# Sliver vs StepBud

The clearest difference is rating: Sliver at 4.7 against StepBud's 4.4. Sliver also leads on iOS requirement (8.0 vs 13.0). StepBud's advantage is update cadence (fortnightly vs every 6 weeks) and chart position (#200 vs unranked). On review sentiment, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Sliver costs $5.99 and StepBud $4.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Sliver holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.4. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 10 and 38 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 75% of Sliver's written reviews are positive against 71% of StepBud's.

Sliver ships an update every 6 weeks, StepBud fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 23, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Sliver | StepBud |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $5.99 | **$4.99** |
| Rating | **[4.7 (10 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sliver/id789010140/reviews)** | [4.4 (38 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stepbud-auv3-midi-sequencer/id1453104408/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 10 | **38** |
| Positive reviews | **75.0% of reviews** | 70.6% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 6 weeks | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free** |
| Best chart rank | — | **#200** |
| Size | 33 MB | 8 MB |
| Requires iOS | **8.0** | 13.0 |
| Devices | iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Alex Matheu](https://appshunter.io/developer/407790501) | [Cem Olcay](https://appshunter.io/developer/523633853) |

## What reviewers say

### Sliver

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sliver/id789010140)

Create unique sonic textures and playable instruments from any audio. Manipulate sound with real-time resizable clips, advanced automation, and physics-based XY pads. Supports extensive import/export and MIDI control.

**Highlights:** Real-time manipulation slivers, Independent audio channels, Full automation control, Physics-based XY pads, Touchable waveform scrubbing, Extensive effects chain, MIDI learn and control

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


### StepBud

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stepbud-auv3-midi-sequencer/id1453104408)

**Currently charting:** #200 Top Paid · Music (US App Store)

This app is a versatile MIDI sequencer that allows for unlimited steps and detailed control over each step's parameters. It integrates with other music apps and supports various sequencing modes for creative performances.

**Highlights:** Unlimited steps, Step parameter control (note, velocity, rate, etc.), Custom MIDI CC messages, Step locking and skipping, Master fader with copy/shift modes, Step Editor for detailed note editing, Arpeggio modes (up, down, random)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Sliver free?

Sliver costs $5.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is StepBud free?

StepBud costs $4.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Sliver or StepBud?

Sliver is rated higher. Sliver averages 4.7 out of 5 from 10 ratings, while StepBud averages 4.4 from 38 ratings.

### Do Sliver or StepBud have ads?

Neither Sliver nor StepBud shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Sliver or StepBud?

Sliver ships an update every 6 weeks, and StepBud fortnightly. Most recently, Sliver was updated on October 23, 2026 and StepBud on October 24, 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.*