# Koala Sampler vs DRM

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: DRM at none against Koala Sampler's 8. DRM also leads on rating (5.0 vs 4.8) and price ($1.99 vs $4.99). Koala Sampler's advantage is review sentiment (88% vs 57%) and update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 7 months). On ads and device support there is nothing between them.

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

DRM holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Koala Sampler has 1.4K ratings behind it against 6, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 88% of Koala Sampler's written reviews are positive against 57% of DRM's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Koala Sampler ships an update every 3 weeks, DRM every 7 months. The most recent releases landed on September 25, 2026 and September 10, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Koala Sampler | DRM |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $4.99 | **$1.99** |
| Rating | [4.8 (1.4K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/koala-sampler-beat-maker/id1449584007/reviews) | **[5.0 (6 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/drm-32/id1488347182/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **1.4K** | 6 |
| Positive reviews | **88.3% of reviews** | 57.1% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 weeks** | Every 7 months |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Paid |
| Best chart rank | **#4** | — |
| Size | 59 MB | 24 MB |
| Requires iOS | 14.0 | **12.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Mazbox Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/329604853) | [David Rochaix](https://appshunter.io/developer/1441966350) |

## What reviewers say

### Koala Sampler

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

**Currently charting:** #4 Top Paid · Music, #71 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


### DRM

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/drm-32/id1488347182)

This app emulates a vintage 1979 drum machine, offering a pure interface for creating beats on your device. It includes high-quality samples, preset patterns, and advanced audio features for music production.

**Highlights:** 8 original high-quality double-samples, 32 preset patterns, Selective instrument deletion modes, Full machine state auto-save, Background audio playback, Audiobus V3 and InterApp audio support, Built-in audio and global effects

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Koala Sampler free?

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

### Is DRM free?

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

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

DRM is rated higher. Koala Sampler averages 4.8 out of 5 from 1.4K ratings, while DRM averages 5.0 from 6 ratings.

### Do Koala Sampler or DRM have ads?

Neither Koala Sampler nor DRM shows ads.

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

Koala Sampler ships an update every 3 weeks, and DRM every 7 months. Most recently, Koala Sampler was updated on September 25, 2026 and DRM on September 10, 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.*