, CalmusNotation every 4 months. The most recent releases landed on October 16, 2026 and October 8, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Thesys | CalmusNotation |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (85 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/thesys/id655513441/reviews)** | [4.4 (5 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/calmusnotation/id993026661/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **85** | 5 |
| Positive reviews | **59.3% of reviews** | 0.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 months** | Every 4 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 29 MB | 294 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.6 | **15.6** |
| Devices | iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Sugar Bytes GmbH](https://appshunter.io/developer/614418826) | [Erki-tonlist sf](https://appshunter.io/developer/929321904) |

## 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 |


### CalmusNotation

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/calmusnotation/id993026661)

Create and visualize musical compositions using AI-powered graphical notation. This app leverages advanced AI, inspired by NASA's Lisp programming, to generate original music based on user input and can display music from other compatible apps for live performance.

**Highlights:** AI-powered music composition, Graphical notation display, Real-time performance visualization, Lisp-based AI engine, User input-driven music creation, Integration with CalmusComposer and CalmusPlay

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Thesys free?

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

### Is CalmusNotation free?

CalmusNotation is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

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

Thesys is rated higher. Thesys averages 4.7 out of 5 from 85 ratings, while CalmusNotation averages 4.4 from 5 ratings.

### Do Thesys or CalmusNotation have ads?

Neither Thesys nor CalmusNotation shows ads.

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

Thesys ships an update every 3 months, and CalmusNotation every 4 months. Most recently, Thesys was updated on October 16, 2026 and CalmusNotation on October 8, 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.*