# UpNext vs stem player

The clearest difference is monetization model: UpNext at free against stem player's subscription. UpNext also leads on device support (3 vs 1) and iOS requirement (14.0 vs 18.0). stem player's advantage is update cadence (every 5 days vs every 3 weeks). On price, rating, review sentiment and ratings volume there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. UpNext sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $29.99 per month and stem player sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $19.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 3.9 for UpNext against 3.8 for stem player. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 41 and 34 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 68% of UpNext's written reviews are positive against 70% of stem player's.

UpNext ships an update every 3 weeks, stem player every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on November 4, 2026 and November 5, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | UpNext | stem player |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[3.9 (41 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/upnext-music-networking/id6740701114/reviews)** | [3.8 (34 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stem-player/id6753893767/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **41** | 34 |
| Positive reviews | 67.9% of reviews | **69.7% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Every 5 days** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Subscription |
| Size | 71 MB | 160 MB |
| Requires iOS | **14.0** | 18.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 17+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [PSounds Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/1645766537) | [Stem US Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1845542230) |

## What reviewers say

### UpNext

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/upnext-music-networking/id6740701114)

This app connects independent music artists and industry professionals. Discover collaborators, share your work, and promote your music through playlist placements and social ad campaigns. Grow your network and advance your music career.

**Highlights:** Network with artists and professionals, Discover collaborators via video, Run playlist placement campaigns, Launch social ad campaigns, Build a curated feed, Get feedback on music

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| UpNext Manager Monthly | $29.99 | per month |


### stem player

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stem-player/id6753893767)

This music app allows you to deconstruct any song into its core components like vocals, drums, bass, and melody. You can then remix these stems by simply typing your desired changes. Access is currently invite-only as the app is under development.

**Highlights:** Deconstruct songs into stems, Mix vocals, drums, bass, melody, Remix by typing desired changes, Invite-only access, Subscription-based

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| StemFM Monthly Premium | $19.99 | per month |
| StemFM Yearly Premium | $199.99 | per year |
| 1 Stem Set | $0.99 | one-time |
| 6 Stem Sets | $4.99 | one-time |
| 15 Stem Sets | $9.99 | one-time |
| 40 Stem Sets | $21.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is UpNext free?

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

### Is stem player free?

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

### Which has better reviews, UpNext or stem player?

UpNext is rated higher. UpNext averages 3.9 out of 5 from 41 ratings, while stem player averages 3.8 from 34 ratings.

### Do UpNext or stem player have ads?

Neither UpNext nor stem player shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, UpNext or stem player?

UpNext ships an update every 3 weeks, and stem player every 5 days. Most recently, UpNext was updated on November 4, 2026 and stem player on November 5, 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.*