# modstep vs SAND

The clearest difference is price: SAND at Free against modstep's $9.99. SAND also leads on rating (4.6 vs 2.8) and review sentiment (80% vs 46%). modstep's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 4) and update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 2 months). On ratings volume and ads there is nothing between them.

SAND is free to download; modstep costs $9.99 up front. SAND sells 4 one-off in-app purchases. modstep asks for nothing beyond the download.

SAND holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 2.8. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 39 and 90 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 46% of modstep's written reviews are positive against 80% of SAND's.

modstep ships an update every 3 weeks, SAND every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on November 5, 2026 and November 7, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | modstep | SAND |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $9.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | [2.8 (39 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/modstep/id966990643/reviews) | **[4.6 (90 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sand-audio-midi-sequencer/id1642467684/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 39 | **90** |
| Positive reviews | 45.8% of reviews | **80.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 weeks** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 99 MB | 52 MB |
| Requires iOS | **7.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Christian Blomert](https://appshunter.io/developer/385949478) | [Matteo Caldari](https://appshunter.io/developer/325826466) |

## 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


### SAND

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sand-audio-midi-sequencer/id1642467684)

This mobile music creation tool allows you to sketch ideas, compose with MIDI and audio clips, and host AUv3 plugins. It's designed for a fast and creative workflow, enabling you to build musical projects anywhere. The app offers a free trial before unlocking full features via in-app purchases.

**Highlights:** Grid sequencer for MIDI and audio clips, Instrument and MIDI tracks with effects, Audio tracks for recording and editing, AUv3 plugin hosting, Song mode for arranging sections, Automation of parameters, MIDI routing and mapping

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

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 14-day trial | Free | one-time |
| 14 Days Trial | Free | one-time |
| Unlock | $9.99 | one-time |
| Audio Tracks | $9.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Great UI and features
- 💡 Potential for music creation
- 🚀 Fast and creative workflow
- 👍 Easy to use, no instructions needed
- 💡 Most usable studio on small screen

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Record function always starts
- 🐛 Sand not opening in overview
- 🐛 Integration with other apps seems off
- 🐛 Record does not pick up data
- 🐛 Cannot save ideas from one app to another

**Reported bugs**

- Record function always starts when entering Midi Instrument or FX
- Sand not opening in overview
- Integration with other apps seems off
- Record does not pick up data
- Cannot save ideas from one app to another

**Requested features**

- Sand always open in overview
- Long press in sequence track window
- Random/chance abilities in clips (Polyend Play style)
- Semi-generative function or scale-based patterns/sequences
- Save AUv3 presets


## Frequently asked questions

### Is modstep free?

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

### Is SAND free?

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

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

SAND is rated higher. modstep averages 2.8 out of 5 from 39 ratings, while SAND averages 4.6 from 90 ratings.

### Do modstep or SAND have ads?

Neither modstep nor SAND shows ads.

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

modstep ships an update every 3 weeks, and SAND every 2 months. Most recently, modstep was updated on November 5, 2026 and SAND on November 7, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*