# tapeworm vs GrainHeads

The clearest difference is rating: GrainHeads at 4.7 against tapeworm's 4.1. GrainHeads also leads on update cadence (every 5 days vs every 3 weeks). tapeworm's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 10). On price, ratings volume, ads and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. GrainHeads sells 10 one-off in-app purchases. tapeworm asks for nothing beyond the download.

GrainHeads holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.1. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 13 and 14 respectively.

tapeworm ships an update every 3 weeks, GrainHeads every 5 days. Both last shipped on October 25, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | tapeworm | GrainHeads |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.1 (13 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tapeworm/id6759563292/reviews) | **[4.7 (14 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/grainheads/id6760582834/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 13 | **14** |
| Positive reviews | 62.5% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Every 5 days** |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 8 MB | 106 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.6 | 17.6 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Radii Research](https://appshunter.io/developer/1832856981) | [Andrei Nevar](https://appshunter.io/developer/1885164055) |

## What reviewers say

### tapeworm

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tapeworm/id6759563292)

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:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


### GrainHeads

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/grainheads/id6760582834)

Transform any sound into unique textures and evolving sonic landscapes. This granular synthesizer offers deep control over individual sound grains, complex modulation, and a powerful step sequencer for experimental music creation.

**Highlights:** Multi-source granular engine, Shape individual grains with envelopes, Summing modulation matrix, Step sequencer with parameter lanes, Macros for expressive control, Re-routable effects chain

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Event Horizon | $3.99 | one-time |
| Arrakis | $3.99 | one-time |
| Solaris | $3.99 | one-time |
| Protomolecule | $3.99 | one-time |
| Heptapod | $3.99 | one-time |
| Tannhäuser | $3.99 | one-time |
| Rama | $3.99 | one-time |
| Ansible | $3.99 | one-time |
| Unlock GrainHeads Pro | $11.99 | one-time |
| The Archive | $24.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is tapeworm free?

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

### Is GrainHeads free?

GrainHeads is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, tapeworm or GrainHeads?

GrainHeads is rated higher. tapeworm averages 4.1 out of 5 from 13 ratings, while GrainHeads averages 4.7 from 14 ratings.

### Do tapeworm or GrainHeads have ads?

Neither tapeworm nor GrainHeads shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, tapeworm or GrainHeads?

tapeworm ships an update every 3 weeks, and GrainHeads every 5 days. Most recently, tapeworm was updated on October 25, 2026 and GrainHeads on October 25, 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.*