Comparison

TKFX vs Polywave

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

Head to head
About

TKFX

This app transforms your iOS device into a comprehensive controller for Traktor DJ software. It offers intuitive control over decks, loopers, mixers, and especially Traktor's effects via an X/Y pad. Enjoy plug-and-play functionality without complex MIDI mapping.

Highlights
  • Full decks, looper, and mixer control
  • Jog dial for each deck
  • X/Y pad for effect control
  • Plug & Play setup
  • Wireless or USB connection
  • Single or group effect unit modes
Features
Read full description

TKFX is a full-fledged Traktor controller for iOS devices. Besides full decks, looper and mixer control with a jog dial included, it allows you to control Traktor effects in a powerful and intuitive way using a X/Y pad for each effect unit. Select the effect you want to use, assign effect parameters to X/Y pad axis, enable the effect in the wished deck and touch the pad. The effect is automatically applied. TKFX is completely plug and play which means that you don’t need to waste countless hours in MIDI mapping. TKFX knows all about Traktor’s decks and effects, just select the deck or effect you want and all it’s parameters and functions will be automatically available on the respective buttons. TKFX supports effects unit operation in single or group mode. Key features: - 2 or 4 deck units mode - Full decks and looper control - Cue-points control - Jog dial for each deck (CD or Vinyl mode) - Full mixer control and crossfader - Browse & load tracks - X/Y pad - Plug & Play - Link function - Hold function - BPM sync - 1 or 4 effect units mode - 4 memory banks - Single or group mode - Wireless or USB wired connection For detailed documentation please visit www.imaginando.pt/products/tkfx PRESS REVIEWS "TKFX is excellent fun to use and DJ effects respond especially well to this kind of real-time effect control." - Hollin Jones - AskAudio Magazine "But wouldn’t it be nice to use a tablet for X/Y control of effects? TKFX does that, and nothing else – but it does it damned well." - Peter Kirn - Create Digital Music "I recommend this app for anyone who likes to use the effects inside of Traktor, as it offers you an instant way to add and manipulate effects with ease" Alan Churchill - Traktor Tips "In conjunction with a dedicated hardware controller, TKFX is a simple but effective solution for extended Traktor FX control." - Declan McGlynn - Resident Advisor

About

Polywave

Create unique, evolving sonic experiences with a novel wavetable sequencer inspired by vintage synths. Draw your own waveforms, explore a vast library, and connect to external keyboards or DAWs. Record your creations directly within the app.

Highlights
  • Wavetable sequencer
  • Custom waveform drawing
  • Expansive waveform library
  • 100+ factory presets
  • MIDI and Audio Unit support
  • Live recording module
  • 8-voice polyphony
Features
Read full description

From Fingerlab (multiple-time winner of Music App of the Week, 2012 Apple Design Award) and Jordan Rudess (keyboardist of Dream Theater), comes Polywave — a revolutionary wavetable sequencer synthesizer for iPhone, iPad & Mac. Inspired by the legendary Korg Wavestation, Polywave lets you draw your own waveforms with your finger and create unique, ever-evolving sounds that are truly yours. Draw your own waveforms directly on screen 100+ factory presets: leads, pads, loops & FX Connect any MIDI keyboard or load as AUv3 in your DAW Live recording built-in Free version includes 12 factory presets and a selection of core features. Get the Full Version IAP to unlock everything. Features: • 8-voice polyphony & 6 octaves • Wavetable & waveform sequencer • VCO & FM Oscillators • FM Modulation & Detune • ADSR Envelope editor • Moog Ladder filter with ADSR • 2 LFOs with custom modulation waveform • LFO Sync & Loop mode • Waveform drawing editor & library (100 waveforms) • Preset Randomizer & export/import • 5 FX: Tube Amp, Vibrato, Chorus, Delay & Reverb • Live recording & export • Full MIDI & MIDI Mapping support • AudioBus & Inter-App Audio (iOS) • Full AudioUnit AUv3 support • iCloud Family Sharing Questions or feedback? We'd love to hear from you: contact@fingerlab.net Stay tuned! The Fingerlab Team

Screenshots

TKFX3 screens
Polywave4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: Polywave at 4.7 against TKFX's 4.4. Polywave also leads on review sentiment (80% vs 66%). TKFX's advantage is update cadence (every 2 months vs every 4 months). On price, ratings volume, ads and in-app purchases 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

Both are free to download. TKFX sells 8 one-off in-app purchases and Polywave sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Polywave holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.4. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 45 and 34 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 66% of TKFX's written reviews are positive against 80% of Polywave's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

TKFX ships an update every 2 months, Polywave every 4 months. The most recent releases landed on September 2, 2026 and September 23, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
TKFX versus Polywave: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterTKFXPolywave
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.4 (45 ratings)4.7 (34 ratings) — better
Positive reviews66.0% of reviews80.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings45 — better34
Update frequencyEvery 2 months — betterEvery 4 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — better
Requires iOS1413.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size44 MB44 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperImaginando LdaFingerlab

Customer experience

TKFX

All ratings45 ratings
Positive82.2%
Neutral6.7%
Negative11.1%
Written reviews50 reviews
Positive66.0%
Neutral4.0%
Negative30.0%

Polywave

All ratings34 ratings
Positive91.2%
Neutral2.9%
Negative5.9%
Written reviews25 reviews
Positive80.0%
Neutral8.0%
Negative12.0%

In-app purchases

8 purchases

TKFX

One-time8
  • Unlimited Banks$1.99
  • Unlimited Decks$1.99
  • Unlimited Units$1.99
Show 5 more
  • Unlimited Effects$1.99
  • Unlimited Parameters$1.99
  • Unlimited Functions$1.99
  • Unlimited Usage$8.99
  • Unlock Decks$8.99
1 purchases

Polywave

One-time1
  • Full Version$7.99

Questions

Is TKFX free?
TKFX is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Polywave free?
Polywave is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, TKFX or Polywave?
Polywave is rated higher. TKFX averages 4.4 out of 5 from 45 ratings, while Polywave averages 4.7 from 34 ratings.
Do TKFX or Polywave have ads?
Neither TKFX nor Polywave shows ads.
Which is updated more often, TKFX or Polywave?
TKFX ships an update every 2 months, and Polywave every 4 months. Most recently, TKFX was updated on September 2, 2026 and Polywave on September 23, 2026.

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