GENOME vs Helix Native

GENOME9.1Visit Helix Native8.7Visit

Higher score GENOME #3 in Guitar Amp Software 9.1/10 Free plan · 14-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 2 of 2 features Visit Two notes

vs

Helix Native #7 in Guitar Amp Software 8.7/10 15-day trial Free trial✓ 1 of 2 features Visit Line 6

• GENOME fits best

  Cross-platform users wanting AI and standalone use

• Helix Native fits best

  Helix hardware owners needing plugin access

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Side by side

Feature	GENOME 9.1/10 Visit ↗	Helix Native 8.7/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	9.1	8.7
Ranking	#3 in Guitar Amp Software	#7 in Guitar Amp Software
Best for	Cross-platform users wanting AI and standalone use	Helix hardware owners needing plugin access
Pricing model	Free plan + paid	Paid
Starting price	—	$99.99 one-time
Free plan	✓ (best)	—
Free trial	14 days	15 days
Free trial length	14 days	15 days
Deployment	Desktop, Mobile	Desktop
Platforms	Windows, macOS, iOS	Windows, macOS
Support	Tickets, Docs	Email, Phone, Tickets, Community, Docs
Built for	Solo, Small business, Mid-market	Solo, Small business, Mid-market
Features GENOME 2/2 · Helix Native 1/2
Standalone app	✓ (best)	—
IR loader	✓	✓
Specs
Amp models	24 models	Not checked yet
Cabinet models	16 models	Not checked yet
Effects count	65 effects	Not checked yet
Plugin formats	VST3, AU, AAX	AAX, AU, VST3, VST2
Supported platforms	macOS, Windows	macOS, Windows
Our review
Pros	Standalone and DAW plug-in operation across Windows, macOS, and iOS AI-enabled amplifier components plus CODEX capture playback Flexible routing, MIDI mapping, automation, and integrated IR loading	HX amp, cabinet, microphone, and effects models Loads third-party impulse responses and supports cabinet mic positioning AAX, AU, VST3, and VST2 support with DAW automation
Cons	Desktop and iOS require separate licenses unless using an Access Pass GENOME Intro has fewer amplifiers, pedals, cabinets, and studio effects The product is focused on guitar and bass tone shaping rather than broader production	New licenses are limited to registered Helix and HX hardware owners No standalone app; it runs as a DAW plugin No free plan, with a 15-day trial before purchase
Our verdict	GENOME is an amp-modeling and tone-shaping platform from Two notes Audio Engineering for guitarists, bassists, producers, and engineers. It runs as a standalone application or as a VST3, AU, or AAX plug-in inside compatible DAWs. The… Read the review →	Helix Native is a digital guitar and bass amp-and-effects plugin for musicians, producers, engineers, composers, and other DAW users. It runs on macOS and Windows and provides HX-modeled amplifiers, cabinets, microphones, and effects… Read the review →

Strengths and trade-offs

• GENOME — where it wins

  • Standalone and DAW plug-in operation across Windows, macOS, and iOS
  • AI-enabled amplifier components plus CODEX capture playback
  • Flexible routing, MIDI mapping, automation, and integrated IR loading

  Where it doesn't

  • Desktop and iOS require separate licenses unless using an Access Pass
  • GENOME Intro has fewer amplifiers, pedals, cabinets, and studio effects
  • The product is focused on guitar and bass tone shaping rather than broader production

• Helix Native — where it wins

  • HX amp, cabinet, microphone, and effects models
  • Loads third-party impulse responses and supports cabinet mic positioning
  • AAX, AU, VST3, and VST2 support with DAW automation

  Where it doesn't

  • New licenses are limited to registered Helix and HX hardware owners
  • No standalone app; it runs as a DAW plugin
  • No free plan, with a 15-day trial before purchase

• GENOME9.1/10 · Free plan · 14-day trial

  A flexible cross-platform amp and tone-shaping platform with standalone and DAW workflows.

  Visit Two notesFull verdict →
• Helix Native8.7/10 · 15-day trial

  A deep HX amp-and-effects plugin for registered Helix and HX hardware owners.

  Visit Line 6Full verdict →