Comparison

GlitchStep vs VAPolyFM

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

Head to head
About

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.

Highlights
  • 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
Features
Read full description

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.

About

VAPolyFM

Create music with a versatile hybrid synthesizer offering both FM and virtual analog subtractive synthesis. Explore a wide range of effects, a built-in sequencer, and extensive MIDI support. Save and share projects seamlessly across iPhone, iPad, and Mac.

Highlights
  • FM synthesizer with 6 operators
  • Virtual analog subtractive synthesizer
  • Built-in effects (delay, chorus, reverb)
  • Sequencer with piano roll editor
  • AudioUnit Extension (AUv3) support
  • Ableton Link and MIDI 2.0 support
  • iCloud Drive project sharing
Features
Read full description

VAPolyFM is a hybrid polyphonic synthesizer for iPhone, iPad and Mac. It features FM synthesizer and subtractive synthesizer. It operates as a stand alone or as an AudioUnit Extension (AUv3). Stand Alone supports Ableton Link, MIDI and audio file export. FM synthesizer features 6 operators and 32 algorithm and it is inspired by FM synthesizers of the 1980’s. Virtual analog subtractive synthesizer features two oscillators, resonant high pass filter, resonant low pass filter and two ADSR envelopes per voice. Built-in Effects include delay, chorus, flanger, reverb, eq and compressor. VAPolyFM also includes sequencer which features piano roll editor and parameter automation. Project files can be saved in iCloud Drive, so that the project can be accessed from iPhone, iPad or Mac. - Main Features - FM Synthesizer. 6 operators and 32 algorithm. Virtual analog subtractive synthesizer. Maximum 8 voice polyphony. it depends on performance of the device it is running. Built-in effects and sequencer. Support MIDI 2.0 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. Includes 139 Factory Presets - 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.

Screenshots

GlitchStep4 screens
VAPolyFM4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: GlitchStep at 89% against VAPolyFM's 17%. GlitchStep also leads on update cadence (every 3 days vs every 17 months) and rating (4.9 vs 4.5). On ads, in-app purchases, monetization model 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

GlitchStep costs $9.99 and VAPolyFM $14.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

GlitchStep holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.5. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 19 and 6 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 89% of GlitchStep's written reviews are positive against 17% of VAPolyFM's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

GlitchStep ships an update every 3 days, VAPolyFM every 17 months. The most recent releases landed on September 22, 2026 and September 21, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
GlitchStep versus VAPolyFM: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterGlitchStepVAPolyFM
Price$9.99 — better$14.99
Rating4.9 (19 ratings) — better4.5 (6 ratings)
Positive reviews88.9% of reviews — better16.7% of reviews
Number of ratings19 — better6
Update frequencyEvery 3 days — betterEvery 17 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaidPaid
DevicesiPhone, iPad, MaciPhone, iPad, Mac
Requires iOS17.216.6 — better
Further details — not scored
Size6 MB17 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperAlex MatheuRyo Togawa

Customer experience

GlitchStep

All ratings19 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews9 reviews
Positive88.9%
Neutral0.0%
Negative11.1%

VAPolyFM

All ratings6 ratings
Positive83.3%
Neutral0.0%
Negative16.7%
Written reviews6 reviews
Positive16.7%
Neutral33.3%
Negative50.0%

In-app purchases

None

GlitchStep

No in-app purchases

None

VAPolyFM

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is GlitchStep free?
GlitchStep costs $9.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is VAPolyFM free?
VAPolyFM costs $14.99, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, GlitchStep or VAPolyFM?
GlitchStep is rated higher. GlitchStep averages 4.9 out of 5 from 19 ratings, while VAPolyFM averages 4.5 from 6 ratings.
Do GlitchStep or VAPolyFM have ads?
Neither GlitchStep nor VAPolyFM shows ads.
Which is updated more often, GlitchStep or VAPolyFM?
GlitchStep ships an update every 3 days, and VAPolyFM every 17 months. Most recently, GlitchStep was updated on September 22, 2026 and VAPolyFM on September 21, 2026.

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