# VU950 vs Starrypad

The clearest difference is price: Starrypad at Free against VU950's $4.99. Starrypad also leads on review sentiment (100% vs 60%) and in-app purchases (none vs 8). VU950's advantage is rating (4.2 vs 3.7) and update cadence (every 2 days vs every 10 days). On ads there is nothing between them.

Starrypad is free to download; VU950 costs $4.99 up front. VU950 sells 8 one-off in-app purchases. Starrypad asks for nothing beyond the download.

VU950 holds the better App Store score, 4.2 against 3.7. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 11 and 3 respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 60% of VU950's written reviews are positive against 100% of Starrypad's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

VU950 ships an update every 2 days, Starrypad every 10 days. Both last shipped on October 31, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | VU950 | Starrypad |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $4.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | **[4.2 (11 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vu950/id6772073841/reviews)** | [3.7 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/starrypad/id6806672128/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **11** | 3 |
| Positive reviews | 60.0% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 days** | Every 10 days |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free** |
| Size | 189 MB | 45 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Dariusz Chynek](https://appshunter.io/developer/1805845479) | [Ryo Ijuin](https://appshunter.io/developer/6806672130) |

## What reviewers say

### VU950

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vu950/id6772073841)

This app emulates the behavior of early digital samplers, focusing on sound shaping through intentional limitations and artifacts. It offers a full timestretch workflow, reduced bit depth processing, and MIDI control for a hands-on experience. Standalone mode includes multi-track sequencing, effects, and the ability to host other AUv3 apps.

**Highlights:** Classic sampler sound emulation, Full timestretch workflow, Reduced bit depth processing, MIDI-controllable parameters, Multi-track sequencing, AUv3 hosting, Built-in effects

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

**In-app purchases (8)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| EMAX drumkit | $0.99 | one-time |
| S2400 | $0.99 | one-time |
| MPC2000 | $0.99 | one-time |
| MPC2000 2 | $0.99 | one-time |
| MPC3000 | $0.99 | one-time |
| SP1200 | $0.99 | one-time |
| S900 | $0.99 | one-time |
| SP202 | $0.99 | one-time |


### Starrypad

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/starrypad/id6806672128)

Transform your device into a versatile music creation tool. Record and import audio, then assign it to velocity-sensitive pads for playback. Build complex loops with layering and undo options, and export your creations in multiple formats.

**Highlights:** 16 velocity-sensitive pads, Built-in drum kits and synth phrases, Microphone and audio import, Loop recording with layering, WAV and MIDI export, MIDI controller support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is VU950 free?

VU950 costs $4.99, and also offers in-app purchases.

### Is Starrypad free?

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

### Which has better reviews, VU950 or Starrypad?

VU950 is rated higher. VU950 averages 4.2 out of 5 from 11 ratings, while Starrypad averages 3.7 from 3 ratings.

### Do VU950 or Starrypad have ads?

Neither VU950 nor Starrypad shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, VU950 or Starrypad?

VU950 ships an update every 2 days, and Starrypad every 10 days. Most recently, VU950 was updated on October 31, 2026 and Starrypad on October 31, 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.*