Launch Buttons vs 7III Tap
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 :)
7III Tap
This app transforms your iPhone or iPad into a powerful MIDI controller for music production. It offers versatile views for instruments, sequencers, clip launching, and mixing, allowing for hands-on control of compatible software and hardware. Experience full functionality with a one-time purchase.
- Device view with keyboards and sequencers
- Clips view for launching and editing
- Mixer view with integrated clips
- Customizable MIDI CC control
- USB and WiFi connectivity
- Portrait and landscape modes
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Touch your sounds with 7III Tap, a hands-on Ableton Live controller for iPhone and iPad. Play instruments, shape audio clips, launch scenes, and mix your Live Set from the touchscreen. Bring your ideas to life with: - Audio clip editing with zoomable waveforms, editable Warp markers, start and loop controls, gain, pitch, cropping, and conversion tools - Sample browsing and search to find and load sounds for your audio clips - Automation recording and editing: draw curves, adjust individual points, fine-tune transitions, or start with ready-made envelopes - Expressive MPE Pads and Keys with per-note Pitch Bend and Pressure or Slide - Note Repeat for playing repeating notes and drum patterns - Follow Actions for creating evolving clips and performances - Flin, a generative sequencer with 16 independent polymetric note streams written directly into Live clips - Companion, a melodic and rhythmic partner that plays along with you and turns your clips into musical variations - Rhythm Generator for quickly creating new grooves and ideas - Native Simpler integration with sample loading, waveform visualization, slicing, and dedicated controls - Macro Variations and Randomization for instant sound exploration - Searchable Browser for quickly finding and adding devices, effects, presets, and samples - Curated encoder controls for Ableton Live instruments and effects - Device view with MIDI keyboards, melodic and drum step sequencers with powerful note editing and modulation, scales, banks, and 8 encoders - Clips view for triggering, recording and editing clips and scenes, with 8 encoders to control devices - Mixer view with integrated clips panel for simultaneous mixing and launching - Customizable and universal MIDI CC to control any MIDI-compatible device or software - Connect via USB, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth MIDI on macOS; use a MIDI interface, rtpMIDI, or experimental Bluetooth MIDI on Windows. Includes the custom Ableton Live Remote Script - Portrait and landscape modes on iPad Built for the stage and the studio, Tap keeps instruments, clips, and mixing within reach so you can play Ableton Live like an instrument. Download now and tap into your music. The free version includes all premium features, allowing you to experience the full power of Tap for 15 minutes of MIDI use every 24 hours. Ready to create without limits? Upgrade to Tap Premium for unlimited use. No subscriptions, buy once, jam forever. Important: Requires Ableton Live and the included MIDI Remote Script (download at project7iii.com/tap) for full functionality. Does not help you finish tracks or make your music sound less horrible. Ableton Live is a trademark of Ableton AG, registered in the United States and other countries. This app is a third-party tool and is not officially affiliated with Ableton. Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is review sentiment: 7III Tap at 92% against Launch Buttons's 38%. 7III Tap also leads on rating (4.7 vs 2.2) and update cadence (fortnightly vs every 2 months). Launch Buttons's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and device support (4 vs 2). On price, ratings volume, ads and monetization model 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. 7III Tap sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Launch Buttons asks for nothing beyond the download.
7III Tap holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 2.2. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 41 and 15 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 38% of Launch Buttons's written reviews are positive against 92% of 7III Tap's.
Launch Buttons ships an update every 2 months, 7III Tap fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 16, 2026 and October 6, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Launch Buttons | 7III Tap |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 2.2 (41 ratings) | 4.7 (15 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 38.0% of reviews | 92.3% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 41 — better | 15 |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | Fortnightly — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Freemium | Free with in-app purchases |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch — better | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 7.0 — better | 16.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 26 MB | 13 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | XAN Software GmbH & Co. KG | Simon Lang |
Customer experience
Launch Buttons
7III Tap
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
7III Tap
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
Launch Buttons
No in-app purchases
7III Tap
- Tap Premium$24.99
Questions
Is Launch Buttons free?
Is 7III Tap free?
Which has better reviews, Launch Buttons or 7III Tap?
Do Launch Buttons or 7III Tap have ads?
Which is updated more often, Launch Buttons or 7III Tap?
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