# Locus vs Rithmatic

The clearest difference is price: Rithmatic at Free against Locus's $3.99. Rithmatic also leads on update cadence (every 2 days vs every 2 weeks) and ratings volume (4 vs 1). Locus's advantage is rating (5.0 vs 4.0). On ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Rithmatic is free to download; Locus costs $3.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Locus holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1 and 4 respectively.

Locus ships an update every 2 weeks, Rithmatic every 2 days. The most recent releases landed on October 2, 2026 and October 13, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Locus | Rithmatic |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $3.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/locus/id6785296998/reviews)** | [4.0 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rithmatic-fm-synth/id6794107110/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 1 | **4** |
| Positive reviews | — | 50.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks | **Every 2 days** |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free** |
| Size | 15 MB | 64 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.6 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Joe Topjian](https://appshunter.io/developer/1860697112) | [MADE WITH BEST PRACTICE LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/6779338119) |

## What reviewers say

### Locus

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/locus/id6785296998)

This app generates evolving melodic MIDI sequences for electronic music production. It offers thirteen generative archetypes and extensive editing capabilities, allowing users to create unique musical ideas and arrange them into full compositions. It functions as a standalone application or an AUv3 MIDI effect within compatible hosts.

**Highlights:** Generative MIDI sequencing, 13 unique generative archetypes, Seed-derived, reproducible patterns, Evolve, Feel, and Edit controls, Per-note slides with 303-style legato, 25 scales and snap-to-scale pitch, Standalone and AUv3 MIDI effect

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### Rithmatic

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rithmatic-fm-synth/id6794107110)

This app is an FM synthesizer featuring a vast library of classic voices. It allows users to explore, learn, build, and blend sounds using an intuitive interface and an AUv3 plugin for DAWs. It offers a comprehensive synthesis engine and various playback options.

**Highlights:** 36,118 classic DX7 voices included, AUv3 plugin for DAWs, Patch Builder to learn FM synthesis, Sound blending feature, On-screen and MIDI keyboard support, Arpeggiator and latch function, WAV export

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Locus free?

Locus costs $3.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Rithmatic free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Locus or Rithmatic?

Locus is rated higher. Locus averages 5.0 out of 5 from 1 ratings, while Rithmatic averages 4.0 from 4 ratings.

### Do Locus or Rithmatic have ads?

Neither Locus nor Rithmatic shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Locus or Rithmatic?

Locus ships an update every 2 weeks, and Rithmatic every 2 days. Most recently, Locus was updated on October 2, 2026 and Rithmatic on October 13, 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.*