# Rhythm Machine vs Pop Drummer

The clearest difference is update cadence: Pop Drummer at fortnightly against Rhythm Machine's every 4 months. Rhythm Machine's advantage is iOS requirement (9.0 vs 16). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Rhythm Machine sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Pop Drummer sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Rhythm Machine ships an update every 4 months, Pop Drummer fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 26, 2026 and October 28, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Rhythm Machine | Pop Drummer |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[4.7 (241 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pop-drummer-real-drum-machine/id6746682415/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **241** |
| Positive reviews | — | 91.6% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | — | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 106 MB | 366 MB |
| Requires iOS | **9.0** | 16 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Joachim Sendelbach](https://appshunter.io/developer/1008613915) | [Lumbeat](https://appshunter.io/developer/590278231) |

## What reviewers say

### Rhythm Machine

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rhythm-machine-lite-the-drum-machine-for-practicing/id1031005935)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Rhythm Machine Pro | $2.99 | one-time |


### Pop Drummer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pop-drummer-real-drum-machine/id6746682415)

This app provides realistic acoustic drum sounds and editable grooves for musicians and creators. It offers multiple drummer styles, live performance pads, and extensive customization options for creating and performing pop rhythms. Supports AUv3 and standalone use.

**Highlights:** Realistic acoustic drum kits, Editable and customizable grooves, Multiple drummer styles, Live performance pads, AUv3 and standalone compatibility, MIDI control and export, Song arrangement mode

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Studio Mix | $8.99 | one-time |
| Pop Drummer Full Access | $22.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Great app
- 👍 Responsive developer
- 👍 One-time purchase instead of subscription
- 👍 AUv3 and MIDI support
- 👍 Modern user interface

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🤔 Issues with song mode
- 🤔 MIDI implementation could be improved

**Reported bugs**

- MIDI not working with some apps

**Requested features**

- Tap tempo MIDI control
- Cross-stick MIDI control


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Rhythm Machine free?

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

### Is Pop Drummer free?

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

### Do Rhythm Machine or Pop Drummer have ads?

Neither Rhythm Machine nor Pop Drummer shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Rhythm Machine or Pop Drummer?

Rhythm Machine ships an update every 4 months, and Pop Drummer fortnightly. Most recently, Rhythm Machine was updated on October 26, 2026 and Pop Drummer on October 28, 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.*