Launch Buttons vs MIDI Expression Control
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Launch Buttons
This app acts as a MIDI controller for music production software, allowing users to perform tracks without needing physical hardware. It offers a grid of buttons, scene and transport controls, and can be expanded with additional features through an in-app purchase.
- MIDI controller for music production
- 8x8 button grid
- Scene and transport controls
- Step sequencer (with script)
- Scale mode (with script)
- Apple Watch extension
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THIS APP DOES NOT PLAY AUDIO BECAUSE IT'S A MIDI CONTROLLER FOR ABLETON LIVE Launch Buttons is a MIDI controller that lets you perform your tracks wherever you go. You don't need to carry your expensive gear; your phone/tablet is just about enough. Works with virtually any DAW after a very simple set up. Ableton + Launchpad 95 script is recommended. This free version gives you access to all 64 buttons on the 8x8 grid, 8 scene launch buttons, 8 buttons to navigate and 7 buttons for transport controls. The Launchpad95 script gives you a step sequencer, scale mode, and many more functions. The Apple Watch extension lets you access about one fifth of the Buttons. This means that you can use the app to control a 3x3 clip launchers, 3 scene launchers, and 4 arrow keys to navigate through your clips. It also can display some of the buttons used for step sequencing, good enough for a little stunt in a live set I'd say. It includes the the "old" colors (red-orange-yellow-green) - if you want to upgrade, Launch Buttons Plus provides you with - full color support (RGB) - 16 more functions buttons (in addition to the 16 you already have) - 16 freely assignable knobs Have fun :)
MIDI Expression Control
This application allows users to modify settings for MIDI Expression devices. Ensure your device has firmware version 2.6 or higher for iOS compatibility.
- Change device settings
- Compatible with MIDI Expression devices
- iOS firmware compatibility check
- Free to download
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This is the Control Application for MIDI Expression devices. It lets you change settings for the devices. Please note that the iOS version of the Control Application is only compatible with devices running firmware version 2.6 and up.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is review sentiment: MIDI Expression Control at 100% against Launch Buttons's 38%. MIDI Expression Control also leads on rating (5.0 vs 2.2) and monetization model (free vs freemium). Launch Buttons's advantage is update cadence (every 2 months vs every 6 months) and ratings volume (41 vs 6). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support 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
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
MIDI Expression Control holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 2.2. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Launch Buttons has 41 ratings behind it against 6, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 38% of Launch Buttons's written reviews are positive against 100% of MIDI Expression Control's.
Launch Buttons ships an update every 2 months, MIDI Expression Control every 6 months. The most recent releases landed on October 7, 2026 and September 23, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Launch Buttons | MIDI Expression Control |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 2.2 (41 ratings) | 5.0 (6 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 38.0% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 41 — better | 6 |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months — better | Every 6 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Freemium | Free — better |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch — better | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 7.0 — better | 12.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 26 MB | 6 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | XAN Software GmbH & Co. KG | Robert Jonkman |
Customer experience
Launch Buttons
MIDI Expression Control
Bugs and requests
Launch Buttons
Reported bugs
10 issues- App doesn't work for many users
- Cannot connect to Ableton Live
- Buttons don't respond
- Pads don't light up
- Transport controls perform wrong functions
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- MIDI messages not recognized by Ableton
- App crashes or freezes
- Watch app doesn't sync properly
- Menu overlay bug
- Occasional lack of sound/light
Requested features
10 requests- Make the app fully functional without payment
- Improve connection stability
- Iron out minor glitches
- Add status indicator or labeled buttons
- Provide visual feedback when buttons are pressed
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- Allow users to put their own music on it
- Add USB support
- Improve watch app synchronization
- Fix the menu bug where exit button is unpressable
- Make the free version more functional
MIDI Expression Control
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
Launch Buttons
No in-app purchases
MIDI Expression Control
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is Launch Buttons free?
Is MIDI Expression Control free?
Which has better reviews, Launch Buttons or MIDI Expression Control?
Do Launch Buttons or MIDI Expression Control have ads?
Which is updated more often, Launch Buttons or MIDI Expression Control?
Other comparisons
