Comparison

Chromatose vs QR Engine

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

Head to head
About

Chromatose

Create and perform real-time, audio-reactive visuals with a powerful yet intuitive video synthesizer. Connect to external displays and customize your creations with a modular interface, extensive modulation options, and MIDI support. Ideal for live performers, VJs, and content creators.

Highlights
  • Audio-reactive visuals
  • Modular interface
  • MIDI support
  • 4 simultaneous generators
  • Unlimited effect chaining
  • HD/4K+ output
  • Patch saving and export
Features
Read full description

Chromatose is a real-time, audio-reactive visual synth for iPhone and iPad — a modular video synthesizer and visualizer that turns your input and sound into a hypnotic, trippy light show. Create original, generative visuals by hand. No coding, no AI prompts, no bulky hardware. Connect a TV or projector via HDMI or AirPlay to turn any space into an immersive atmosphere — for live performance, meditation, party, or chilling. Learn it in under an hour. Create fresh ideas for years. 〉Perfect for: Live performers, VJs, DJs, music producers, installation artists, concert and stage designers, content creators, music video directors, generative artists, and creative explorers. Works for raves, clubs, afterhours, festivals, ambient galleries, meditation spaces, and live loop sessions. 〉What you can make: A music visualizer for live sets. Audio-reactive video content for social media. Live camera filters. TV screensavers and projector backdrops for installations. Wallpapers, generative art pieces, meditation visuals — or anything else you can imagine. 〉Aesthetic range: From psychedelic, trippy, and surreal to cyberpunk, vaporwave, synthwave, retrowave, futuristic, vintage, nostalgic, dreamcore, weirdcore, liminal, and glitch. Dial in the whole rainbow spectrum of hues, refractions, liquid ripples, electric strobing, cosmic aurora, spiral warps, organic cymatics, kaleidoscope mandalas, and pure abstract procedural geometry. 〉FREE Plan Includes: • Access all generators & effects • No signup required • 100% ad-free • Max output resolution: Full 1080p HD • Saved patches: 2 • Record videos up to: 30 secs 〉Pro Plan Includes: • Access to all features • Saved patches: unlimited • Saved Performance Sets: unlimited • Max output resolution: 4K+ • Record videos up to: 15 mins • Studio-quality ProRes recording • Export Patches 〉Main Features: • Modular, intuitive interface • 4 simultaneous visual generators • Chain unlimited visual effects, filters, and modulation layers • Design Mode to build unique visuals from scratch • Performance Mode: eight hot-swappable patches per Set, Master FX chain, fully modular transitions • Custom color palettes with harmony-based generation • Metal-powered, iOS native graphics engine • 8-bit or 16-bit color (SDR and HDR) with deep gradient fidelity • Built specifically for iPhone and iPad 〉Modulation & Synthesis: • Dedicated LFOs per parameter • Multiple waveshapes, free-running or clock-synced • Nested modulation and feedback loops • Envelope generators and signal followers • Animated visual indicators • Analog-style signal flow — reactive to every nuance 〉Connectivity: • Connect to any screen with HDMI (via USB-C or Lightning adapter) or AirPlay • MIDI Plug & Play with other Hardware and Software via: USB, Bluetooth, Network, Virtual MIDI (other apps on same device) • MIDI 1.0 and 2.0, with CC, note, and NRPN mapping • MIDI mappable Macro Controls and Performance pads • MIDI Clock Sync • Wireless display and dual-screen output 〉Audio Reactivity: • Visuals pulse and react to live audio in real time • Internal mic or any audio interface, with input selection and auto-gain • 3 shapeable audio signal sources • Audio-to-visual translation on any parameter, driven by the full mix or just the lows or highs • Signal followers and envelopes • Turn any sound into a visual trip 〉Sharing and Export: • Import and export patches as files for sharing and remixing • Record HD video (HEVC or ProRes) or screenshots optimized for social media • Save directly to iOS Photos library 〉Patch Library: • Intuitive browsing and organization • Tag, search, sort and filter by mood, genre, or aesthetic • Built-in presets included Chromatose is made entirely by one independent developer in Berlin, with no investors or corporate agenda: a modular video synthesizer and visual instrument in your pocket, aiming to democratize real-time generative visual creation. Terms of Use: https://www.chromatose.app/en/terms/

About

QR Engine

Features
Read full description

QR Engine is the ultimate QR code scanner and generator app for iOS, featuring cutting-edge visionOS design and powerful functionality. ADVANCED QR SCANNING • Lightning-fast camera scanning with real-time detection • Support for all standard QR code formats • Instant torch control for low-light environments • Automatic focus and stabilization for accurate scans • Privacy-first approach with secure permission management POWERFUL QR GENERATION • Create QR codes for URLs, text, and contact information • Generate vCard format for seamless contact sharing • Real-time preview with customizable content • High-quality output optimized for all devices • Instant sharing and save options MODERN DESIGN EXPERIENCE • Beautiful visionOS-inspired interface with glass morphism • Native iOS 17+ SwiftUI implementation • Full dark mode support with accessibility features • Intuitive tab-based navigation between scanner and generator • SF Symbols integration throughout the interface PRIVACY AND SECURITY • Comprehensive permission management system • Custom onboarding flows instead of intrusive system alerts • No data collection or tracking • Local processing for maximum security • Transparent permission requests with clear explanations SEAMLESS INTEGRATION • Native Contacts app integration for vCard generation • Share extension support for quick QR generation • Background processing capabilities • Optimized for all iPhone sizes and orientations • Memory-efficient camera handling KEY FEATURES • Scan QR codes instantly with advanced camera technology • Generate QR codes for URLs, plain text, and contact cards • Beautiful glass morphism design following visionOS principles • Complete dark mode support with custom color schemes • Advanced permission handling with user-friendly onboarding • Real-time scanning feedback with haptic responses • High-performance Core Image framework integration • Accessibility support for VoiceOver and Dynamic Type Perfect for professionals, students, and anyone who frequently works with QR codes. QR Engine combines powerful functionality with an elegant user experience, making QR code operations effortless and enjoyable. Download QR Engine today and experience the future of QR code management on iOS.

Screenshots

Chromatose4 screens
QR Engine4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: QR Engine at none against Chromatose's 3. On price, update cadence, 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. Chromatose sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per month. QR Engine asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Chromatose ships an update every 3 months, QR Engine every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 8, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference · 9 level
Chromatose versus QR Engine: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterChromatoseQR Engine
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.6 (17 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews78.9% of reviews—
Number of ratings17 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 3 monthsEvery 2 months — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFreemium—
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS18.617.6 — better
Further details — not scored
Size45 MB1 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperEdward RoothIbrahim Uzun

In-app purchases

3 purchases

Chromatose

Subscriptions3
  • Pro$5.991 Month
  • Pro$49.991 Year
  • Standard [DISCONTINUED]7 Days trial$59.991 Year
None

QR Engine

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Chromatose free?
Chromatose is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is QR Engine free?
QR Engine is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Chromatose or QR Engine have ads?
Neither Chromatose nor QR Engine shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Chromatose or QR Engine?
Chromatose ships an update every 3 months, and QR Engine every 2 months. Most recently, Chromatose was updated on October 24, 2026 and QR Engine on October 8, 2026.

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