Launch Buttons vs Bluetooth Midi Controller
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 :)
Bluetooth Midi Controller
Transform your iOS or iPadOS device into a wireless MIDI controller. Seamlessly manage your favorite DAWs, instruments, and effects on iOS, iPadOS, and desktop via Bluetooth LE. Offers extensive fader control for precise adjustments.
- Wireless MIDI control
- Bluetooth Low Energy support
- Up to 64 faders (128 on iPad)
- Control DAWs, instruments, and effects
- iOS and iPadOS compatible
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Bluetooth Midi Controller turns your iOS and iPadOS devices in a wireless Midi controller. Control your favourites iOS, iPadOS and desktop Bluetooth LE Midi DAWs , instruments and effects from your iPhone and iPad. -Up to 64 faders that sends cc midi messages, 128 on iPad. -Bluetooth Low Energy Midi. Demo videos on the developer's page. How does it works: Push connect button and in the opened view turn on the switch button. This will make your device discoverable by your Bluetooth MIDI host, connect it from it and you will can control your MIDI host from B.M.C.. If your MIDI host don't support Bluetooth MIDI there are some free apps on the market that creates virtual Bluetooth Midi Ports.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is rating: Bluetooth Midi Controller at 4.2 against Launch Buttons's 2.2. Bluetooth Midi Controller also leads on monetization model (free vs freemium). Launch Buttons's advantage is update cadence (every 2 months vs every 33 months) and ratings volume (41 vs 5). On price, 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
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
Bluetooth Midi Controller holds the better App Store score, 4.2 against 2.2. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Launch Buttons has 41 ratings behind it against 5, so its average is the more settled of the two.
Launch Buttons ships an update every 2 months, Bluetooth Midi Controller every 33 months. The most recent releases landed on October 7, 2026 and September 20, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Launch Buttons | Bluetooth Midi Controller |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 2.2 (41 ratings) | 4.2 (5 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 38.0% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 41 — better | 5 |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months — better | Every 33 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Freemium | Free — better |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch — better | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 7.0 — better | 18.6 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 26 MB | 5 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | XAN Software GmbH & Co. KG | pablo lopez |
Customer experience
Launch Buttons
Bluetooth Midi Controller
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
Bluetooth Midi Controller
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
Launch Buttons
No in-app purchases
Bluetooth Midi Controller
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is Launch Buttons free?
Is Bluetooth Midi Controller free?
Which has better reviews, Launch Buttons or Bluetooth Midi Controller?
Do Launch Buttons or Bluetooth Midi Controller have ads?
Which is updated more often, Launch Buttons or Bluetooth Midi Controller?
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