Comparison

Robo Darbuka vs Darbuka Beats

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Robo Darbuka

Create and play custom rhythms with virtual percussion instruments. Explore a library of traditional beats or compose your own unique phrases. Practice tempo and timing with built-in metronome features.

Highlights
  • Custom rhythm creation
  • Virtual Darbuka, Bendir, cymbals
  • Library of popular rhythms
  • Rhythm playback with metronome
  • Bellydance rhythm variations
  • Premium features: save, export, import
Features
Read full description

Write a rhythm using the notes from the keyboard and Robo Darbuka will play it for you! The app includes a comprehensive set of popular rhythms as well. You may pick a rhythm from the list and play it along with Bendir, cymbals, or clap sounds. You can also use the claps as a metronome for practicing the tempo when you play. The app can not only play the selected traditional rhythms, useful for listen and practice, but also has the "Robo" function which allows the users to write their own Darbuka phrases or rhythms. The Robo function uses a simplified and intuitive writing music system, based on the names of the Darbuka strokes. The app also simulates virtual Darbuka, Bendir, and cymbals. So you can practice playing the rhythms when you don't have a real instrument with you. The rhythm selection list of this app has the "percussionist way" by default, but you can listen the "bellydance way" where there is the "Variation" label next to the rhythm. The premium version enables the rhythm save, paste, export, import, and save to audio file features. It unlocks all rhythms and exercises, and removes all ads from the app. The in-app purchase for accessing the premium version is a single-time payment which never expires.

About

Darbuka Beats

This app provides authentic Middle Eastern and Oriental rhythms for musicians, producers, and dancers. It features a wide variety of traditional loops, dynamic performance tools, and custom loop import. Seamlessly integrate with DAWs and external controllers for live shows and studio production.

Highlights
  • Over 30 authentic Arabic, Middle Eastern, and Oriental rhythms
  • Dynamic performance tools for live feel
  • AUv3 and Ableton Link support
  • Import custom WAV loops with iCloud backup
  • Set lists for live performances
  • MIDI Learn integration
  • Built-in recording and sharing
Features
Read full description

Darbuka Beats: Play Authentic Middle Eastern Rhythms at Your Fingertips Unleash the spirit of the Middle East with Darbuka Beats, the ultimate drum machine app for belly dancers, musicians, and producers! Dive into a vibrant world of authentic Arabic, Middle Eastern, and Oriental rhythms, expertly crafted for both practice and performance. Features: • Authentic Loops: Explore over 30 traditional and modern rhythms, including Maksoum, Saidi, Baladi, Ciftetelli, Ayoub, Rumba, Malfuf, Dabkeh, Samai, and many more. • Dynamic Performance Tools: Play intros, variations, fills, endings, and layer percussion elements for a live, humanized feel. • AUv3 Support: Seamlessly integrate with your favorite AUv3-compatible DAWs for a streamlined production workflow. • Custom Loop Import with iCloud Backup: Add your personal touch by importing your own WAV loops—and keep them safe with iCloud backup of your custom content. • Set Lists for Live Shows: Organize your songs and rhythms for flawless live performances. • MIDI Learn Integration: Map and control virtually every feature using your external MIDI controller. • Tap or Lock Tempo: Stay perfectly in sync with easy tempo tapping or locking. • Smooth Transitions: Fade in, fade out, insert breaks, and end rhythms cleanly for seamless transitions. • Ableton Link Support: Sync effortlessly with other apps and devices for collaborative sessions. • Record and Share: Capture your performances or studio sessions with built-in output recording. Rhythms Included: Fox, Maksoum, Zaffa, Ayoub, Ciftetelli, Gypsy, Wahda, Katakufti, Saidi, Balon, Malfuf, Dossary, Laff, Sama’i, Shrh, Waltz 3/4, Choby Dabkeh, Sirya, Adani, Haja3, Jerk, Rumba, Slow, Sodasi, Techno, Shaban, Chobi, Gorgina, Baladi, Rai, Masmudi, Swing Oriental, Tableh, Arabi, Setati, Tagil, Bandari, Iraqi, Samri, and more — including unique 3/4 Rai rhythms! Whether you're dancing, performing live, or producing music in the studio, Darbuka Beats gives you the authentic grooves you need to move and inspire. Download now and feel the rhythm of tradition — and innovation!

Screenshots

Robo Darbuka4 screens
Darbuka Beats4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: Darbuka Beats at 4.7 against Robo Darbuka's 3.7. Darbuka Beats also leads on ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (weekly vs every 6 months). Robo Darbuka's advantage is review sentiment (80% vs 40%) and iOS requirement (15.6 vs 18.0). On price, in-app purchases, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

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

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Darbuka Beats holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 3.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Darbuka Beats has 47 ratings behind it against 3, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 80% of Robo Darbuka's written reviews are positive against 40% of Darbuka Beats's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Robo Darbuka ships an update every 6 months, Darbuka Beats weekly. The most recent releases landed on October 26, 2026 and October 28, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 4 level
Robo Darbuka versus Darbuka Beats: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterRobo DarbukaDarbuka Beats
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.7 (3 ratings)4.7 (47 ratings) — better
Positive reviews80.0% of reviews — better40.0% of reviews
Number of ratings347 — better
Update frequencyEvery 6 monthsWeekly — better
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS15.6 — better18.0
Further details — not scored
Size20 MB308 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperBita SobhaniSonic Market

Customer experience

Robo Darbuka

All ratings3 ratings
Positive66.7%
Neutral0.0%
Negative33.3%
Written reviews5 reviews
Positive80.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative20.0%

Darbuka Beats

All ratings47 ratings
Positive89.4%
Neutral4.3%
Negative6.4%
Written reviews5 reviews
Positive40.0%
Neutral40.0%
Negative20.0%

In-app purchases

1 purchases

Robo Darbuka

One-time1
  • Premium$12.99
2 purchases

Darbuka Beats

One-time2
  • Darbuka Beats Factory Rhythms$1.99
  • Darbuka Beats Factory Rhythms$3.99

Questions

Is Robo Darbuka free?
Robo Darbuka is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Darbuka Beats free?
Darbuka Beats is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Robo Darbuka or Darbuka Beats?
Darbuka Beats is rated higher. Robo Darbuka averages 3.7 out of 5 from 3 ratings, while Darbuka Beats averages 4.7 from 47 ratings.
Do Robo Darbuka or Darbuka Beats have ads?
Robo Darbuka shows ads; Darbuka Beats does not.
Which is updated more often, Robo Darbuka or Darbuka Beats?
Robo Darbuka ships an update every 6 months, and Darbuka Beats weekly. Most recently, Robo Darbuka was updated on October 26, 2026 and Darbuka Beats on October 28, 2026.

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