# Launch Buttons vs WiDI MIDI Studio

The clearest difference is rating: WiDI MIDI Studio at 5.0 against Launch Buttons's 2.2. Launch Buttons's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and ratings volume (41 vs 2). On price, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. WiDI MIDI Studio sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Launch Buttons asks for nothing beyond the download.

WiDI MIDI Studio 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 2, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Launch Buttons ships an update every 2 months, WiDI MIDI Studio every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on October 16, 2026 and October 12, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Launch Buttons | WiDI MIDI Studio |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [2.2 (41 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/launch-buttons-live-control/id942090167/reviews) | **[5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/widi-midi-studio/id1437308268/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **41** | 2 |
| Positive reviews | 38.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 months** | Every 3 months |
| Monetization | Freemium | **Free** |
| Size | 26 MB | 26 MB |
| Requires iOS | **7.0** | 10.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch** | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [XAN Software GmbH & Co. KG](https://appshunter.io/developer/942090166) | [HYPERTIDE SAS](https://appshunter.io/developer/1403863340) |

## 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


### WiDI MIDI Studio

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/widi-midi-studio/id1437308268)

Create custom MIDI control surfaces and sequences for your music production. Map buttons, pads, knobs, and faders to send MIDI events and control instruments or DAWs. Features an integrated step sequencer for composing musical ideas.

**Highlights:** Customizable MIDI control surface, Integrated step sequencer, MIDI CC and Note generation, MIDI network session support, Automate CC values, Group sequences for synchronized playback

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| WiDI Fully Unlocked Version | $1.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Launch Buttons free?

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

### Is WiDI MIDI Studio free?

WiDI MIDI Studio is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Launch Buttons or WiDI MIDI Studio?

WiDI MIDI Studio is rated higher. Launch Buttons averages 2.2 out of 5 from 41 ratings, while WiDI MIDI Studio averages 5.0 from 2 ratings.

### Do Launch Buttons or WiDI MIDI Studio have ads?

Neither Launch Buttons nor WiDI MIDI Studio shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Launch Buttons or WiDI MIDI Studio?

Launch Buttons ships an update every 2 months, and WiDI MIDI Studio every 3 months. Most recently, Launch Buttons was updated on October 16, 2026 and WiDI MIDI Studio on October 12, 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.*