Comparison

GridStep vs Oktopus Synthesizer

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

Head to head
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.

About

Oktopus Synthesizer

This powerful iOS synthesizer and AUv3 extension allows for deep sound design and music creation. Shape sounds with 8 synth blocks, combine oscillators and samples, and utilize a flexible effects chain. It functions as a standalone instrument or within compatible DAWs.

Highlights
  • 8-block synth architecture
  • Oscillator and sample combination
  • AUv3 instrument support
  • Sample loading and playback
  • Flexible effects chain
  • MPE and MIDI input support
  • Built-in spectrometer
Features
Read full description

Oktopus is a deep synthesizer and AUv3 extension instrument with a modular spirit built for sound design, performance, and music creation in any compatible DAW or standalone. This app includes an AUv3 extension! Shape sounds across 8 synth blocks, combine oscillators and samples, route MIDI creatively, and build movement with LFOs, arpeggiators, modulation, and a flexible effects chain. Use Oktopus as a standalone instrument or load it inside AUv3-compatible iOS hosts / DAWs. Features: + 8-block synth architecture for layered and evolving sounds + MIDI Sequencer for limitless song arrangement + MPE and MIDI input support + AUv3 instrument support for compatible hosts + Sample loading, slicing, and playback tools + Built-in recording and sample export workflow + Built-in spectrometer to clearly see what you're creating + Per-block arpeggiator and sequencing controls + LFOs, modulation routing, and performance macros + Factory presets and factory samples included + Share Voice Memos/Audio Files/Photos/Video clips to the app to sample almost anything you can imagine. Supported files: AIFF, MP3, WAV, MP4, MOV, JPEG, HEIF, PNG, SVG + Spectral synthesis + Flexible effects chain with EQ, distortion, bitcrusher, compressor, phaser, flanger, chorus, filter, delay, and reverb + Touch-friendly interface for iPhone and iPad music creation + Custom zoom level Oktopus is made for producers, composers, and experimental musicians who want a powerful synth environment that can move from quick ideas to detailed sound design.

Screenshots

GridStep4 screens
Oktopus Synthesizer4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: GridStep at 5.0 against Oktopus Synthesizer's 4.8. GridStep also leads on price ($3.99 vs $4.99). Oktopus Synthesizer's advantage is update cadence (every 5 days vs every 2 weeks) and ratings volume (12 vs 3). On ads, in-app purchases, monetization model 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

GridStep costs $3.99 and Oktopus Synthesizer $4.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

GridStep holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.8. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 3 and 12 respectively.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

GridStep ships an update every 2 weeks, Oktopus Synthesizer every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on October 11, 2026 and October 16, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
GridStep versus Oktopus Synthesizer: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterGridStepOktopus Synthesizer
Price$3.99 — better$4.99
Rating5.0 (3 ratings) — better4.8 (12 ratings)
Positive reviews—90.0% of reviews
Number of ratings312 — better
Update frequencyEvery 2 weeksEvery 5 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaidPaid
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS17.615 — better
Further details — not scored
Size5 MB111 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperJoe TopjianVyacheslav Koristov

Customer experience

GridStep

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

Oktopus Synthesizer

All ratings12 ratings
Positive91.7%
Neutral0.0%
Negative8.3%
Written reviews10 reviews
Positive90.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative10.0%

In-app purchases

None

GridStep

No in-app purchases

None

Oktopus Synthesizer

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is GridStep free?
GridStep costs $3.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is Oktopus Synthesizer free?
Oktopus Synthesizer costs $4.99, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, GridStep or Oktopus Synthesizer?
GridStep is rated higher. GridStep averages 5.0 out of 5 from 3 ratings, while Oktopus Synthesizer averages 4.8 from 12 ratings.
Do GridStep or Oktopus Synthesizer have ads?
Neither GridStep nor Oktopus Synthesizer shows ads.
Which is updated more often, GridStep or Oktopus Synthesizer?
GridStep ships an update every 2 weeks, and Oktopus Synthesizer every 5 days. Most recently, GridStep was updated on October 11, 2026 and Oktopus Synthesizer on October 16, 2026.

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