# Effectrix vs modstep

The clearest difference is price: Effectrix at Free against modstep's $9.99. Effectrix also leads on rating (4.7 vs 2.8) and review sentiment (67% vs 46%). modstep's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 4 months). On ratings volume, ads, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.

Effectrix is free to download; modstep costs $9.99 up front. Effectrix sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. modstep asks for nothing beyond the download.

Effectrix holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 2.8. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 97 and 39 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 67% of Effectrix's written reviews are positive against 46% of modstep's.

Effectrix ships an update every 4 months, modstep every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on August 7, 2026 and June 10, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Effectrix | modstep |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **Free** | $9.99 |
| Rating | **[4.7 (97 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/effectrix/id681772221/reviews)** | [2.8 (39 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/modstep/id966990643/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **97** | 39 |
| Positive reviews | **67.3% of reviews** | 45.8% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Size | 52 MB | 99 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.6 | **7.0** |
| Devices | iPad | iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Sugar Bytes GmbH](https://appshunter.io/developer/614418826) | [Christian Blomert](https://appshunter.io/developer/385949478) |

## What reviewers say

### Effectrix

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/effectrix/id681772221)

This professional multi-effect sequencer for iPad allows users to create unique sound patterns and loop collages by scattering 14 intelligent effects across a sequencer matrix. It offers a playful workflow, refined algorithms, and a wide spectrum of effects for outstanding results.

**Highlights:** Multi-effect sequencer matrix, 14 intelligent effects, Creative sound pattern generation, Loop collage creation, Audio Unit v3 integration, Full MIDI support, Ableton Link synchronization

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Effectrix Full Version | $24.99 | one-time |


### modstep

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/modstep/id966990643)

Create music with a powerful MIDI sequencer for iPad. Control external hardware, IAA apps, and Audio Units. Features unlimited tracks, real-time editing, and integrated synths/samplers for on-the-go or studio production.

**Highlights:** Session-style MIDI sequencer, Unlimited tracks and scenes, Real-time editing and modulation, Integrated synth and sampler, IAA and Audio Unit integration, Ableton Link sync, MIDI and Audio export

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🎛️ Powerful MIDI sequencing capabilities
- 🎨 Clean and polished user interface design
- 🔗 Excellent integration with external hardware and IAA/AU apps
- 🎵 Ableton Live-like clip launching workflow
- 🎚️ Extensive automation and CC control options

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent crashes and stability issues
- ⏸️ App appears abandoned with no recent updates
- 🔌 IAA/AU instrument loading causes crashes
- 📖 Poor documentation and lack of tutorials
- 🎚️ Confusing and unintuitive user interface

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes when loading external IAA/AU instruments
- Constant clicking sound with metronome off
- Projects fail to load or require multiple restart attempts
- MIDI input routing ignores channel settings
- Track names change when using 'save as' function

**Requested features**

- Undo/redo functionality
- MIDI import capability
- Pre-roll for recording
- Dedicated mixer with send/returns
- Audio loop recording and playback


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Effectrix free?

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

### Is modstep free?

modstep costs $9.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Effectrix or modstep?

Effectrix is rated higher. Effectrix averages 4.7 out of 5 from 97 ratings, while modstep averages 2.8 from 39 ratings.

### Do Effectrix or modstep have ads?

Neither Effectrix nor modstep shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Effectrix or modstep?

Effectrix ships an update every 4 months, and modstep every 3 weeks. Most recently, Effectrix was updated on August 7, 2026 and modstep on June 10, 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.*