# Launch Buttons vs Bluetooth Midi Controller

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.

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.

## The numbers

| Metric | Launch Buttons | Bluetooth Midi Controller |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [2.2 (41 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/launch-buttons-live-control/id942090167/reviews) | **[4.2 (5 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bluetooth-midi-controller/id1526023688/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **41** | 5 |
| Positive reviews | 38.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 months** | Every 33 months |
| Monetization | Freemium | **Free** |
| Size | 26 MB | 5 MB |
| Requires iOS | **7.0** | 18.6 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [XAN Software GmbH & Co. KG](https://appshunter.io/developer/942090166) | [pablo lopez](https://appshunter.io/developer/1502022592) |

## 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


### Bluetooth Midi Controller

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bluetooth-midi-controller/id1526023688)

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.

**Highlights:** Wireless MIDI control, Bluetooth Low Energy support, Up to 64 faders (128 on iPad), Control DAWs, instruments, and effects, iOS and iPadOS compatible

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Launch Buttons free?

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

### Is Bluetooth Midi Controller free?

Bluetooth Midi Controller is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Launch Buttons or Bluetooth Midi Controller?

Bluetooth Midi Controller is rated higher. Launch Buttons averages 2.2 out of 5 from 41 ratings, while Bluetooth Midi Controller averages 4.2 from 5 ratings.

### Do Launch Buttons or Bluetooth Midi Controller have ads?

Neither Launch Buttons nor Bluetooth Midi Controller shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Launch Buttons or Bluetooth Midi Controller?

Launch Buttons ships an update every 2 months, and Bluetooth Midi Controller every 33 months. Most recently, Launch Buttons was updated on October 7, 2026 and Bluetooth Midi Controller on September 20, 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.*