# Launch Buttons vs Knobbler

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Knobbler at 88% against Launch Buttons's 38%. Knobbler also leads on rating (4.8 vs 2.2) and update cadence (every 9 days vs every 2 months). Launch Buttons's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 3) and device support (4 vs 2). On price, ratings volume, ads and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Knobbler sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month. Launch Buttons asks for nothing beyond the download.

Knobbler holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 2.2. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 41 and 16 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 38% of Launch Buttons's written reviews are positive against 88% of Knobbler's.

Launch Buttons ships an update every 2 months, Knobbler every 9 days. The most recent releases landed on October 16, 2026 and October 12, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Launch Buttons | Knobbler |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [2.2 (41 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/launch-buttons-live-control/id942090167/reviews) | **[4.8 (16 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/knobbler/id6740183923/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **41** | 16 |
| Positive reviews | 38.0% of reviews | **87.5% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 9 days** |
| Monetization | Freemium | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 26 MB | 55 MB |
| Requires iOS | **7.0** | 16.4 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [XAN Software GmbH & Co. KG](https://appshunter.io/developer/942090166) | [ZACHARY STEINKAMP](https://appshunter.io/developer/1788806068) |

## 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


### Knobbler

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/knobbler/id6740183923)

Transform your iPhone or iPad into a powerful, auto-labeling control surface for Ableton Live. Seamlessly navigate tracks, control parameters, and build custom interfaces that save with your Live sets. Keep your focus on creativity without leaving the music-making flow.

**Highlights:** Auto-labeling and auto-coloring control surface, Multitouch parameter control, Customizable interface saved with Live sets, Real-time parameter updates with units, Fast track, group, and device navigation, Channel strip mixer controls

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Knobbler Monthly | $0.99 | per month |
| Knobbler Annual | $9.99 | per year |
| Knobbler Lifetime | $19.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Launch Buttons free?

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

### Is Knobbler free?

Knobbler is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Launch Buttons or Knobbler?

Knobbler is rated higher. Launch Buttons averages 2.2 out of 5 from 41 ratings, while Knobbler averages 4.8 from 16 ratings.

### Do Launch Buttons or Knobbler have ads?

Neither Launch Buttons nor Knobbler shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Launch Buttons or Knobbler?

Launch Buttons ships an update every 2 months, and Knobbler every 9 days. Most recently, Launch Buttons was updated on October 16, 2026 and Knobbler 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.*