# Grainsmith Field vs HeadStack

The clearest difference is update cadence: Grainsmith Field at every 2 days against HeadStack's every 9 days. Grainsmith Field also leads on rating (5.0 vs 4.8). HeadStack's advantage is price ($7.99 vs $11.99) and iOS requirement (14 vs 16.0). On review sentiment, ratings volume, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Grainsmith Field costs $11.99 and HeadStack $7.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Grainsmith Field holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.8. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 5 and 5 respectively. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 100% and 100% positive.

Grainsmith Field ships an update every 2 days, HeadStack every 9 days. The most recent releases landed on September 26, 2026 and October 1, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Grainsmith Field | HeadStack |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $11.99 | **$7.99** |
| Rating | **[5.0 (5 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/grainsmith-field/id6760624826/reviews)** | [4.8 (5 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/headstack/id6781611375/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 5 | 5 |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 days** | Every 9 days |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Size | 81 MB | 25 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | **14** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Plastic Factory LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1017920807) | [4Pockets.com](https://appshunter.io/developer/370131860) |

## What reviewers say

### Grainsmith Field

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/grainsmith-field/id6760624826)

Transform any sound into unique sonic textures using a powerful granular synthesizer. Manipulate audio with multiple playheads, record live input, and play it like an instrument via MIDI. Optimized for mobile, it offers extensive control and export options.

**Highlights:** Granular synthesis engine, Multiple independent playheads, Live audio recording and manipulation, MIDI instrument mode, AUv3 music effect, Performance recording with Live Activity, Built-in reverb and filter

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### HeadStack

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/headstack/id6781611375)

This app offers a virtual tape loop with 8 independently configurable playback heads for creating diverse echo effects. It captures the warmth of classic tape machines while offering modern flexibility for sound design, from vintage echoes to evolving ambient textures.

**Highlights:** Multi-head tape engine with 8 playback heads, Vintage tape character and imperfections, Independent control for each playback head, Rotating head wheel for dynamic effects, Granular harmony engine for pitch-shifted textures, Per-head modulation and creative feedback routing, Diffusion and smearing for atmospheric washes

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Grainsmith Field free?

Grainsmith Field costs $11.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is HeadStack free?

HeadStack costs $7.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Grainsmith Field or HeadStack?

Grainsmith Field is rated higher. Grainsmith Field averages 5.0 out of 5 from 5 ratings, while HeadStack averages 4.8 from 5 ratings.

### Do Grainsmith Field or HeadStack have ads?

Neither Grainsmith Field nor HeadStack shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Grainsmith Field or HeadStack?

Grainsmith Field ships an update every 2 days, and HeadStack every 9 days. Most recently, Grainsmith Field was updated on September 26, 2026 and HeadStack on October 1, 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.*