# GridStep vs Rithmatic

The clearest difference is price: Rithmatic at Free against GridStep's $3.99. Rithmatic also leads on update cadence (every 2 days vs every 2 weeks) and device support (4 vs 2). GridStep's advantage is rating (5.0 vs 4.0). On ratings volume, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Rithmatic is free to download; GridStep costs $3.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

GridStep holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 3 and 4 respectively.

GridStep ships an update every 2 weeks, Rithmatic every 2 days. The most recent releases landed on October 11, 2026 and October 13, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | GridStep | Rithmatic |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $3.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | **[5.0 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gridstep/id6756443258/reviews)** | [4.0 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rithmatic-fm-synth/id6794107110/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 3 | **4** |
| Positive reviews | — | 50.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks | **Every 2 days** |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free** |
| Size | 5 MB | 64 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.6 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Joe Topjian](https://appshunter.io/developer/1860697112) | [MADE WITH BEST PRACTICE LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/6779338119) |

## What reviewers say

### GridStep

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gridstep/id6756443258)

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### Rithmatic

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rithmatic-fm-synth/id6794107110)

This app is an FM synthesizer featuring a vast library of classic voices. It allows users to explore, learn, build, and blend sounds using an intuitive interface and an AUv3 plugin for DAWs. It offers a comprehensive synthesis engine and various playback options.

**Highlights:** 36,118 classic DX7 voices included, AUv3 plugin for DAWs, Patch Builder to learn FM synthesis, Sound blending feature, On-screen and MIDI keyboard support, Arpeggiator and latch function, WAV export

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is GridStep free?

GridStep costs $3.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Rithmatic free?

Rithmatic is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, GridStep or Rithmatic?

GridStep is rated higher. GridStep averages 5.0 out of 5 from 3 ratings, while Rithmatic averages 4.0 from 4 ratings.

### Do GridStep or Rithmatic have ads?

Neither GridStep nor Rithmatic shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, GridStep or Rithmatic?

GridStep ships an update every 2 weeks, and Rithmatic every 2 days. Most recently, GridStep was updated on October 11, 2026 and Rithmatic on October 13, 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.*