# CR vs Koala Sampler

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: CR at none against Koala Sampler's 8. CR also leads on price ($1.99 vs $4.99) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 15.0). Koala Sampler's advantage is update cadence (fortnightly vs every 7 months) and ratings volume (1.4K vs 10). On rating, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

CR costs $1.99 and Koala Sampler $4.99 up front. Koala Sampler sells 8 one-off in-app purchases. CR asks for nothing beyond the download.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.9 for CR against 4.8 for Koala Sampler. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Koala Sampler has 1.4K ratings behind it against 10, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 75% of CR's written reviews are positive against 88% of Koala Sampler's.

CR ships an update every 7 months, Koala Sampler fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on September 28, 2026 and October 20, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | CR | Koala Sampler |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **$1.99** | $4.99 |
| Rating | **[4.9 (10 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cr-5k/id1442843535/reviews)** | [4.8 (1.4K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/koala-sampler-beat-maker/id1449584007/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 10 | **1.4K** |
| Positive reviews | 75.0% of reviews | **88.3% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 7 months | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Best chart rank | #182 | **#7** |
| Size | 20 MB | 60 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [David Rochaix](https://appshunter.io/developer/1441966350) | [Mazbox Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/329604853) |

## What reviewers say

### CR

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cr-5k/id1442843535)

**Currently charting:** #182 Top Paid · Music (US App Store)

This app transforms your device into a pocket beat-making companion, inspired by the simplicity and raw heritage of eighties analog drum machines. It offers a pure interface with high-quality samples, combinable patterns, and various arranger variations for creating rhythms.

**Highlights:** 12 Original high quality double-samples, 24 Combinable preset patterns, 8 Preset fill-ins, 7 Arranger variations, Shuffle mode (3/4 signature), Background audio playback, Audiobus V3 and InterApp audio support

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### Koala Sampler

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/koala-sampler-beat-maker/id1449584007)

**Currently charting:** #7 Top Paid · Music, #45 Top Paid (US App Store)

This app allows you to record sounds with your phone's microphone, transform them with effects, and create beats and tracks. Its intuitive interface focuses on a fast and fun music-making process.

**Highlights:** Record up to 64 samples with mic, Apply 16 built-in effects, Load and use own samples, Create beats with high-resolution sequencer, Export loops and tracks as WAV, AI sample separation, AUv3 and MIDI compatibility

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

**In-app purchases (8)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Koala AUv3 Plugin | $1.99 | one-time |
| Ese-O's Sample Pack | $2.99 | one-time |
| Solar Studies Samplepack | $2.99 | one-time |
| Soon Come Dub Sample Pack | $2.99 | one-time |
| Analog Astronaut Samplepack | $2.99 | one-time |
| Cirrus Cuts Sample Pack | $2.99 | one-time |
| Samurai Edition | $3.99 | one-time |
| Mixer | $4.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Intuitive and easy to use
- 🚀 Smooth workflow and fast performance
- 💡 Powerful sampling and sequencing capabilities
- 🔥 Excellent value for the price
- 🎨 Creative and inspiring sound design

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional crashes and stability issues
- 🔇 Limited effects and sound manipulation options
- 📁 Difficulty managing and organizing samples/projects
- 🎚️ Lack of advanced MIDI mapping and control options
- 🔍 Unclear or confusing UI elements in certain areas

**Reported bugs**

- Samples not loading or disappearing after app updates
- Sequencer timing and quantization issues
- Crashes when using certain features or with large projects

**Requested features**

- Ability to record and edit MIDI sequences
- More comprehensive effects and sound processing tools
- Improved sample management and organization features
- Support for external MIDI controllers and hardware integration
- Customizable color schemes and UI themes


## Frequently asked questions

### Is CR free?

CR costs $1.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Koala Sampler free?

Koala Sampler costs $4.99, and also offers in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, CR or Koala Sampler?

CR is rated higher. CR averages 4.9 out of 5 from 10 ratings, while Koala Sampler averages 4.8 from 1.4K ratings.

### Do CR or Koala Sampler have ads?

Neither CR nor Koala Sampler shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, CR or Koala Sampler?

CR ships an update every 7 months, and Koala Sampler fortnightly. Most recently, CR was updated on September 28, 2026 and Koala Sampler on October 20, 2026.

### Which is more popular, CR or Koala Sampler?

CR currently peaks at #182 in the App Store charts, and Koala Sampler at #7. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

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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.*