# CR vs Marimba

The clearest difference is rating: Marimba at 5.0 against CR's 4.0. Marimba also leads on price ($2.99 vs $5.99). CR's advantage is ratings volume (9 vs 2) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 17.0). On update cadence, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

CR costs $5.99 and Marimba $2.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Marimba holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 9 and 2 respectively.

CR ships an update every 7 months, Marimba every 10 months. Both last shipped on October 13, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | CR | Marimba |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $5.99 | **$2.99** |
| Rating | [4.0 (9 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cr-8k/id1441966351/reviews) | **[5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/marimba/id6475635974/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **9** | 2 |
| Positive reviews | 90.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 7 months** | Every 10 months |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Size | 23 MB | 92 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [David Rochaix](https://appshunter.io/developer/1441966350) | [Mellowmuse Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/425710925) |

## What reviewers say

### CR

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cr-8k/id1441966351)

This app transforms your device into a pocket beat-making companion, inspired by the simplicity and raw heritage of 1980s instruments. It offers a pure interface for creating rhythms with a variety of samples, patterns, and effects.

**Highlights:** 13 original high-quality double-samples, 24 combinable preset patterns, 8 programmable patterns, Shuffle mode (3/4 signature), Background audio playback, Audiobus V3 and InterApp audio support, Built-in instrument and audio effects

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### Marimba

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/marimba/id6475635974)

This app offers a high-quality sampled marimba instrument for iOS devices. It functions as a standalone application or an AUv3 plugin, featuring adjustable keyboard settings and built-in effects like reverb and delay. It supports external MIDI input for enhanced musical expression.

**Highlights:** Standalone app and AUv3 plugin, High-quality sample-based marimba, Configurable keyboard, Reverb and delay effects, MIDI input support, Mac support

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is CR free?

CR costs $5.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Marimba free?

Marimba costs $2.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, CR or Marimba?

Marimba is rated higher. CR averages 4.0 out of 5 from 9 ratings, while Marimba averages 5.0 from 2 ratings.

### Do CR or Marimba have ads?

Neither CR nor Marimba shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, CR or Marimba?

CR ships an update every 7 months, and Marimba every 10 months. Most recently, CR was updated on October 13, 2026 and Marimba on October 13, 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.*