ChordPond vs Etherpad
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
ChordPond
This music creation tool lets you visualize chord progressions as paths on a canvas. Connect chord tiles, experiment with various modes, and instantly hear your compositions through a built-in synth or by routing MIDI to other instruments and DAWs.
- Visual chord tiles on a freeform canvas
- Built-in AUv3 Synth
- Load and play AUv3 instruments
- Scale-aware chords and inversions
- Chord modes (Hold, Stutter, Arp, etc.)
- Scene Automation for song arrangements
- MIDI export and Ableton Link sync
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CHORDPOND - Visual Chord-Tile Sequencer CHORDPOND is a visual MIDI composition tool for iPad and iPhone where chord progressions become paths through chord tiles. Drop chords onto a canvas, connect them with paths, hit play, and hear them instantly through the built-in Frog Synth - or route MIDI to your favorite AUv3 instruments, external synths, or DAW. Built for songwriters, producers, performers, and curious explorers, ChordPond turns harmony into something you can see, touch, and rearrange in seconds. Key Features: - Visual chord tiles on a freeform canvas - Built-in AUv3 Synth for instant sound - Load and play AUv3 instruments directly inside ChordPond - Scale-aware chords, tensions, inversions, and bass control - Hold, Stutter, Arp, Roll, Motif, and Random chord modes - Draw paths between chords with per-node duration, gate, and ratchet settings - Scene Automation for building complete song arrangements - Multiple scenes per project - 20+ scales including modal, jazz, world, and experimental scales - Per-note probability, velocity, micro-timing, and ratchets - MIDI export - Ableton Link sync - AUv3 MIDI plugin for Logic Pro, AUM, Cubasis, Loopy Pro, and more - CoreMIDI support for external instruments - Shared projects between standalone and AUv3 versions - Designed for iPhone, iPad, and Mac (Catalyst) Designed for ideas. Built for progression.
Etherpad
Create evolving soundscapes and ambient textures with an intuitive touch-based music synthesizer. Explore generative music without needing music theory, perfect for relaxation or creative expression.
- Multi-touch synthesis
- Multiple sound presets
- Visual particle effects
- Effect overlays
- Scale selection
- Landscape & portrait modes
- Low-latency audio
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Etherpad is an expressive touch-based music synthesis instrument for iPhone, iPad and your Mac. Sweep your fingers across the screen to create evolving soundscapes, ambient drones, and generative textures. (AUv3 support in Beta) Powered by the legendary Csound audio engine, Etherpad turns your device into a portable synthesizer that responds to every touch with rich, organic sound. No music theory required — just touch, listen, and explore. KEY FEATURES • Multi-touch synthesis — Each finger controls pitch and timbre independently • Distinct Soundscapes — Switch between evolving pad sounds and textures • Reactive Visuals — ripples, trails, rings, and column glow respond to every touch • 14 evolving sounds — from lush pads to Glass Choir, PWM Pad, and Morphwave • Advanced Scales & Tuning — Break out of standard keys and explore the Bohlen-Pierce scale, overtone series, pentatonics, and more • Jam Sessions — Load your own audio tracks directly into the app and play along with your creative flow • MIDI 2.0 — per-note expression and full MIDI support for connected controllers (Beta) • AUv3 plug-in — play Etherpad inside Logic Pro, GarageBand, AUM, and other hosts (Beta) • Ultra Low-latency audio — Built on Csound, the industry-standard audio engine PERFECT FOR • Ambient and drone musicians • Meditation and relaxation • Beginners exploring sound synthesis • Live performers and improvisers • Sound designers and experimental composers • Anyone curious about generative music Website: https://etherpad.app Touch the surface. Hear the universe.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: Etherpad at Free against ChordPond's $3.99. Etherpad also leads on review sentiment (100% vs 67%) and update cadence (every 2 days vs weekly). ChordPond's advantage is chart position (#198 vs unranked). On rating, ads, in-app purchases and device support 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
Etherpad is free to download; ChordPond costs $3.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for ChordPond against 4.9 for Etherpad. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 6 and 20 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 67% of ChordPond's written reviews are positive against 100% of Etherpad's.
ChordPond ships an update weekly, Etherpad every 2 days. The most recent releases landed on September 15, 2026 and September 22, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | ChordPond | Etherpad |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $3.99 | Free — better |
| Rating | 5.0 (6 ratings) — better | 4.9 (20 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 66.7% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 6 | 20 — better |
| Update frequency | Weekly | Every 2 days — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Paid | Free — better |
| Best chart rank | #198 — better | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad, Mac — better |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | 17.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 47 MB | 9 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Steffen Mølgaard Larsen | Dinesh Yadav |
Customer experience
ChordPond
Etherpad
In-app purchases
ChordPond
No in-app purchases
Etherpad
No in-app purchases





