Comparison

Neon Engine vs Side B

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

Head to head
About

Neon Engine

Features
Read full description

Transform your music into a sound that feels uniquely yours. Neon Engine is an on-device audio workshop for reshaping local music with immersive effects. Import a track, preview different styles, fine-tune the result, and save it to your personal libraryβ€”all directly on your iPhone. -- AUDIO MODES -- Bass Enhance: Add more weight and depth to your music with a stronger low-end sound. Slowed + Reverb: Adjust the tempo, tone, and reverb to create a deeper, more atmospheric mix. City Pop: Give your track a bright, nostalgic character inspired by retro nighttime soundscapes. Fast Tempo: Speed up your music with adjustable tempo controls, from a subtle lift to a high-energy remix. Original: Save and manage the original track alongside your converted versions. -- BUILT FOR YOUR MUSIC -- Live Preview: Hear each effect before saving and fine-tune supported modes in real time. Personal Library: Organize converted tracks, rename them, filter by effect, and mark favorites for quick access. Bulk Actions: Select multiple tracks to update favorites or delete them together. Files Integration: Import compatible audio files directly from the iOS Files app. Background Playback: Continue listening to tracks from your Neon Engine library outside the app. -- PRIVATE BY DESIGN -- Your music stays on your device. Audio processing is performed locally without uploading your files to a remote server. Neon Engine is designed for local audio files you own and for personal, creative use.

About

Side B

Features
Read full description

Listen to your own Navidrome music library with Side B, a native player for iPhone and iPad. β€’ Browse albums, artists, playlists, liked songs, genres and decades. β€’ Search your library, pin favorite playlists, and rate or favorite albums. β€’ Control the queue, shuffle, repeat and playback position. β€’ Tap Now Playing artwork to choose an album cover or optional turntable view. Your choice is saved. β€’ Choose original audio or MP3 quality separately for Wi-Fi, cellular and downloads. β€’ Keep music playing in the background, with lock-screen controls and AirPlay. β€’ Download songs, albums and playlists for offline listening. β€’ Browse Home, Playlists, Library and Downloads in CarPlay, with artwork and quick access to pinned and recent favorites. Requires your own reachable HTTPS Navidrome server and account. Music is not included. Playback and audio quality depend on the server, source format and device. Keep Side B open while downloads complete. Your credentials are stored in the device Keychain. Side B is an independent client and is not affiliated with the Navidrome project. Free to use, with optional in-app tips to support development. No subscription is required.

Screenshots

Neon Engine3 screens
Side B2 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Neon Engine at none against Side B's 3. Side B's advantage is update cadence (daily vs every 5 months). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price Β· Rating Β· Positive reviews Β· Number of ratings Β· Update frequency Β· Ads Β· In-app purchases Β· Monetization Β· Best chart rank Β· Devices Β· Requires iOS

CostPrice Β· In-app purchases Β· Ads Β· Monetization

Both are free to download. Side B sells 3 one-off in-app purchases. Neon Engine asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Neon Engine ships an update every 5 months, Side B daily. Both last shipped on November 13, 2026.

Scorecard2 real differences Β· 4 level
Neon Engine versus Side B: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterNeon EngineSide B
PriceFreeFree
Update frequencyEvery 5 monthsDaily β€” better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo β€” betterYes
DevicesiPhoneiPhone, iPad β€” better
Requires iOS17.617.0 β€” better
Further details β€” not scored
Size3 MB6 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperJUNGYUN JOAlberto Gragera

In-app purchases

None

Neon Engine

No in-app purchases

3 purchases

Side B

One-time3
  • Small tip$1.99
  • Medium tip$3.99
  • Large tip$8.99

Questions

Is Neon Engine free?
Neon Engine is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Side B free?
Side B is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Neon Engine or Side B have ads?
Neither Neon Engine nor Side B shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Neon Engine or Side B?
Neon Engine ships an update every 5 months, and Side B daily. Most recently, Neon Engine was updated on November 13, 2026 and Side B on November 13, 2026.

Other comparisons