Comparison

Refraktions vs WoodStepper

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

Head to head
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.

About

WoodStepper

This app is a versatile music production tool that combines sequencing, synthesis, and sampling. It offers multiple independent sequencers that can be linked, and each can function as a synth. It supports both standalone use and as a plugin within a DAW.

Highlights
  • 4 independent 8-step sequencers
  • Synth mode for parameter automation
  • Sequencers can be linked for longer patterns
  • Audio and MIDI output
  • Built-in VCOs with modulation
  • Sampling from live input or files
  • Step-based pitch shifting and filtering
Features
Read full description

The WoodStepper is a sequencer/synthesizer/sampler having both audio and midi out. The audio sources can be the track audio, sampled audio (live/track recorded or from file) or the built-in VCO's. The VCO notes can also be set by the Chordulator which finds chord notes in a live stream or recorded track. It consists of 4 independent 8-steps sequencers which can be linked to a 16, 24 or 32 steps sequencer. Each sequencer can independently be set to Synth mode. So WoodStepper can be used in any combinations of sequencers, synths and looper/samplers. Each step can also send 4 midi messages (note on, CC, …) to 2 midi channels. The audio part for each sequencer has a pitch (down) shifter, (Moog lowpass) filter with A(D)SR envelope, saturator, amplitude A(D)SR envelope and delay line which can all be set independently per step. The VCO notes can be set by midi input and WoodStepper has a function to limit the notes produced by VCO + pitch shifters to a specified key and interval scale. The app can be used stand-alone (device audio input and output) or as a plugin in a DAW. The manual can be downloaded from : http://www.woodmansimmaculatemaplesyrupstudio.be/woodstepper/WoodStepperHelp.pdf - IOS plugin type : AUv3 effect, AUv3 instrument and stand-alone app.
 - Has 4 independent 8-steps sequencers.
 - Each of the 4 sequencers can be set to Synth mode, the steps can then be used to automate parameters while playing. - Sequencers can be linked to form 16, 24, or 32 steps sequencer(s).
 - Each sequencer can have a different timing.
 - Steps can be disabled for non 4/4 patterns.
 - Each step can send up to 4 midi messages (+ all previous notes off) on 2 midi channels
 - Audio sources can be the track audio, sampled audio or 3 VCO's (per sequencer).
 - Sampling (audio coming live or from the DAW track) can be armed (per sequencer) with a button or a midi in CC.
 - Samples can also be loaded from file (sample files should be in the WoodStepper iCloud folder) - Each sequencer has it’s own gain, clipping led and brick-wall limiter.
 - VCO’s have the usual waveforms and can be modulated in various ways. - Full polyphonic mode sends 4 subsequent note-ons to the 4 sequencers/synths. - Para-polyphonic mode (per sequencer) sends notes 2&3 to the sequencer/synth VCO's 2&3, giving max 12 voices. - Each sequencer/synth can set the range of receiving midi notes (which allows for up to 4 split keyboard regions). - Each step has a pitch down shifter (sequencer mode only). - Pitch shifters have a glide control.
 - Pitch shifters can be set to a random value (out of a list of scales).
 - Pitch values can be harmonically locked to the Just Scale or the Equally Tempered Scale.
 - VCO + Pitch can be limited to a specified key + interval scale (e.g. C Major Pentatonic) - Each step has a 4-pole Moog Lowpass filter with resonance and ASR (sequencer) or ADSR (synth) envelope.
 - Steps have an additional high-pass filter and a saturation control.
 - All steps have an ASR (sequencer) or ADSR (synth) amplitude envelope and a step gain.
 - Each step has its own delay line with independent timing, feedback, and filtering.
 - Step audio and delay can be panned independently per step.
 - Sequencers can be started manually, started with the DAW transport, start after receiving a midi note or start audio gated. - Sequencers can be stopped manually or after a number of bars have been played. - A “Play 1 Step” button allows to finetune step settings
 - An “All Steps” button allows to set the same parameter value in all steps.
 - Has a global Dry-Wet, Input gain and Output gain control.
 - Presets can be stored in iCloud Drive (makes them available on all your devices).
 - Presets can be switched with Midi Program Changes or with the "Next Preset" button when running. - Major controls can be set with Midi CC messages. - Ableton Link can synchronise tempo, phase and start-stop with other Ableton Link enabled apps.

Screenshots

Refraktions4 screens
WoodStepper1 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Refraktions at 90% against WoodStepper's 57%. Refraktions also leads on price ($5.99 vs $10.99) and rating (4.5 vs 4.3). WoodStepper's advantage is update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 2 months) and iOS requirement (11.4 vs 14.3). On ratings volume, 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

Refraktions costs $5.99 and WoodStepper $10.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Refraktions holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 4.3. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 28 and 12 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 90% of Refraktions's written reviews are positive against 57% of WoodStepper's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Refraktions ships an update every 2 months, WoodStepper every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 10, 2026 and October 6, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
Refraktions versus WoodStepper: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterRefraktionsWoodStepper
Price$5.99 — better$10.99
Rating4.5 (28 ratings) — better4.3 (12 ratings)
Positive reviews90.0% of reviews — better57.1% of reviews
Number of ratings28 — better12
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsEvery 3 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaidPaid
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS14.311.4 — better
Further details — not scored
Size26 MB112 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperJason SnellWoodman's Immaculate Maple Syrup Studio

Customer experience

Refraktions

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

WoodStepper

All ratings12 ratings
Positive83.3%
Neutral8.3%
Negative8.3%
Written reviews7 reviews
Positive57.1%
Neutral14.3%
Negative28.6%

In-app purchases

None

Refraktions

No in-app purchases

None

WoodStepper

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Refraktions free?
Refraktions costs $5.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is WoodStepper free?
WoodStepper costs $10.99, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Refraktions or WoodStepper?
Refraktions is rated higher. Refraktions averages 4.5 out of 5 from 28 ratings, while WoodStepper averages 4.3 from 12 ratings.
Do Refraktions or WoodStepper have ads?
Neither Refraktions nor WoodStepper shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Refraktions or WoodStepper?
Refraktions ships an update every 2 months, and WoodStepper every 3 weeks. Most recently, Refraktions was updated on October 10, 2026 and WoodStepper on October 6, 2026.

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