# BeatMaker 3 vs AudioKit Digital D1 Synth

The clearest difference is price: AudioKit Digital D1 Synth at Free against BeatMaker 3's $24.99. AudioKit Digital D1 Synth also leads on review sentiment (76% vs 62%). BeatMaker 3's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and iOS requirement (11.0 vs 13.0). On rating, ratings volume, update cadence and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

AudioKit Digital D1 Synth is free to download; BeatMaker 3 costs $24.99 up front. BeatMaker 3 sells 11 one-off in-app purchases and AudioKit Digital D1 Synth sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.7 for BeatMaker 3 against 4.8 for AudioKit Digital D1 Synth. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 4.5K and 2K respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 62% of BeatMaker 3's written reviews are positive against 76% of AudioKit Digital D1 Synth's.

BeatMaker 3 ships an update monthly, AudioKit Digital D1 Synth every 3 weeks. Both last shipped on September 25, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | BeatMaker 3 | AudioKit Digital D1 Synth |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $24.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | [4.7 (4.5K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/beatmaker-3/id1060317024/reviews) | **[4.8 (2K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/audiokit-digital-d1-synth/id1436905540/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **4.5K** | 2K |
| Positive reviews | 62.3% of reviews | **76.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Monthly | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Subscription |
| Size | 216 MB | 636 MB |
| Requires iOS | **11.0** | 13.0 |
| Devices | iPad | iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [INTUA](https://appshunter.io/developer/285413818) | [Audiobus Pty Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/672585101) |

## What reviewers say

### BeatMaker 3

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/beatmaker-3/id1060317024)

This music production studio offers an intuitive audio and MIDI workstation, combining desktop software power with hardware efficiency. Create, perform, and record your musical ideas with advanced sampling, sequencing, and mixing tools. Integrate external apps and export your finished tracks.

**Highlights:** Streamlined performance and recording workflow, Advanced sampling engine with live stretching, Classic timeline and flexible scene-based sequencing, Full-fledged mixer with multi-channel routing, AUv3 and IAA app integration, Inspirational sound library and export options

**In-app purchases (11)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Starter Pack #1: July 2017 | Free | one-time |
| Starter Pack #2: August 2017 | Free | one-time |
| ThudRumble Gigantic Balls Bass | Free | one-time |
| Modularism | $0.99 | one-time |
| Aquatronika | $0.99 | one-time |
| Beatlab | $0.99 | one-time |
| Ashes II | $0.99 | one-time |
| Arpism | $0.99 | one-time |
| INTUA 808 Science | $1.99 | one-time |
| MSXII The Constituent | $1.99 | one-time |
| MSXII The Fly Life | $1.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Powerful sampler
- 🚀 Versatile DAW capabilities
- 👍 Great for live performance
- 👍 Excellent value for money
- 👍 Seamless AUv3 integration

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent crashes
- 🐛 Stability issues with plugins
- 🐛 Buggy MIDI functionality
- 🔋 High battery consumption
- 👎 Confusing file management

**Reported bugs**

- Crashes when switching sound banks
- MIDI keyboard disconnects on stop
- Samples losing sync after export
- Glitches with AUv3 plugin loading
- Inconsistent behavior with touch controls

**Requested features**

- Ability to rearrange pads
- Improved MIDI sync and control
- More sound packs and updates
- Custom color themes
- Streamlined project management


### AudioKit Digital D1 Synth

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/audiokit-digital-d1-synth/id1436905540)

This app is a virtual analog and PCM synthesizer for iPad, inspired by the digital synthesizers of the 80s and 90s. It offers a vast library of presets, advanced synthesis features, and built-in effects for creating rich, retro-inspired sounds.

**Highlights:** 64-voice hybrid digital poly synthesis, 1GB+ of original samples, Stand-alone, IAA, and AUv3 support, Vintage-style arp/step sequencer, 3 LFOs with fun routings, Dual independent per-layer filters, Built-in FX suite

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly premium | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly premium | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Yearly premium | $9.99 | per year |
| Yearly premium | $9.99 | per year |
| D1 PCM Expansion-01 | Free | one-time |
| Platinum Expansion PCM EXP-01 | Free | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🎨 Excellent sound quality
- 🎹 Versatile and inspiring presets
- 👍 Intuitive and user-friendly interface
- 💰 Great value for the price
- 🔥 Cutting-edge digital synthesis

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional crashes and stability issues
- 🔋 High battery consumption
- 🔒 Lack of Audio Unit (AUv3) support
- 🤔 Some presets not easily usable
- 🕰️ Slow loading times in certain DAWs

**Reported bugs**

- Presets not loading correctly
- MIDI note dropouts and latency
- Crashes when used with certain DAWs
- Compatibility issues with newer iOS versions

**Requested features**

- Add Audio Unit (AUv3) support
- Improve MIDI integration and responsiveness
- Implement a built-in recording/sampling feature
- Expand preset library with more genres and styles
- Add more sound design controls and modulation options


## Frequently asked questions

### Is BeatMaker 3 free?

BeatMaker 3 costs $24.99, and also offers in-app purchases.

### Is AudioKit Digital D1 Synth free?

AudioKit Digital D1 Synth is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, BeatMaker 3 or AudioKit Digital D1 Synth?

AudioKit Digital D1 Synth is rated higher. BeatMaker 3 averages 4.7 out of 5 from 4.5K ratings, while AudioKit Digital D1 Synth averages 4.8 from 2K ratings.

### Do BeatMaker 3 or AudioKit Digital D1 Synth have ads?

AudioKit Digital D1 Synth shows ads; BeatMaker 3 does not.

### Which is updated more often, BeatMaker 3 or AudioKit Digital D1 Synth?

BeatMaker 3 ships an update monthly, and AudioKit Digital D1 Synth every 3 weeks. Most recently, BeatMaker 3 was updated on September 25, 2026 and AudioKit Digital D1 Synth on September 25, 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.*