# AutoPad vs Programmable Metronome

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Programmable Metronome at none against AutoPad's 3. Programmable Metronome also leads on price ($1.99 vs $6.99). AutoPad's advantage is chart position (#45 vs unranked) and device support (4 vs 2). On update cadence, ads and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

AutoPad costs $6.99 and Programmable Metronome $1.99 up front. AutoPad sells 3 one-off in-app purchases. Programmable Metronome asks for nothing beyond the download.

AutoPad ships an update monthly, Programmable Metronome every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 26, 2026 and October 4, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | AutoPad | Programmable Metronome |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $6.99 | **$1.99** |
| Rating | **[4.4 (173 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/autopad-ambient-pad-loops/id1270890718/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **173** | — |
| Positive reviews | 78.3% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Monthly** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Best chart rank | **#45** | — |
| Size | 28 MB | 22 MB |
| Requires iOS | 13.0 | 13.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Ryan Robinson](https://appshunter.io/developer/1270890717) | [Jake Robbins](https://appshunter.io/developer/1894979093) |

## What reviewers say

### AutoPad

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/autopad-ambient-pad-loops/id1270890718)

**Currently charting:** #45 Top Paid · Music (US App Store)

Generate atmospheric drone sounds for live performances and recordings. Easily tap a key to create a subtle soundscape that plays continuously, with automatic crossfades between notes. Customize your sound with filters, reverb, and MIDI control.

**Highlights:** Generate atmospheric drone sounds, Live and setlist performance modes, Import custom pad sounds, Adjust crossfade, filters, reverb, pan, volume, Customizable metronome, AUv3 plugin support, Ableton Link for synchronization

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Bonus Sounds | Free | one-time |
| Shimmer Pads | $4.99 | one-time |
| Grainscapes | $4.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Great for live performance
- 🚀 Reliable and stable app
- 🎨 Excellent pad sounds
- 💡 Useful setlist feature
- 🔍 Easy to use interface

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional crashes or bugs
- 🔋 Battery drain issues
- 🔊 Click track volume can't be separated from pads
- 🎨 Lack of minor key/chord support
- 🔊 Need more click track sound options

**Reported bugs**

- Imported pads not working correctly
- Pad sounds not switching as expected
- Bluetooth connectivity issues

**Requested features**

- Ability to save individual song settings
- Option to choose audio output device
- Customizable pad layers and textures
- Octave/pitch shifting for pads
- Metronome on/off independent of pads


### Programmable Metronome

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/programmable-metronome/id6762716439)

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is AutoPad free?

AutoPad costs $6.99, and also offers in-app purchases.

### Is Programmable Metronome free?

Programmable Metronome costs $1.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Do AutoPad or Programmable Metronome have ads?

Neither AutoPad nor Programmable Metronome shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, AutoPad or Programmable Metronome?

AutoPad ships an update monthly, and Programmable Metronome every 2 months. Most recently, AutoPad was updated on October 26, 2026 and Programmable Metronome on October 4, 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.*