VAPolyWest vs GlitchStep
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
VAPolyWest
This app is a polyphonic synthesizer inspired by 1960s California west coast synthesis. It features wave folding, lowpass gates, and step sequencers for generative music creation. It functions as a standalone app or an AudioUnit Extension across iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
- Virtual analog west coast style polyphonic synthesizer
- Wave folder and lowpass gate
- Step sequencer and envelope generators
- Up to 8 voice polyphony
- Audio Unit Extension (AUv3) support
- MIDI 2.0 support
- Audio export options
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VAPolyWest is inspired by synthesizers developed in California in the 1960’s. VAPolyWest features wave folder and lowpass gate, which are key components of the west coast synthesis. VAPolyWest also features 5 step sequencer and envelope generators which are designed to create generative music. VAPolyWest works on iPhone, iPad and Mac. It operates as a stand alone or as an AudioUnit Extension (AUv3). Stand Alone supports Ableton Link, MIDI and audio file export. - Main Features - Virtual analog west coast style polyphonic synthesizer. Maximum 8 voice polyphony. it depends on performance of the device it is running. Wave folder and lowpass gate for West Coast Synthesis. Step sequencer and envelopes designed for generative music. Support MIDI 2.0 Built-in Sequencer. 16 bar patterns per clip. Total 8 clips. Piano Roll and Parameter automation. Support Audio Unit Extension (AUv3) Works on iPhone, iPad and Mac. Support iCloud Drive to share project files between the platforms. Audio Export. Linear PCM format (AIFF, WAV and CAF) and compressed format (AAC) Support Ableton Link, Bluetooth MIDI, MIDI In / Out. - System Requirements - A13 Fusion or above is recommended. AudioUnit Extension (AUv3) requires host application which support AudioUnit Extension. AudioUnit Extension is supported by Apple Logic and Apple Garage Band on iOS and macOS. For any other DAW, it depends on the application and some of them don’t support AudioUnit Extension. Sound may be distorted if CPU of the device doesn't have enough power. If it happens reduce number of voices.
GlitchStep
This music app is a monophonic 16-step MIDI sequencer and AUv3 MIDI processor extension. It allows for real-time sequence rearrangement, song building with playlists, and dynamic performance variations. Integrate it with your favorite AUv3 hosts for enhanced music production.
- 16-step monophonic sequencer
- AUv3 MIDI processor extension
- Real-time sequence rearrangement
- Pattern and slice playlists
- Glitch effects with XY pad
- Extensive scale options
- Customizable sequence controls
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Unleash Your Creativity with GlitchStep GlitchStep is a cutting-edge monophonic 16-step, performance-oriented sequencer and AUv3 MIDI processor extension. Dive into a world of musical possibilities as you play with your sequence and perform dynamic, captivating variations. Next-Level Sequence Manipulation: Inspired by GlitchCore, GlitchStep employs a slice grid for real-time sequence rearrangement. Both patterns and slices can be compiled into playlists, allowing you to build and modify songs on-the-fly for live performance or studio sessions. Effortless Integration: Load GlitchStep as an AUv3 MIDI Processor/MIDI FX in your favorite AUv3 hosts like AUM, Logic, Loopy Pro, Drambo, and more. Note: Standalone use is not supported. Features to Elevate Your Music: - 16 Steps - 8 Patterns - Unlimited Pattern Playlist Entries - Slice Grid with Drawing Mode - 8 Slice Patterns - Unlimited Slice Pattern Playlist Entries - Glitch Your Sequence with XY Pad and Sliders - Aggressive Glitch Capabilities - Extensive Scale Options - Customizable Start and End Sequence Positions - Control Sequence Direction - Global Sequence Rate Adjustments - Individual Pattern Rates - Pattern Note Slides - Swing - Randomize, Shift, Shuffle, Copy/Paste, and Initialize Patterns - Randomization Thresholds - Selective Randomization for Notes, Gates, Velocity, and Probability - Randomize, Shift, Copy/Paste, and Initialize Slices - Scale Key Adjustment - Minimum Octave and Octave Range Settings - 16 Themes Transform your music production with GlitchStep. Whether you're looking to add subtle variations or go all-in on aggressive glitches, this app has you covered.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is update cadence: GlitchStep at every 3 days against VAPolyWest's every 10 months. GlitchStep also leads on price ($9.99 vs $14.99) and review sentiment (89% vs 75%). On rating, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model 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
VAPolyWest costs $14.99 and GlitchStep $9.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for VAPolyWest against 4.9 for GlitchStep. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 5 and 19 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 75% of VAPolyWest's written reviews are positive against 89% of GlitchStep's.
VAPolyWest ships an update every 10 months, GlitchStep every 3 days. The most recent releases landed on October 7, 2026 and October 8, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | VAPolyWest | GlitchStep |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $14.99 | $9.99 — better |
| Rating | 5.0 (5 ratings) — better | 4.9 (19 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 75.0% of reviews | 88.9% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 5 | 19 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 10 months | Every 3 days — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Mac | iPhone, iPad, Mac |
| Requires iOS | 16.6 — better | 17.2 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 15 MB | 6 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Ryo Togawa | Alex Matheu |
Customer experience
VAPolyWest
GlitchStep
In-app purchases
VAPolyWest
No in-app purchases
GlitchStep
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is VAPolyWest free?
Is GlitchStep free?
Which has better reviews, VAPolyWest or GlitchStep?
Do VAPolyWest or GlitchStep have ads?
Which is updated more often, VAPolyWest or GlitchStep?
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