# Contour vs Pixelsynth

The clearest difference is rating: Pixelsynth at 5.0 against Contour's 4.0. Pixelsynth also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 1). On price, ratings volume, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Contour sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Pixelsynth asks for nothing beyond the download.

Pixelsynth holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 2 and 3 respectively.

Contour ships an update weekly, Pixelsynth every 9 days. The most recent releases landed on October 14, 2026 and October 11, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Contour | Pixelsynth |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/contour-ambient-morph-synth/id6798038727/reviews) | **[5.0 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pixelsynth-auv3-visual-synth/id6804130647/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 2 | **3** |
| Positive reviews | 0.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Weekly** | Every 9 days |
| Monetization | Freemium | **Free** |
| Size | 108 MB | 8 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | 16.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Chih Han Lin](https://appshunter.io/developer/1800248325) | [de Bastion, Inc](https://appshunter.io/developer/1871510214) |

## What reviewers say

### Contour

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/contour-ambient-morph-synth/id6798038727)

This app is a unique musical instrument played by touch. It uses a visual interface where your finger's position determines the sound, offering a novel way to create drones, textures, and pads. It also functions as an AUv3 plugin for use in other music production apps.

**Highlights:** Touch-based sound generation, Perceptual distance mapping, Eleven distinct sound sheets, MIDI input and ribbon controller, AUv3 plugin support, Recording functionality (Pro), Customizable sound sheets (Pro)

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Contour Pro | $6.99 | one-time |


### Pixelsynth

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pixelsynth-auv3-visual-synth/id6804130647)

This app transforms musical input into a vibrant visual experience, allowing users to see and shape their sound in real-time. It offers a playful and immediate way to create music, with all controls and feedback displayed on a single screen. Designed by a Deaf musician, it prioritizes visual feedback as an integral part of the instrument.

**Highlights:** Real-time visual sound shaping, Interactive 16-pad grid, Adjustable waveforms, filters, and envelopes, LFO, delay, and reverb effects, AUv3 instrument compatibility, Offline functionality

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Contour free?

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

### Is Pixelsynth free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Contour or Pixelsynth?

Pixelsynth is rated higher. Contour averages 4.0 out of 5 from 2 ratings, while Pixelsynth averages 5.0 from 3 ratings.

### Do Contour or Pixelsynth have ads?

Neither Contour nor Pixelsynth shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Contour or Pixelsynth?

Contour ships an update weekly, and Pixelsynth every 9 days. Most recently, Contour was updated on October 14, 2026 and Pixelsynth 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.*