# Celesta Sim vs SoundShader

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: SoundShader at none against Celesta Sim's 1. SoundShader also leads on ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (every 4 days vs every 4 months). Celesta Sim's advantage is iOS requirement (12.0 vs 26.5). On price, ratings volume and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Celesta Sim sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. SoundShader asks for nothing beyond the download.

SoundShader holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.7. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 3 and 4 respectively.

Celesta Sim ships an update every 4 months, SoundShader every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on November 4, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Celesta Sim | SoundShader |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.7 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/celesta-sim/id6738886432/reviews) | **[5.0 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/soundshader/id6801891815/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 3 | **4** |
| Positive reviews | — | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Every 4 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 119 MB | 12 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 26.5 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, Mac |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Alper Kahriman](https://appshunter.io/developer/1054578352) | [Andreas Beyer-Bowden](https://appshunter.io/developer/6799174087) |

## What reviewers say

### Celesta Sim

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/celesta-sim/id6738886432)

This app brings the enchanting, bell-like tones of the celesta to your fingertips. Explore authentic sounds, multiple play modes, and built-in effects to create and share your music.

**Highlights:** Authentic celesta sound samples, Multiple sound and play modes, Real-time reverb and chorus effects, Sensitive touch dynamics, Microtonal tuning, Built-in audio recorder, Customizable keyboard layout

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Get Premium | $9.99 | one-time |


### SoundShader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/soundshader/id6801891815)

Transform sound into dynamic, colorful light displays. Choose from various visual presets or customize your own to match any audio, from live microphone input to your music library. Optimized for stunning visuals on modern displays.

**Highlights:** Live microphone audio input, Audio file playback with equalizer, Apple Music integration, Eight built-in visual presets, Customizable color and motion, HDR display support, 120Hz ProMotion support

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Celesta Sim free?

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

### Is SoundShader free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Celesta Sim or SoundShader?

SoundShader is rated higher. Celesta Sim averages 4.7 out of 5 from 3 ratings, while SoundShader averages 5.0 from 4 ratings.

### Do Celesta Sim or SoundShader have ads?

Celesta Sim shows ads; SoundShader does not.

### Which is updated more often, Celesta Sim or SoundShader?

Celesta Sim ships an update every 4 months, and SoundShader every 4 days. Most recently, Celesta Sim was updated on November 4, 2026 and SoundShader on October 31, 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.*