PlayBacker for iPad vs Pulsar
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
PlayBacker for iPad
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■ Loading Audio File From - Music Library in device ( Apple Music not supported ) - In App Storage / File Sync - iCloud Drive - and other file providers ■ Decks + Cross Fader - Auto Pause / Auto Cue - Repeat ( 1 track / all tracks ) - Skip Tail ( of silence end of file ) - Volume Fader - CueList Mode - Mono Sum / Pan Pod - Auto Cross Fade ( period changeable ) ■ SamplePad - 3×3 / 4×4 Layout changeable - Single Play / Multi Play Mode - 1 Shot Play / Loop Play Pad Mode ■ Track Editor - Mounted on CueList Mode view - Title, Gain and Start Cue Points etc of each track are editable ■ Remote Controls - Supports ‘Control Center’ ( DECK A only ) - Supports remote control by keyboard shortcuts of external keyboards - Supports remote control by external (Bluetooth included) MIDI devices
Pulsar
This music app provides a virtual drum machine with 8 pads for improvising and playing along to built-in rhythm presets. It features real-time rhythm switching, tempo control, and various effects. It also supports Ableton Link and MIDI for seamless integration with other music software and hardware.
- 8-pad drum machine
- Built-in rhythm presets
- Real-time rhythm switching
- Tempo and accent control
- Drive, reverb, and filter effects
- Ableton Link synchronization
- MIDI In/Out support
- AUv3 compatibility
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Pulsar-ES is a sample-based drum machine inspired by the Estradin Pulsar. Start with 128 factory rhythms, 64 in bank A and 64 in bank B, play the eight-pad kit, and edit MIDI notes and velocities. In version 1.0.8, Random rhythm generates a new pattern in the current slot. Swing adjusts the timing from 0 to 100%. Shape the sound with filter, reverb, overdrive, delay, chorus and compression. Save edited rhythms as separate user patterns; the factory patterns remain available. Open LINK for tempo-sync settings with compatible peers. Start/stop synchronization is a separate setting. With a MIDI output selected and a compatible route configured, send pattern notes to another instrument. In a plug-in host, routing depends on the host. For iPhone and iPad: standalone app and AUv3. Hosting, MIDI and Link features require the corresponding compatible setup.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: Pulsar at $4.99 against PlayBacker for iPad's $15.99. Pulsar also leads on update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 5 months) and device support (3 vs 1). On ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
PlayBacker for iPad costs $15.99 and Pulsar $4.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
PlayBacker for iPad ships an update every 5 months, Pulsar every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 29, 2026 and November 3, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | PlayBacker for iPad | Pulsar |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $15.99 | $4.99 — better |
| Rating | — | 4.3 (7 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | — | 66.7% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | — | 7 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 5 months | Every 3 weeks — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | — | Paid |
| Devices | iPad | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better |
| Requires iOS | 15 | 13.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 15 MB | 69 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | INTEGRAL SOUND DESIGN | Dmytro Kiro |
In-app purchases
PlayBacker for iPad
No in-app purchases
Pulsar
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is PlayBacker for iPad free?
Is Pulsar free?
Do PlayBacker for iPad or Pulsar have ads?
Which is updated more often, PlayBacker for iPad or Pulsar?
Other comparisons
