Comparison

jAmpler vs tapeworm

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

Head to head
About

jAmpler

Record, import, and manipulate audio samples with a versatile instrument plugin. Create unique sounds using granular synthesis and a wide array of effects. Assign samples to a keyboard for intuitive musical performance.

Highlights
  • Record and import audio samples
  • Assign samples to keyboard keys
  • Granular synthesis controls
  • Extensive per-sample editing
  • Global effects suite
  • Adjustable velocity curve and temperament
Features
Read full description

jAmpler is a sample-based instrument plugin for iOS and macOS, designed as an Audio Unit v3 (AUv3) instrument. It enables you to record, import, assign, and manipulate samples with a rich set of controls and global effects — all accessible in a compact, intuitive interface. Features: * 4 banks, each with 8 samples. * Each sample is represented by a unique color. * Record samples directly using your device’s built-in microphone. * Import audio files to use as samples. * Assign samples to keyboard keys using their color codes. * Detailed controls per sample: - Copy, paste, and trim samples. - ADSR envelope (Attack, Decay, Sustain, Release). - Crossfade and crossfade overlap for seamless looping. - Octave shifting and drive/distortion. - Filter and pitch shift options. - Granular synthesis controls (wet, density, size, spray, stereo spread, window shape). * Global effects: - Velocity Controlled Filter. - Low Frequency Oscillator. - Compressor. - Distortion. - Equalizer. - Chorus. - Cabinet. - Reverb. * Adjustable velocity curve and keyboard temperament.

About

tapeworm

This music app offers a unique tape delay effect with a "wiggly, dirty" sound. Control delay time by stretching or flicking a virtual tapeworm, with options for manual or random adjustments. It includes analog-modeled saturation, compression, and amplifier stages for a rich audio experience.

Highlights
  • Interactive tape delay time control
  • Manual and free modes for delay
  • Analog-modeled tape saturation and compression
  • Overdrivable feedback
  • AUv3 plugin compatibility
  • Performative sound design elements
Features
Read full description

Tapeworm is a tape echo with a unique method of changing the delay time, and a wiggly, dirty sound. You can set the delay time manually by stretching the worm. The record button will flash to show the current interval. You can exit the fixed time mode and enter free mode by toggling. This lets the delay time change randomly, which you can encourage by flicking the tapeworm around. Double tap to reset, adding a fun performative element to your sound. Feedback can be overdriven. An analog-modeled tape saturation and compression, and amplifier and limiter stage, keep it sounding juicy when it gets loud. Tapeworm is audio unit (AUv3) compatible, meaning you can use it as a plugin in your app of choice like AUM, GarageBand or Logic. We hope you enjoy using tapeworm for music, or just for fun.

Screenshots

jAmpler4 screens
tapeworm3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: tapeworm at none against jAmpler's 1. tapeworm also leads on update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 3 months). jAmpler's advantage is review sentiment (100% vs 71%) and rating (4.6 vs 4.3). On price, ratings volume and ads 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. jAmpler sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. tapeworm asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

jAmpler holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.3. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 5 and 12 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 100% of jAmpler's written reviews are positive against 71% of tapeworm's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

jAmpler ships an update every 3 months, tapeworm every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 12, 2026 and August 19, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard7 real differences · 3 level
jAmpler versus tapeworm: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterjAmplertapeworm
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.6 (5 ratings) — better4.3 (12 ratings)
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews — better71.4% of reviews
Number of ratings512 — better
Update frequencyEvery 3 monthsEvery 2 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS14.0 — better17.6
Further details — not scored
Size1.4 GB8 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperJan MaesRadii Research

Customer experience

jAmpler

All ratings5 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews3 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

tapeworm

All ratings12 ratings
Positive83.3%
Neutral0.0%
Negative16.7%
Written reviews7 reviews
Positive71.4%
Neutral0.0%
Negative28.6%

In-app purchases

1 purchases

jAmpler

One-time1
  • jAmpler Activation$7.99
None

tapeworm

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is jAmpler free?
jAmpler is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is tapeworm free?
tapeworm is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, jAmpler or tapeworm?
jAmpler is rated higher. jAmpler averages 4.6 out of 5 from 5 ratings, while tapeworm averages 4.3 from 12 ratings.
Do jAmpler or tapeworm have ads?
Neither jAmpler nor tapeworm shows ads.
Which is updated more often, jAmpler or tapeworm?
jAmpler ships an update every 3 months, and tapeworm every 2 weeks. Most recently, jAmpler was updated on September 12, 2026 and tapeworm on August 19, 2026.

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