# GrainHeads vs Mainstage App

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Mainstage App at none against GrainHeads's 1. Mainstage App also leads on iOS requirement (15.1 vs 17.6). On price, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. GrainHeads sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Mainstage App asks for nothing beyond the download.

GrainHeads ships an update every 3 days, Mainstage App every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on October 8, 2026 and October 11, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | GrainHeads | Mainstage App |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (14 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/grainheads/id6760582834/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **14** | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 days** | Every 5 days |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Size | 108 MB | 36 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.6 | **15.1** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Andrei Nevar](https://appshunter.io/developer/1885164055) | [Raphael Ohanian](https://appshunter.io/developer/6792032320) |

## What reviewers say

### 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 (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Unlock GrainHeads Pro | $11.99 | one-time |


### Mainstage App

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mainstage-app/id6792032318)

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is GrainHeads free?

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

### Is Mainstage App free?

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

### Do GrainHeads or Mainstage App have ads?

Neither GrainHeads nor Mainstage App shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, GrainHeads or Mainstage App?

GrainHeads ships an update every 3 days, and Mainstage App every 5 days. Most recently, GrainHeads was updated on October 8, 2026 and Mainstage App on October 11, 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.*