# LK vs SMBeats

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: SMBeats at none against LK's 8. SMBeats also leads on iOS requirement (11.0 vs 17.0). LK's advantage is device support. On price there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. LK sells 8 one-off in-app purchases. SMBeats asks for nothing beyond the download.

## The numbers

| Metric | LK | SMBeats |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.3 (708 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lk-ableton-and-midi-controller/id944972221/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **708** | — |
| Positive reviews | 64.3% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | — |
| Update frequency | Fortnightly | — |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 123 MB | 49 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **11.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad** | — |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Imaginando Lda](https://appshunter.io/developer/895445015) | [BSTools GmbH](https://appshunter.io/developer/1442058330) |

## What reviewers say

### LK

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

This application acts as a remote control for Ableton Live and MIDI devices, enhancing electronic music production and live performance. It offers deep integration with Ableton Live and extensive MIDI capabilities for controlling software and hardware. The app is modular, with features available as separate in-app purchases.

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

**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


### SMBeats

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smbeats/id6471819370)

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is LK free?

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

### Is SMBeats free?

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

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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.*