# Xkey Plus vs SWAM Cello

The clearest difference is review sentiment: SWAM Cello at 100% against Xkey Plus's 36%. SWAM Cello also leads on rating (4.5 vs 2.9) and chart position (#177 vs unranked). Xkey Plus's advantage is price (Free vs $29.99) and iOS requirement (9.3 vs 15.0). On ratings volume, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Xkey Plus is free to download; SWAM Cello costs $29.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

SWAM Cello holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 2.9. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 13 and 12 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 36% of Xkey Plus's written reviews are positive against 100% of SWAM Cello's.

Xkey Plus ships an update every 3 months, SWAM Cello every 5 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 23, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Xkey Plus | SWAM Cello |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **Free** | $29.99 |
| Rating | [2.9 (13 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/xkey-plus/id698087460/reviews) | **[4.5 (12 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/swam-cello/id1458005740/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **13** | 12 |
| Positive reviews | 35.7% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Every 5 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Paid |
| Best chart rank | — | **#177** |
| Size | 9 MB | 101 MB |
| Requires iOS | **9.3** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [ESI Audiotechnik GmbH](https://appshunter.io/developer/1627424644) | [Audio Modeling](https://appshunter.io/developer/1326331126) |

## What reviewers say

### Xkey Plus

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/xkey-plus/id698087460)

This app enhances the functionality of ESI Xkey musical keyboards on mobile devices. It allows users to update firmware, customize velocity curves, and configure key sensitivity and timings for an advanced user experience.

**Highlights:** Check for new Xkey firmware, Velocity curves editor, Configure Xkey sensitivity & timings, Access all Xkey parameters, Configure key & button assignments, Access Xkey documentation & support

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### SWAM Cello

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/swam-cello/id1458005740)

**Currently charting:** #177 Top Paid · Music (US App Store)

This virtual instrument uses physical modeling to generate realistic string performances in real-time, responding dynamically to your playing style. It offers advanced spatial control with a built-in room simulator and supports various input devices for expressive control. Ideal for musicians seeking a highly responsive and versatile cello sound on mobile.

**Highlights:** Physical modeling sound generation, Real-time dynamic response, Room simulator 'Ambiente', Standalone and AUv3 plugin support, Expressive virtual bowing surface, MPE and MIDI controller support, Micro-tuning capabilities

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Xkey Plus free?

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

### Is SWAM Cello free?

SWAM Cello costs $29.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Xkey Plus or SWAM Cello?

SWAM Cello is rated higher. Xkey Plus averages 2.9 out of 5 from 13 ratings, while SWAM Cello averages 4.5 from 12 ratings.

### Do Xkey Plus or SWAM Cello have ads?

Neither Xkey Plus nor SWAM Cello shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Xkey Plus or SWAM Cello?

Xkey Plus ships an update every 3 months, and SWAM Cello every 5 weeks. Most recently, Xkey Plus was updated on October 23, 2026 and SWAM Cello on October 25, 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.*