Comparison

ChordPolyPad vs ChordPadX 2

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

ChordPolyPad

This app is a versatile MIDI chord player that allows users to create and play complex chord sets. It offers extensive customization for pads, MIDI controls, and chord generation, functioning as a standalone app or an AUv3 MIDI effect plugin.

Highlights
  • Standalone app and AUv3 MIDI effect plugin
  • 128 pads per preset
  • Customizable X/Y MIDI controllers
  • Advanced random chord generator
  • Internal and external MIDI support
  • Chord filtering and quantizing
  • Preset manager with in-app purchases
Features
Currently charting
Read full description

"ChordPolyPad" is a MIDI chords player that lets you create chord sets using a large internal library, any custom combination of notes, or randomly generated chords. Each preset contains either 8 groups of 16 pads or 2 groups of 64 pads, for a total of 128 pads. In addition to playing chords, each pad can generate customizable MIDI controls on its horizontal and vertical axes, allowing expressive real-time modulation. "ChordPolyPad" can be used as a standalone application or as an AUv3 MIDI effect plug-in. The app supports full internal and external MIDI input and output. An internal sound bank is included for immediate use. The AUv3 MIDI effect plug-in supports multiple instances. A compatible host is required and must support the Audio Unit v3 (AUv3) MIDI effect format. Hosts supporting AUv3 MIDI effect on iOS: Logic Pro, Cubasis, Beatmaker, AUM, Audiobus, NanoStudio, Auria Pro, apeMatrix. Hosts supporting AUv3 MIDI effect on macOS: Logic Pro 10.7 or later. Features: • Standalone application and AUv3 MIDI effect plug-in • 8 groups of 16 pads or 2 groups of 64 pads per preset (128 pads) • Assignable MIDI port and MIDI channel for each pad • Customizable X/Y controller per pad • Per-note velocity control for each chord • Strumming configuration per pad • Copy and paste for pads and groups • Drag and drop chords directly from the library • Chord filtering and quantizing based on the selected scale • Predefined scales and possibility to create custom scales • Advanced random chord generator with diverse musical moods featuring voice leading and context-aware harmonic progressions for naturally flowing compositions • Stop "Audio Background" automatically after inactivity (15 min, 30 min, 1 h, 2 h, or never) • Internal sound bank • Receive MIDI notes and control from external devices • Send MIDI to a virtual port usable as MIDI input by other "Core MIDI" compatible apps • Preset manager with support for in-app purchase packs • "Program Change" support • Preset sharing support by "AirDrop", "Mail", "Messages", and other supported services • Native iCloud support • "iCloud Drive" support in the "Files" app on iOS and "Finder" on macOS • Full support for "Windowed Apps" mode on iPad • Undo/Redo Supported MIDI connections: • Virtual "Core MIDI" connections between apps • Any compatible MIDI interface • MIDI over Wi-Fi • MIDI over Bluetooth

About

ChordPadX 2

This app offers a pad-based MIDI controller for musicians to trigger and manipulate chords. It features velocity-sensitive pads, customizable layouts, and advanced editing options for chord types and voicings. Seamlessly integrate with other music apps and hardware for composing, performing, or experimenting.

Highlights
  • Velocity-sensitive pads for expressive chord triggering
  • Customizable pad layouts and chord editing
  • MIDI output to compatible apps and hardware
  • Intuitive drag-and-drop interface
  • Audio Unit (AUv3) and Core MIDI support
  • User-friendly design for focused creativity
Features
Read full description

Unlock instant inspiration with ChordPadX 2, an intuitive and expressive pad-based MIDI controller designed for musicians of all levels. Whether you're composing, performing, or experimenting with new ideas, this app makes it easy to trigger and manipulate chords with a natural touch. Play rich, dynamic harmonies with just a tap. The velocity-sensitive pads allow you to trigger multiple chords at once, giving you expressive control over your sound. Choose from a variety of dynamic templates or build your own custom layout by dragging and dropping chords into place. Rearrange the pads as needed to create a workflow that suits your creative process. Each pad is fully customizable, allowing you to fine-tune your chords with advanced editing options. Change the chord type, invert voicings, add a bass note, assign colors, or label the pads to keep your setup organized. Whether you’re a beginner looking for inspiration or a pro seeking efficiency, this app adapts to your needs. Key Features: • Expressive Play – Tap velocity-sensitive pads to trigger one or multiple chords at the same time, making your performance more dynamic and natural. • Customizable Pads – Rearrange, edit, and personalize each pad with different chord types, voicings, bass notes, colors, and labels. • Flexible MIDI Control – Send chords via MIDI output to any compatible app or hardware, or use an external MIDI controller to trigger the pads. • Intuitive Drag & Drop – Easily rearrange pads and move chords within the app to create your perfect layout. • Audio Unit (AUv3) & Core MIDI Support – Integrate ChordPadX 2 with your favorite music production apps, DAWs, and MIDI devices. • Intuitive Interface – Designed for efficiency, with an easy-to-use layout that keeps you focused on creativity rather than complexity. With its powerful features and user-friendly interface, this app is the perfect tool for sketching song ideas, experimenting with new chord progressions, or enhancing live performances. Whether you're playing solo or syncing with other apps and hardware, ChordPadX 2 puts the power of harmony at your fingertips. Terms of use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

ChordPolyPad3 screens
ChordPadX 24 screens

Verdict

The call

ChordPolyPad and ChordPadX 2 both sit at 4.6 stars, but that hides the real split: 92% of ChordPolyPad's written reviews are positive against 44% of ChordPadX 2's. ChordPolyPad also leads on chart position (#118 vs unranked) and ratings volume (51 vs 7). ChordPadX 2's advantage is price (Free vs $17.99). On rating, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

ChordPadX 2 is free to download; ChordPolyPad costs $17.99 up front. ChordPolyPad sells 3 one-off in-app purchases and ChordPadX 2 sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

ChordPolyPad holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: ChordPolyPad has 51 ratings behind it against 7, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 92% of ChordPolyPad's written reviews are positive against 44% of ChordPadX 2's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 26, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 6 level
ChordPolyPad versus ChordPadX 2: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterChordPolyPadChordPadX 2
Price$17.99Free — better
Rating4.6 (51 ratings) — better4.4 (7 ratings)
Positive reviews92.1% of reviews — better44.4% of reviews
Number of ratings51 — better7
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsEvery 2 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
Best chart rank#118 — better—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — betteriPhone, iPad, Mac
Requires iOS15.0 — better17.0
Further details — not scored
Size54 MB150 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperLaurent ColsonMathieu Routhier

Customer experience

ChordPolyPad

All ratings51 ratings
Positive92.2%
Neutral0.0%
Negative7.8%
Written reviews114 reviews
Positive92.1%
Neutral3.5%
Negative4.4%

ChordPadX 2

All ratings7 ratings
Positive85.7%
Neutral0.0%
Negative14.3%
Written reviews9 reviews
Positive44.4%
Neutral22.2%
Negative33.3%

In-app purchases

3 purchases

ChordPolyPad

One-time3
  • Retro Pop$4.99
  • Clubwave$4.99
  • Liminal Spaces$4.99
6 purchases

ChordPadX 2

Subscriptions1
  • Monthly Subscription$4.991 Month
One-time5
  • iOS Key Upgrade$12.99
  • macOS Key$17.99
  • iOS Key$17.99
Show 2 more
  • Universal Key Upgrade$19.99
  • Universal Key$24.99

Questions

Is ChordPolyPad free?
ChordPolyPad costs $17.99, and also offers in-app purchases.
Is ChordPadX 2 free?
ChordPadX 2 is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, ChordPolyPad or ChordPadX 2?
ChordPolyPad is rated higher. ChordPolyPad averages 4.6 out of 5 from 51 ratings, while ChordPadX 2 averages 4.4 from 7 ratings.
Do ChordPolyPad or ChordPadX 2 have ads?
Neither ChordPolyPad nor ChordPadX 2 shows ads.
Which is updated more often, ChordPolyPad or ChordPadX 2?
ChordPolyPad ships an update every 2 months, and ChordPadX 2 every 2 months. Most recently, ChordPolyPad was updated on October 26, 2026 and ChordPadX 2 on October 25, 2026.

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