# Refraktions vs Year One

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Refraktions at 90% against Year One's 0%. Refraktions also leads on update cadence (every 2 months vs every 7 months) and rating (4.5 vs 4.3). Year One's advantage is price (Free vs $5.99). On ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Year One is free to download; Refraktions costs $5.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Refraktions holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 4.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Refraktions has 28 ratings behind it against 3, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 90% of Refraktions's written reviews are positive against 0% of Year One's.

Refraktions ships an update every 2 months, Year One every 7 months. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and June 1, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Refraktions | Year One |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $5.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | **[4.5 (28 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/refraktions/id866134037/reviews)** | [4.3 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/year-one/id1282314928/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **28** | 3 |
| Positive reviews | **90.0% of reviews** | 0.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 months** | Every 7 months |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free** |
| Size | 26 MB | 407 MB |
| Requires iOS | **14.3** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Jason Snell](https://appshunter.io/developer/866134040) | [TCW](https://appshunter.io/developer/1193839943) |

## What reviewers say

### Refraktions

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/refraktions/id866134037)

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:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


### Year One

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/year-one/id1282314928)

Experience music in a new dimension with augmented reality. Move around your space to uncover hidden sounds, build melodies, and create unique listening experiences by interacting with spatial audio arrangements.

**Highlights:** Spatial album listening, Augmented reality soundscapes, Interactive music exploration, Build melodies and chords, Dynamic audio effects, Create unique listening experiences

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Refraktions free?

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

### Is Year One free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Refraktions or Year One?

Refraktions is rated higher. Refraktions averages 4.5 out of 5 from 28 ratings, while Year One averages 4.3 from 3 ratings.

### Do Refraktions or Year One have ads?

Neither Refraktions nor Year One shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Refraktions or Year One?

Refraktions ships an update every 2 months, and Year One every 7 months. Most recently, Refraktions was updated on September 24, 2026 and Year One on June 1, 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.*