# BeatMaker 3 vs DrumComputer

The clearest difference is price: DrumComputer at Free against BeatMaker 3's $24.99. DrumComputer also leads on review sentiment (81% vs 63%). BeatMaker 3's advantage is ratings volume (4.5K vs 621) and iOS requirement (11.0 vs 17.6). On rating, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

DrumComputer is free to download; BeatMaker 3 costs $24.99 up front. BeatMaker 3 sells 11 one-off in-app purchases and DrumComputer 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 4.8 for DrumComputer. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: BeatMaker 3 has 4.5K ratings behind it against 621, 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 81% of DrumComputer's.

BeatMaker 3 ships an update monthly, DrumComputer every 5 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 20, 2026 and October 17, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | BeatMaker 3 | DrumComputer |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $24.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | [4.7 (4.5K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/beatmaker-3/id1060317024/reviews) | **[4.8 (621 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/drumcomputer-synthetic-beats/id1502238351/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **4.5K** | 621 |
| Positive reviews | 62.6% of reviews | **81.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Monthly** | Every 5 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 216 MB | 1.6 GB |
| 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 (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


### DrumComputer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/drumcomputer-synthetic-beats/id1502238351)

This app is a powerful tool for creating synthetic drum sounds and beats. It combines advanced synthesis techniques with flexible modulation and sequencing capabilities, offering intelligent randomizers and pattern editing for endless creative possibilities. Users can design unique drum hits, build complex patterns, and mix them for professional-sounding results.

**Highlights:** 8 layered sound engines, Flexible modulation matrix, Intelligent sound randomizers, 16-step sequencer with pattern generation, Auto and manual remixing/fills, AUv3 plugin and standalone operation, MIDI file export

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| DrumComputer Full Version | $29.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Best iOS drum machine
- 👍 Wicked easy to use interface
- 👍 Great sound and workflow
- 👍 Powerful and flexible sequencer
- 👍 Tons of customization options

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional crashes
- 🔋 High CPU usage and battery drain
- 👎 Confusing and complex interface
- 👎 Lack of MIDI mapping for live use
- 👎 Inability to record beats from pads

**Reported bugs**

- Crashes on startup with iOS 14.2
- Inability to import samples in some cases
- MIDI out only supports single channel

**Requested features**

- Add real-time beat recording
- Improve MIDI mapping capabilities
- Add randomization options for tempo, sequence length, and mixing
- Improve preset management (ability to delete presets)
- Optimize for better performance and battery life


## Frequently asked questions

### Is BeatMaker 3 free?

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

### Is DrumComputer free?

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

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

DrumComputer is rated higher. BeatMaker 3 averages 4.7 out of 5 from 4.5K ratings, while DrumComputer averages 4.8 from 621 ratings.

### Do BeatMaker 3 or DrumComputer have ads?

Neither BeatMaker 3 nor DrumComputer shows ads.

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

BeatMaker 3 ships an update monthly, and DrumComputer every 5 weeks. Most recently, BeatMaker 3 was updated on October 20, 2026 and DrumComputer on October 17, 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.*