# modstep vs StepPolyArp

The clearest difference is price: modstep at $9.99 against StepPolyArp's $19.99. modstep also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 2) and update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 2 months). StepPolyArp's advantage is rating (4.8 vs 2.8) and review sentiment (87% vs 46%). On ratings volume, ads and monetization model there is nothing between them.

modstep costs $9.99 and StepPolyArp $19.99 up front. StepPolyArp sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. modstep asks for nothing beyond the download.

StepPolyArp holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 2.8. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 39 and 48 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 46% of modstep's written reviews are positive against 87% of StepPolyArp's.

modstep ships an update every 3 weeks, StepPolyArp every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on June 10, 2026 and September 26, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | modstep | StepPolyArp |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **$9.99** | $19.99 |
| Rating | [2.8 (39 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/modstep/id966990643/reviews) | **[4.8 (48 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/steppolyarp/id1361313588/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 39 | **48** |
| Positive reviews | 45.8% of reviews | **86.7% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 weeks** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Size | 99 MB | 38 MB |
| Requires iOS | **7.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Christian Blomert](https://appshunter.io/developer/385949478) | [Laurent Colson](https://appshunter.io/developer/381525765) |

## What reviewers say

### modstep

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/modstep/id966990643)

Create music with a powerful MIDI sequencer for iPad. Control external hardware, IAA apps, and Audio Units. Features unlimited tracks, real-time editing, and integrated synths/samplers for on-the-go or studio production.

**Highlights:** Session-style MIDI sequencer, Unlimited tracks and scenes, Real-time editing and modulation, Integrated synth and sampler, IAA and Audio Unit integration, Ableton Link sync, MIDI and Audio export

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🎛️ Powerful MIDI sequencing capabilities
- 🎨 Clean and polished user interface design
- 🔗 Excellent integration with external hardware and IAA/AU apps
- 🎵 Ableton Live-like clip launching workflow
- 🎚️ Extensive automation and CC control options

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent crashes and stability issues
- ⏸️ App appears abandoned with no recent updates
- 🔌 IAA/AU instrument loading causes crashes
- 📖 Poor documentation and lack of tutorials
- 🎚️ Confusing and unintuitive user interface

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes when loading external IAA/AU instruments
- Constant clicking sound with metronome off
- Projects fail to load or require multiple restart attempts
- MIDI input routing ignores channel settings
- Track names change when using 'save as' function

**Requested features**

- Undo/redo functionality
- MIDI import capability
- Pre-roll for recording
- Dedicated mixer with send/returns
- Audio loop recording and playback


### StepPolyArp

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/steppolyarp/id1361313588)

This app functions as a real-time polyphonic and polyrhythmic MIDI step arpeggiator and sequencer. It can generate melodic patterns from input or operate as a standalone sequencer. Save and sync unlimited presets with iCloud, featuring extensive customization for patterns and step controllers.

**Highlights:** Standalone app and AUv3 MIDI effect plugin, Arpeggiator and step sequencer modes, Programmable step matrix with transposition lines, Polyrhythmic step controllers, Internal sound bank, Ableton Link and MIDI sync support, Unlimited preset saving with iCloud sync

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Dance Horizons | $4.99 | one-time |
| Analog Sequence | $4.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is modstep free?

modstep costs $9.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is StepPolyArp free?

StepPolyArp costs $19.99, and also offers in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, modstep or StepPolyArp?

StepPolyArp is rated higher. modstep averages 2.8 out of 5 from 39 ratings, while StepPolyArp averages 4.8 from 48 ratings.

### Do modstep or StepPolyArp have ads?

Neither modstep nor StepPolyArp shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, modstep or StepPolyArp?

modstep ships an update every 3 weeks, and StepPolyArp every 2 months. Most recently, modstep was updated on June 10, 2026 and StepPolyArp on September 26, 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.*