# PolyQuad vs STEM

The clearest difference is price: PolyQuad at $6.99 against STEM's $14.99. PolyQuad also leads on update cadence (every 2 weeks vs monthly) and iOS requirement (17.0 vs 26.0). On ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

PolyQuad costs $6.99 and STEM $14.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

PolyQuad ships an update every 2 weeks, STEM monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 31, 2026 and October 29, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | PolyQuad | STEM |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **$6.99** | $14.99 |
| Rating | **[5.0 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/polyquad/id6803790337/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **3** | — |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 weeks** | Monthly |
| Monetization | Paid | — |
| Size | 4 MB | 283 MB |
| Requires iOS | **17.0** | 26.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [LASZLO DOBROVOLSZKI](https://appshunter.io/developer/6779159106) | [Michael Ivertowski](https://appshunter.io/developer/6774757588) |

## What reviewers say

### PolyQuad

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/polyquad/id6803790337)

Create complex analog-style synthesizer sounds using four independent voices. Design each voice with its own oscillator, filter, and envelopes, then combine them in various modes for massive layered textures, polyphonic chords, or unique stereo arrangements. Explore a vast library of presets or build your own from scratch.

**Highlights:** Four independent analog-style voices, Multiple oscillator and filter types per voice, Dual envelope generators per voice, Three voice combination modes (UNI, POLY, 2x2), Extensive LFO modulation capabilities, Integrated effects unit (reverb, delay, chorus, phaser, drive), 160 factory presets and user preset management

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### STEM

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stem-live-stem-separation/id6808668529)

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is PolyQuad free?

PolyQuad costs $6.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is STEM free?

STEM costs $14.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Do PolyQuad or STEM have ads?

Neither PolyQuad nor STEM shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, PolyQuad or STEM?

PolyQuad ships an update every 2 weeks, and STEM monthly. Most recently, PolyQuad was updated on October 31, 2026 and STEM on October 29, 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.*