Comparison

OnStem vs PlayStems

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

Head to head
About

OnStem

Features
Read full description

OnStem: AI Music Separation is an on-device AI-powered music separation tool that allows you to split audio tracks into individual stems with privacy and performance in mind. Powered by optimized local inference based on the open-source Spleeter project, OnStem performs all audio processing entirely on your device, without uploading files to any server. Key Features AI Music Separation Separate audio into 2 stems: Vocal and Accompaniment Separate audio into 5 stems: Vocal, Piano, Drums, Bass, and Accompaniment On-Device AI Processing All processing runs locally using on-device AI models No audio files are uploaded or shared Your content stays private on your device Optimized for Long Audio Custom optimizations allow processing of very long audio files Designed for stability and efficiency on mobile devices Multiple Export Formats Export separated tracks as MP3, WAV, M4A, or AAC Easily integrate with other audio tools and workflows Privacy First OnStem is a local-first application. All selected files are processed on your device only. No audio data or personal information is collected, stored, or uploaded. Subscriptions and Purchases OnStem offers both subscription plans and a one-time purchase option. Monthly subscription Quarterly subscription Annual subscription One-time lifetime purchase (where available) Payment will be charged to your Apple ID account at confirmation of purchase. Subscriptions automatically renew unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. You can manage or cancel your subscription at any time in your Apple ID account settings. Prices may vary by region and are displayed before purchase. Legal Privacy Policy https://github.com/yangliu-1995/stemify-legal/blob/main/Privacy-Policy/EN.md Terms of Use https://github.com/yangliu-1995/stemify-legal/blob/main/Term-of-Use/EN.md OnStem is designed for creators who value privacy, performance, and on-device AI processing.

About

PlayStems

This app allows musicians to play and manipulate individual audio tracks (stems) from songs. It offers features like volume control, pitch shifting, and looping for practice and performance, with on-device stem splitting capabilities.

Highlights
  • Multi-track playback in sync
  • On-device stem splitting
  • Per-stem volume, mute, solo, balance
  • Adjust speed and pitch while playing
  • Loop marker ranges
  • Song library with title and artist
Features
Read full description

PlayStems plays multiple audio stems in sync on iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Import one or more audio files into a song, or split a mixed track on your device, then rehearse or perform with each part under your control. Give every song a title and artist. In the mixer, set volume, mute, solo, and balance for each stem, and adjust the master level. Change speed and pitch while the song is playing, scrub the waveform, and loop a marker range until the section sits. Stem splitting runs on your device. A mixed track becomes vocals, bass, drums, and other. It needs a supported device with at least 4 GB of memory: iPhone 13 or newer, iPad Pro 2018 or newer, iPad Air 2022 or newer, or a Mac with Apple Silicon (M1 or newer). Audio is not uploaded. Features • Multi-track playback in sync • Song library with title and artist • Multiple audio files per song • Mixer with per-stem volume, mute, solo, and balance, plus master volume • Speed and pitch while playing • Waveform scrubbing • Marker ranges you can loop • On-device stem split into vocals, bass, drums, and other Use PlayStems to rehearse, perform, or practice a difficult section with each stem under your control. Free version Playback, the mixer, markers, loop ranges, and speed and pitch are included, within these limits: • 1 song in your library, or up to 5 if you opt in to anonymous usage analytics. Songs in Trash do not count. • Up to 10 successful stem splits on this device. Cancelled or failed splits do not count. • Standard stem splitting on supported devices. High-quality models are part of the full version. Full version A one-time purchase removes the song and stem-split limits. • Unlimited songs • Unlimited successful stem splits • High-quality stem-splitting models you can download. These need iOS 26.4 or later and about 2 GB of available memory on a recent iPhone or iPad, or a Mac with Apple Silicon. Restore purchases is available in the app. Purchases are tied to your Apple ID.

Screenshots

OnStem3 screens
PlayStems4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is ads: PlayStems at none against OnStem's shown. On price, update cadence, in-app purchases 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

Both are free to download. OnStem sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month and PlayStems sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

OnStem ships an update every 3 weeks, PlayStems fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 12, 2026 and October 18, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference · 9 level
OnStem versus PlayStems: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterOnStemPlayStems
PriceFreeFree
Rating—1.0 (1 ratings) — better
Positive reviews—0.0% of reviews
Number of ratings—1 — better
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeksFortnightly — better
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesYesYes
Monetization—Free with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS18.018.0
Further details — not scored
Size137 MB47 MB
Age rating4+4+
Developer阳 刘Matthias Santer

In-app purchases

4 purchases

OnStem

Subscriptions3
  • OnStem Pro – Monthly$0.991 Month
  • OnStem Pro – Quarterly$2.393 Months
  • OnStem Pro – Annual7 Days trial$8.991 Year
One-time1
  • OnStem Pro – Lifetime$9.99
1 purchases

PlayStems

One-time1
  • Full version$4.99

Questions

Is OnStem free?
OnStem is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is PlayStems free?
PlayStems is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do OnStem or PlayStems have ads?
OnStem shows ads; PlayStems does not.
Which is updated more often, OnStem or PlayStems?
OnStem ships an update every 3 weeks, and PlayStems fortnightly. Most recently, OnStem was updated on October 12, 2026 and PlayStems on October 18, 2026.

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