# LK vs Reason Compact

The clearest difference is review sentiment: LK at 64% against Reason Compact's 39%. Reason Compact's advantage is rating (4.6 vs 4.3) and ratings volume (5.3K vs 709). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. LK sells 8 one-off in-app purchases and Reason Compact sells 10 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Reason Compact holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Reason Compact has 5.3K ratings behind it against 709, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 64% of LK's written reviews are positive against 39% of Reason Compact's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

LK ships an update fortnightly, Reason Compact monthly. Both last shipped on November 6, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | LK | Reason Compact |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.3 (709 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lk-ableton-and-midi-controller/id944972221/reviews) | **[4.6 (5.3K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/reason-compact-make-music/id1253419004/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 709 | **5.3K** |
| Positive reviews | **64.3% of reviews** | 38.9% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Fortnightly** | Monthly |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 123 MB | 185 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **11.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Imaginando Lda](https://appshunter.io/developer/895445015) | [Reason Studios AB](https://appshunter.io/developer/368199128) |

## What reviewers say

### LK

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lk-ableton-and-midi-controller/id944972221)

This app offers remote control for Ableton Live and MIDI devices, enhancing electronic music production and live performance. It features a sequencer, clip launcher, and extensive MIDI capabilities, with modular in-app purchases to tailor functionality.

**Highlights:** Ableton Live integration, MIDI sequencing and control, Clip launching, Virtual MIDI support, AUv3 integration, Modular in-app purchases, Device control

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

**In-app purchases (8)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Unlock Chorder | $4.99 | one-time |
| Unlock MIDI Pads | $4.99 | one-time |
| Unlock MIDI Controller | $4.99 | one-time |
| Unlock X/Y Pad | $4.99 | one-time |
| Unlock Keyboard | $4.99 | one-time |
| Unlock Step Sequencer | $7.99 | one-time |
| Unlock Matrix | $9.99 | one-time |
| All Modules Bundle | $39.90 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Works perfectly
- 🎹 Great for Ableton Live
- 🎨 Powerful features
- 👍 Intuitive and easy to use
- 💯 Excellent app

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional crashes and bugs
- 🔌 Connection issues and unreliable wireless
- 💰 Expensive with separate module purchases
- 🤔 Confusing setup and documentation
- 🔋 High battery drain

**Reported bugs**

- Clip renaming tool not working
- Occasional MIDI note sticking
- UI disappearing and requiring restart
- Wireless connection randomly dropping
- Exclusive track arming mode issues

**Requested features**

- Add MIDI CC mapping and automation
- Implement vertical view for session mode
- Allow saving and loading of custom settings
- Improve MIDI note and velocity handling
- Add MIDI transformers and generators


### Reason Compact

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/reason-compact-make-music/id1253419004)

Create beats, melodies, and basslines with a powerful yet easy-to-use music studio in your pocket. Sketch song ideas on the go, experiment with instruments and effects, and connect with other music apps. Unlock more sounds and features as you progress.

**Highlights:** Create beats from scratch, Design melodies and basslines, Use built-in synthesizers and effects, Sketch song ideas on the go, Connect with other music apps, Unlock new sounds and features

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, iMessage stickers

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Sad Girl Tool Kit | $0.99 | one-time |
| Grimey UKbass | $0.99 | one-time |
| Ambient Dream | $0.99 | one-time |
| Melodic Keys | $0.99 | one-time |
| Electronic Components Vol.1 | $0.99 | one-time |
| Celestial Atmospheres | $0.99 | one-time |
| Quirk Kit | $0.99 | one-time |
| Europa Synth | $9.99 | one-time |
| Rytmik Drum Machine | $9.99 | one-time |
| Monotone Bass Synthesizer | $9.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Intuitive and easy to use
- 🎹 Great sounds and synth engines
- 💡 Potential for a powerful mobile music tool
- 👍 Seamless integration with Reason desktop

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔒 Forced account creation to use the app
- 💰 Expensive in-app purchases for full functionality
- 🔇 Limited features compared to desktop Reason
- 🐛 Frequent crashes and bugs
- 🕰 Outdated and lacking updates

**Reported bugs**

- Login screen freezes on black screen
- Exported files not recognized in Reason
- Audio dropouts and loss of sound

**Requested features**

- Add more instruments and tracks
- Implement MIDI input and output support
- Introduce song mode and arrangement features
- Allow saving and loading of user presets
- Add more time signature and tempo options


## Frequently asked questions

### Is LK free?

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

### Is Reason Compact free?

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

### Which has better reviews, LK or Reason Compact?

Reason Compact is rated higher. LK averages 4.3 out of 5 from 709 ratings, while Reason Compact averages 4.6 from 5.3K ratings.

### Do LK or Reason Compact have ads?

Neither LK nor Reason Compact shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, LK or Reason Compact?

LK ships an update fortnightly, and Reason Compact monthly. Most recently, LK was updated on November 6, 2026 and Reason Compact on November 6, 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.*