Comparison

GrainHeads vs Helinaut

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

Head to head
About

GrainHeads

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
Read full description

GrainHeads is a granular synthesizer that turns any sound into something entirely new. Built for sound designers, musicians, and experimental producers who want deep, hands-on control over texture and motion. Multi-source granular engine Load material into four sample slots and deploy independent playheads — each targeting its own source. Blend, crossfade, or dynamically switch between samples using modulation. The result: rich, multi-layered textures that evolve continuously without repetition. Shape every grain Each playhead carries a full set of granular parameters — position, scan speed, grain size, pitch, chance — plus a drawable grain envelope. Sculpt transient character using splinter or Bézier curves for anything from soft clouds to sharp, percussive fragments. Modulate everything, from everywhere A summing modulation matrix lets multiple sources target the same parameter simultaneously. Assign LFOs, envelopes, and sequencer lanes to virtually any control — including sample slot selection, filter cutoff, and even other LFOs. Filter envelopes add per-step timbral motion in Sequencer mode. Sequencer with parameter lanes Go beyond note patterns. The step sequencer locks any parameter per step — pitch, position, filter, grain size — with polyrhythmic lengths and clock divisions. Each playhead runs its own sequence independently. Macros for expressive control Four macro axes map multiple parameters to simple X/Y gestures — Time Smear, Spatial Bloom, Degradation, Complexity. Combined with the 4-finger 2D touch pad controlling up to 8 parameters, GrainHeads becomes a performance instrument. Effects that reshape the signal A re-routable effects chain includes delay, reverb, lo-fi degradation, and filtering — with adjustable signal flow so effects interact in the order you choose. Key Features • AUv3 instrument and effect plugins — use standalone or inside your DAW • Up to 8 independent granular playheads • 4 sample slots with per-playhead source selection • Drawable grain envelope (splinter / Bézier curves) • Summing modulation matrix — multiple LFOs, envelopes, and sequencer lanes per target • LFO-on-LFO modulation for deeply nested movement • Step sequencer with parameter locking and polyrhythmic clock divisions • Filter envelope per step (Sequencer mode) • Per-playhead dual Moog-style ladder filter (self-oscillating, with overdrive) with link and mirror modes • 4 macro axes (X/Y pads) for multi-parameter gestures • Re-routable effects section (delay, reverb, lo-fi, noise, limiter) • Scale quantization — chromatic, major, minor, and exotic modes • Dice — one-tap randomization for instant inspiration • Ableton Link • Import/export presets • Customizable look and feel PRO version unlocks loading external samples and microphone recording. GrainHeads turns granular synthesis into a hands-on instrument — not a menu-diving exercise.

About

Helinaut

Features
Read full description

Helinaut on lihtne ja ilus valge müra rakendus, mis aitab sul kiiremini uinuda ja sügavamalt magada. VALI OMA HELI • Valge müra — 7 erinevat tooni, leia endale sobiv • Vihm — rahustav vihmasabin • Lõke — soe ja praksub lõkke heli UNETAIMER Vali endale sobiv kestus — 30 minutit, 1, 2, 4 või 8 tundi — või lase müral mängida lõputult. Taimeri lõppedes vaibub heli järk-järgult, et sind sügavast unest ei ärataks. TÖÖTAB TAUSTAL Helinaut jätkab mängimist ka siis, kui telefon on lukus või kasutad teisi rakendusi. Heli ei katke enne, kui sina seda soovid. LIHTNE JA KAUNIS Ilma kontode, reklaamide ega keeruliste seadistusteta. Ava rakendus, vali müra ja taimer, vajuta mängi — nii lihtne see ongi. Helinaut on loodud nendele, kes soovivad kiiremini uinuda, paremini keskenduda või lihtsalt hetkeks maailmast eemale lülituda.

Screenshots

GrainHeads4 screens
Helinaut3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Helinaut at none against GrainHeads's 10. GrainHeads's advantage is update cadence (every 5 days vs fortnightly). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement 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. GrainHeads sells 10 one-off in-app purchases. Helinaut asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

GrainHeads ships an update every 5 days, Helinaut fortnightly. Both last shipped on October 31, 2026.

Scorecard2 real differences · 7 level
GrainHeads versus Helinaut: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterGrainHeadsHelinaut
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.7 (14 ratings) — better—
Number of ratings14 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 5 days — betterFortnightly
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhone, iPad — betteriPhone
Requires iOS17.616.4 — better
Further details — not scored
Size106 MB51 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperAndrei NevarPeutnon OU

In-app purchases

10 purchases

GrainHeads

One-time10
  • Event Horizon$3.99
  • Arrakis$3.99
  • Solaris$3.99
Show 7 more
  • Protomolecule$3.99
  • Heptapod$3.99
  • Tannhäuser$3.99
  • Rama$3.99
  • Ansible$3.99
  • Unlock GrainHeads Pro$11.99
  • The Archive$24.99
None

Helinaut

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is GrainHeads free?
GrainHeads is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Helinaut free?
Helinaut is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do GrainHeads or Helinaut have ads?
Neither GrainHeads nor Helinaut shows ads.
Which is updated more often, GrainHeads or Helinaut?
GrainHeads ships an update every 5 days, and Helinaut fortnightly. Most recently, GrainHeads was updated on October 31, 2026 and Helinaut on October 31, 2026.

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