Comparison

LOOPBAR vs GridStep

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

Head to head
About

LOOPBAR

Record and layer multiple audio tracks in real time to build musical ideas. This tool allows for precise loop point setting and adjustment during playback, perfect for capturing inspiration on the go.

Highlights
  • Create multiple independent audio tracks
  • Record via built-in microphone
  • Set individual loop points with drag & drop
  • Real-time playback with visual indicator
  • Adjust loop points during playback
  • Simple track management
Features
Read full description

Create audio loops in real time! Record multiple tracks, set individual loop points and build your musical ideas layer by layer. LOOPBAR is your creative tool for audio loops on iPhone and iPad. Capture ideas on the spot, set precise loop points and layer multiple tracks on top of each other. FEATURES: • Create multiple independent audio tracks • Record directly via the built-in microphone • Set individual loop points with drag & drop • Real-time playback position with visual indicator • Adjust loop points during playback • Play and stop all tracks simultaneously • Simple track management with add and delete Perfect for musicians, songwriters and anyone who wants to quickly capture musical ideas and build loops.

About

GridStep

A professional MIDI step sequencer offering a focused grid-based workflow for clear, controlled, and predictable music creation. It functions as a standalone app and an AUv3 plugin, ideal for both live performance and composition.

Highlights
  • Grid-based MIDI step sequencing
  • Explicit edit modes for notes, velocity, slides, and mutes
  • Trigger-based step advance
  • Controlled pattern generation
  • AUv3 MIDI effect plugin
  • Standalone app functionality
Read full description

GridStep is a professional MIDI step sequencer designed for clarity, control, and predictable results. It works as a standalone app as well as an AUv3 plugin. GridStep provides a focused grid-based workflow with explicit edit modes, per-step inspection, and one-shot generation tools. Every interaction is intentional, allowing patterns to evolve without ambiguity. Core Features Explicit Edit Modes - Dedicated modes for Notes, Velocity, Slides, and Mutes - Clear, consistent interactions across the grid Precision Grid Editing - Step-based grid with visible playhead and pattern length - Per-step inspector for detailed control - Efficient editing without leaving the main view Trigger-Based Step Advance - Advance the sequence using incoming MIDI triggers instead of the host clock - Enables irregular rhythms, external control, and non-linear playback - Fully compatible with standard clocked playback Controlled Generation - Pattern generation for notes, velocity, slides, and mutes - Apply generation globally, per lane, or per selection - Designed to support musical intent Performance-Focused Design - Deterministic, repeatable sequencing behaviour - Stage-safe interface optimized for quick adjustments - Predictable timing within AUv3 hosts AUv3 MIDI Effect - Works in AUv3 hosts such as AUM, Drambo, Logic, and Cubasis - MIDI-only design compatible with any synth or sampler Built for both live performance and composition, GridStep emphasizes stability, readability, and repeatable behaviour.

Screenshots

LOOPBAR4 screens
GridStep4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: LOOPBAR at $0.99 against GridStep's $3.99. GridStep's advantage is ratings volume (3 vs 1). On rating, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases 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

LOOPBAR costs $0.99 and GridStep $3.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for LOOPBAR against 5.0 for GridStep. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1 and 3 respectively.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

LOOPBAR ships an update every 3 weeks, GridStep every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 6, 2026 and October 11, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 7 level
LOOPBAR versus GridStep: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterLOOPBARGridStep
Price$0.99 — better$3.99
Rating5.0 (1 ratings)5.0 (3 ratings)
Number of ratings13 — better
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeksEvery 2 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaidPaid
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS18.517.6 — better
Further details — not scored
Size1 MB5 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperHelge OhlJoe Topjian

Customer experience

LOOPBAR

All ratings1 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

GridStep

All ratings3 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

None

LOOPBAR

No in-app purchases

None

GridStep

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is LOOPBAR free?
LOOPBAR costs $0.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is GridStep free?
GridStep costs $3.99, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, LOOPBAR or GridStep?
LOOPBAR and GridStep are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 1 and 3 ratings respectively.
Do LOOPBAR or GridStep have ads?
Neither LOOPBAR nor GridStep shows ads.
Which is updated more often, LOOPBAR or GridStep?
LOOPBAR ships an update every 3 weeks, and GridStep every 2 weeks. Most recently, LOOPBAR was updated on October 6, 2026 and GridStep on October 11, 2026.

Other comparisons