Comparison

microTERA vs Refraktions

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

Head to head
About

microTERA

Explore unique sonic textures with this waveshaping synthesizer. Generate novel sound patches randomly or program them with detailed controls. Includes a variety of built-in effects and advanced sequencing capabilities.

Highlights
  • Waveshaper with user programmable shape
  • Random sound patch generation
  • Sequencer with programmable steps
  • Built-in effects (Chorus, Phaser, Reverb, etc.)
  • Over 150 factory sounds
  • Audiobus and Ableton Link compatible
Read full description

Waveshaping Synthesis is a type of distortion synthesis that can create dynamic spectra in a controlled way. In waveshaping, it is possible to change the spectrum with the amplitude of the sound. A simple example of this method is the clipping caused by overdriving an audio amplifier. These simple method creates an astonishing variety of sounds which are very unique and can't be reproduced by any other contemporary synth! microTERA gives you also a method of getting randomly generated sound patches in a way you never experienced before: roll the dice! Every single try gives you a new unique sound patch, really every try, promised… Waveshaping Synthesis • Wavehaper with user programmable shape • Spectral shape specification • Three sine oscillators • Feedback input for noise components • 4 Low frequency oscillators • 4 Envelopes with tempo sync • 64 time/level segments per envelope • Monophonic or polyphonic with 16 voices. • Over 150 factory sounds • Uses programmable sequences with up to 32 steps.  • Can trigger single notes and chords. • Unique randomizer generates Arpeggios with 100% usability. • 32 Arpeggios included, unlimited useer arpeggios possible. • For each step you can program tie, accent, transposition and note order Effects • Chorus • Phaser • Distortion (Tape/Tube/...) • Echo/Delay • Reverb Global • Audiobus compatible (Input slot) with state saving • Support for Ableton Link. • Inter App Audio compatible. • CoreMIDI / Virtual MIDI • Audio recorder with Metronome. • Upload to SoundCloud and File Export. • Audio pasteboard.

About

Refraktions

This app is an 8-track generative MIDI sequencer that uses AI to create personalized loops based on user input over time. It offers a unique approach to music creation, adapting to individual preferences.

Highlights
  • 8-track generative MIDI sequencing
  • Artificial intelligence processing
  • Time-based input adaptation
  • Personalized loop creation
  • User-tailored output
Features
Read full description

Refraktions is an 8-track generative MIDI sequencer with artificial intelligence that processes input over time to create loops tailored to each individual user.

Screenshots

Refraktions4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: microTERA at 4.9 against Refraktions's 4.5. microTERA also leads on price ($1.99 vs $5.99) and iOS requirement (11.0 vs 14.3). Refraktions's advantage is review sentiment (90% vs 81%) and device support (3 vs 1). On update cadence, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model 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

microTERA costs $1.99 and Refraktions $5.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

microTERA holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.5. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 8 and 28 respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 81% of microTERA's written reviews are positive against 90% of Refraktions's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

microTERA ships an update every 4 months, Refraktions every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 5, 2026 and September 24, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 4 level
microTERA versus Refraktions: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParametermicroTERARefraktions
Price$1.99 — better$5.99
Rating4.9 (8 ratings) — better4.5 (28 ratings)
Positive reviews81.0% of reviews90.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings828 — better
Update frequencyEvery 4 monthsEvery 2 months — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaidPaid
DevicesiPadiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS11.0 — better14.3
Further details — not scored
Size24 MB26 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperHarry GohsJason Snell

Customer experience

microTERA

All ratings8 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews21 reviews
Positive81.0%
Neutral14.3%
Negative4.8%

Refraktions

All ratings28 ratings
Positive85.7%
Neutral7.1%
Negative7.1%
Written reviews20 reviews
Positive90.0%
Neutral5.0%
Negative5.0%

In-app purchases

None

microTERA

No in-app purchases

None

Refraktions

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is microTERA free?
microTERA costs $1.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is Refraktions free?
Refraktions costs $5.99, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, microTERA or Refraktions?
microTERA is rated higher. microTERA averages 4.9 out of 5 from 8 ratings, while Refraktions averages 4.5 from 28 ratings.
Do microTERA or Refraktions have ads?
Neither microTERA nor Refraktions shows ads.
Which is updated more often, microTERA or Refraktions?
microTERA ships an update every 4 months, and Refraktions every 2 months. Most recently, microTERA was updated on October 5, 2026 and Refraktions on September 24, 2026.

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