# BeatMaker 3 vs Aparillo

The clearest difference is price: Aparillo at Free against BeatMaker 3's $24.99. Aparillo also leads on review sentiment (89% vs 63%). BeatMaker 3's advantage is update cadence (monthly vs every 4 months) and ratings volume (4.5K vs 507). On rating, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Aparillo is free to download; BeatMaker 3 costs $24.99 up front. BeatMaker 3 sells 10 one-off in-app purchases and Aparillo sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. 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 4.9 for Aparillo. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: BeatMaker 3 has 4.5K ratings behind it against 507, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 63% of BeatMaker 3's written reviews are positive against 89% of Aparillo's.

BeatMaker 3 ships an update monthly, Aparillo every 4 months. Both last shipped on November 2, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | BeatMaker 3 | Aparillo |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $24.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | [4.7 (4.5K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/beatmaker-3/id1060317024/reviews) | **[4.9 (507 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/aparillo/id1439914019/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **4.5K** | 507 |
| Positive reviews | 62.6% of reviews | **88.6% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Monthly** | Every 4 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 216 MB | 55 MB |
| Requires iOS | **11.0** | 17.6 |
| Devices | iPad | iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [INTUA](https://appshunter.io/developer/285413818) | [Sugar Bytes GmbH](https://appshunter.io/developer/614418826) |

## 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 (10)**

| 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 |
| 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


### Aparillo

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/aparillo/id1439914019)

This advanced FM synthesizer is designed for creating complex, evolving soundscapes and atmospheres ideal for film, TV, and games. It offers deep sound design capabilities with two interacting synthesizers, integrated effects, and an intuitive 'mass-controller' for one-touch sound morphing. Seamlessly integrate it into your mobile studio setup with extensive MIDI and syncing options.

**Highlights:** 16-voice FM Synthesizer, Formant Shifting, Wave Folding & Shifting, Multi-Mode Filter with Spacializer, Orbiter for one-touch Sound Morphing, 500 handpicked Presets, Full MIDI Support, Preset iCloud Sync

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Aparillo Full Version | $24.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Powerful sound design capabilities
- 👍 Intuitive and creative interface
- 🎨 Cinematic and otherworldly sounds
- 💡 Innovative orbit and spatial features
- 🔥 Excellent presets and sound quality

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional crashes and stability issues
- 🔍 Lack of clear documentation and tutorials
- 📱 UI not optimized for larger iPad screens
- 💰 Paid upgrade required for full functionality

**Reported bugs**

- Saved patches not compatible across versions
- Orbiter parameters not accessible on latest iOS

**Requested features**

- More preset packs and sound libraries
- Improved MIDI and automation support
- Custom tuning and scale options
- Expanded keyboard and note range


## Frequently asked questions

### Is BeatMaker 3 free?

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

### Is Aparillo free?

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

### Which has better reviews, BeatMaker 3 or Aparillo?

Aparillo is rated higher. BeatMaker 3 averages 4.7 out of 5 from 4.5K ratings, while Aparillo averages 4.9 from 507 ratings.

### Do BeatMaker 3 or Aparillo have ads?

Neither BeatMaker 3 nor Aparillo shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, BeatMaker 3 or Aparillo?

BeatMaker 3 ships an update monthly, and Aparillo every 4 months. Most recently, BeatMaker 3 was updated on November 2, 2026 and Aparillo on November 2, 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.*