# Knob Lab vs Launch Buttons

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Knob Lab at 85% against Launch Buttons's 38%. Knob Lab also leads on rating (4.3 vs 2.2). Launch Buttons's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 4) and update cadence (every 2 months vs every 5 months). On price, ads, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Knob Lab sells 4 one-off in-app purchases. Launch Buttons asks for nothing beyond the download.

Knob Lab holds the better App Store score, 4.3 against 2.2. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 12 and 41 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 85% of Knob Lab's written reviews are positive against 38% of Launch Buttons's.

Knob Lab ships an update every 5 months, Launch Buttons every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 13, 2026 and October 7, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Knob Lab | Launch Buttons |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.3 (12 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/knob-lab/id727466234/reviews)** | [2.2 (41 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/launch-buttons-live-control/id942090167/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 12 | **41** |
| Positive reviews | **84.6% of reviews** | 38.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 5 months | **Every 2 months** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Freemium |
| Size | 66 MB | 26 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **7.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Uri Nachmias](https://appshunter.io/developer/316332139) | [XAN Software GmbH & Co. KG](https://appshunter.io/developer/942090166) |

## What reviewers say

### Knob Lab

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/knob-lab/id727466234)

This application transforms your iOS device into a versatile MIDI controller. It allows you to manage various DAWs and music software remotely via USB, WiFi, or Bluetooth. Create intricate control setups with a single rotary knob, affecting multiple MIDI destinations simultaneously.

**Highlights:** Remote DAW control, USB, WiFi, Bluetooth connectivity, Virtual MIDI support, Audiobus integration, Complex control mapping, iPad support, MIDI logger

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Two Knob Layout | $0.99 | one-time |
| Four/Six Knob Layout | $0.99 | one-time |
| Nine/Twelve knob layout. | $0.99 | one-time |
| Unlock all layouts | $1.99 | one-time |


### Launch Buttons

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/launch-buttons-live-control/id942090167)

This app acts as a MIDI controller for music production software, allowing users to perform tracks without needing physical hardware. It offers a grid of buttons, scene and transport controls, and can be expanded with additional features through an in-app purchase.

**Highlights:** MIDI controller for music production, 8x8 button grid, Scene and transport controls, Step sequencer (with script), Scale mode (with script), Apple Watch extension

**Features:** Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Works well with Ableton Live
- 🚀 Low latency performance
- ✨ Great for music creation beginners
- 💡 Useful as a MIDI controller alternative
- 🌟 Good concept and design

**What reviewers complain about**

- ❌ Many users can't get it to work
- 💸 Requires payment for full functionality
- 🔇 No built-in sounds (MIDI controller)
- 🔌 Connection issues with Ableton
- 🤔 Confusing to set up

**Reported bugs**

- App doesn't work for many users
- Cannot connect to Ableton Live
- Buttons don't respond
- Pads don't light up
- Transport controls perform wrong functions

**Requested features**

- Make the app fully functional without payment
- Improve connection stability
- Iron out minor glitches
- Add status indicator or labeled buttons
- Provide visual feedback when buttons are pressed


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Knob Lab free?

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

### Is Launch Buttons free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Knob Lab or Launch Buttons?

Knob Lab is rated higher. Knob Lab averages 4.3 out of 5 from 12 ratings, while Launch Buttons averages 2.2 from 41 ratings.

### Do Knob Lab or Launch Buttons have ads?

Neither Knob Lab nor Launch Buttons shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Knob Lab or Launch Buttons?

Knob Lab ships an update every 5 months, and Launch Buttons every 2 months. Most recently, Knob Lab was updated on October 13, 2026 and Launch Buttons on October 7, 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.*