# Launch Buttons vs MIDI Expression Control

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.

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.

## The numbers

| Metric | Launch Buttons | MIDI Expression Control |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [2.2 (41 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/launch-buttons-live-control/id942090167/reviews) | **[5.0 (6 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/midi-expression-control/id1200670783/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **41** | 6 |
| Positive reviews | 38.0% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 months** | Every 6 months |
| Monetization | Freemium | **Free** |
| Size | 26 MB | 6 MB |
| Requires iOS | **7.0** | 12.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch** | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [XAN Software GmbH & Co. KG](https://appshunter.io/developer/942090166) | [Robert Jonkman](https://appshunter.io/developer/1200670782) |

## What reviewers say

### Launch Buttons

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/launch-buttons-live-control/id942090167)

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.

**Highlights:** MIDI controller for music production, 8x8 button grid, Scene and transport controls, Step sequencer (with script), Scale mode (with script), Apple Watch extension

**Features:** Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Works well with Ableton Live
- 🚀 Low latency performance
- ✨ Great for music creation beginners
- 💡 Useful as a MIDI controller alternative
- 🌟 Good concept and design

**What reviewers complain about**

- ❌ Many users can't get it to work
- 💸 Requires payment for full functionality
- 🔇 No built-in sounds (MIDI controller)
- 🔌 Connection issues with Ableton
- 🤔 Confusing to set up

**Reported bugs**

- 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

**Requested features**

- 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


### MIDI Expression Control

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/midi-expression-control/id1200670783)

This application allows users to modify settings for MIDI Expression devices. Ensure your device has firmware version 2.6 or higher for iOS compatibility.

**Highlights:** Change device settings, Compatible with MIDI Expression devices, iOS firmware compatibility check, Free to download

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Launch Buttons free?

Launch Buttons is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is MIDI Expression Control free?

MIDI Expression Control is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Launch Buttons or MIDI Expression Control?

MIDI Expression Control is rated higher. Launch Buttons averages 2.2 out of 5 from 41 ratings, while MIDI Expression Control averages 5.0 from 6 ratings.

### Do Launch Buttons or MIDI Expression Control have ads?

Neither Launch Buttons nor MIDI Expression Control shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Launch Buttons or MIDI Expression Control?

Launch Buttons ships an update every 2 months, and MIDI Expression Control every 6 months. Most recently, Launch Buttons was updated on October 7, 2026 and MIDI Expression Control on September 23, 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.*