# MusePad vs GrainHeads

The clearest difference is monetization model: GrainHeads at free against MusePad's free with in-app purchases. GrainHeads also leads on ratings volume (14 vs 1). MusePad's advantage is rating (5.0 vs 4.7). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. MusePad sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month and GrainHeads sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

MusePad holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: GrainHeads has 14 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 3 days. The most recent releases landed on September 7, 2026 and September 21, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | MusePad | GrainHeads |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/musepad/id6752820253/reviews)** | [4.7 (14 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/grainheads/id6760582834/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 1 | **14** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 days | Every 3 days |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 46 MB | 113 MB |
| Requires iOS | **17.0** | 17.6 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Shenzhen Comus Electronic Technology Co., Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/1796940450) | [Andrei Nevar](https://appshunter.io/developer/1885164055) |

## What reviewers say

### MusePad

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/musepad/id6752820253)

This app is a versatile MPE controller for music producers, offering customizable rigs with various devices like pads, keyboards, and controllers. It allows for on-the-fly layout switching, MIDI learning with DAWs, and dynamic key/scale adjustments. Save and recall your setups as reusable projects for studio, rehearsal, or live performances.

**Highlights:** 6D MPE controller, Multiple device types (pads, keyboard, controllers), Customizable layouts and modes, MIDI Learn with DAW integration, Dynamic key/scale switching, Project-based workflow for saving and sharing setups, Bluetooth and Network MIDI connectivity

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Muse Pad MIDI Controller Standard | $4.99 | per month |
| Muse Pad Course Plan (Monthly) | $7.99 | per month |
| Muse Pad Course Plan (Yearly) | $49.99 | per year |
| Muse Pad MIDI Controller Standard | $14.99 | one-time |


### GrainHeads

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/grainheads/id6760582834)

Transform any sound into unique textures and evolving sonic landscapes. This granular synthesizer offers deep control over individual sound grains, complex modulation, and a powerful step sequencer for experimental music creation.

**Highlights:** Multi-source granular engine, Shape individual grains with envelopes, Summing modulation matrix, Step sequencer with parameter lanes, Macros for expressive control, Re-routable effects chain

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Unlock GrainHeads Pro | $11.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is MusePad free?

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

### Is GrainHeads free?

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

### Which has better reviews, MusePad or GrainHeads?

MusePad is rated higher. MusePad averages 5.0 out of 5 from 1 ratings, while GrainHeads averages 4.7 from 14 ratings.

### Do MusePad or GrainHeads have ads?

Neither MusePad nor GrainHeads shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, MusePad or GrainHeads?

MusePad ships an update every 3 days, and GrainHeads every 3 days. Most recently, MusePad was updated on September 7, 2026 and GrainHeads on September 21, 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.*