# Playback vs StageWave

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: StageWave at none against Playback's 3. StageWave also leads on iOS requirement (12.0 vs 15.6). Playback's advantage is review sentiment (66% vs 36%) and ratings volume (4.3K vs 9). On price, rating, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Playback sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. StageWave asks for nothing beyond the download.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.8 for Playback against 4.8 for StageWave. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Playback has 4.3K ratings behind it against 9, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 66% of Playback's written reviews are positive against 36% of StageWave's.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 2, 2026 and August 17, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Playback | StageWave |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.8 (4.3K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/playback/id751755884/reviews) | [4.8 (9 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stagewave/id1478655752/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **4.3K** | 9 |
| Positive reviews | **66.0% of reviews** | 35.7% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Monthly | Monthly |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Best chart rank | **#197** | — |
| Size | 132 MB | 35 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 | **12.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [MultiTracks.com](https://appshunter.io/developer/751755887) | [Rodrigo Urbina](https://appshunter.io/developer/1406835555) |

## What reviewers say

### Playback

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/playback/id751755884)

**Currently charting:** #197 Top Grossing · Music (US App Store)

This app transforms your device into a powerful multi-track player for worship teams. It integrates with other worship production tools, offers advanced features like automation and MIDI control, and provides an intuitive interface for volunteers.

**Highlights:** Multi-track audio playback, Integration with worship production tools, Automation and MIDI control, Custom song arrangements, Setlist management, Ambient pad player

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pro | $4.99 | per month |
| Pro | $8.99 | per month |
| Premium | $14.99 | per month |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Easy to use
- 👍 Powerful features
- 🚀 Seamless playback
- 🚀 Intuitive interface
- 👍 Great for small churches

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional crashes and glitches
- 💰 Expensive subscription model
- 🔒 Difficult to use on multiple devices
- 🔒 Lack of free trial or demo
- 🐛 Inconsistent behavior after updates

**Reported bugs**

- Click track and guide audio issues
- Playback freezing or crashing on certain devices
- Syncing problems between multiple devices
- Rental tracks not loading properly

**Requested features**

- Ability to create and save custom setlists
- More advanced editing capabilities for individual tracks
- Tempo and key change options during live performance
- Improved MIDI integration for lyrics and lighting control
- Standalone version without subscription requirement


### StageWave

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stagewave/id1478655752)

This software-based system offers wireless personal audio monitoring for musicians. Control your sound mix directly from your smartphone, reducing cable clutter for live performances, recording, and practice.

**Highlights:** Wireless personal monitoring, Smartphone control, Reduced cable clutter, Universal equipment compatibility, Wi-Fi enabled connection

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Playback free?

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

### Is StageWave free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Playback or StageWave?

Playback and StageWave are both rated 4.8 out of 5 on the App Store, from 4.3K and 9 ratings respectively.

### Do Playback or StageWave have ads?

Neither Playback nor StageWave shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Playback or StageWave?

Playback ships an update monthly, and StageWave monthly. Most recently, Playback was updated on October 2, 2026 and StageWave on August 17, 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.*