Comparison

VADrumSM vs Drumly

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

Head to head
About

VADrumSM

This app is a virtual analog drum machine with a step sequencer. It offers 21 synthesized drum voices and flexible pad controls. It integrates with other music apps via AUv3 and Ableton Link.

Highlights
  • Virtual analog drum synthesizer
  • 16-step sequencer
  • AUv3 Audio Unit Extensions support
  • Ableton Link synchronization
  • XY pad controllers
  • Parameter automation
  • 17 output buses
Features
Read full description

VADrumSM is a standalone mobile drum machine featuring a virtual analog drum synthesizer and a step sequencer. The virtual analog drum synthesizer supports AUv3 Audio Unit Extensions, which allows users to use the drum synthesizer inside of AUv3 hosts, such as Apple’s GarageBand®. The sequencer supports Ableton Link. You can synchronize the sequencer to Link-enabled apps and devices. Drum Synthesizer The drum synthesizer is inspired by the iconic analog drum machines of the 1980’s and features 21 drum voices. Sounds of the each drum voices are synthesized in real time by using component level modeling. Pads Pads function as XY controllers, XY controllers with trigger, or drum pads. When using pads as XY controllers, destination can be selected from tone/decay, level or pitch. Step Sequencer The step sequencer is designed to be intuitive and easy to program drum sequences. It is a 16 step sequencer and it has 3 accent level for the each step. Double hit mode allows to program two 32nd notes instead of the one 16th note. There are 4 patterns and can be chained to create 4 bar loop. There are 6 variations of swing, which can be applied in real time. Parameter Automation All XY parameters (tone, level and pitch) and voice switches can be automated, that gives a whole new sonic possibility. MIxer 17 output buses, including a mix output and 16 instrument outputs of Drum Synthesizer can be routed to main output and 4 aux mixers. AUv3 effects can be inserted to each channels. Sum of the 4 aux mixers outputs can be routed to Audiobus’s second output port. FEATURES Drum Synthesizer - 21 analog modeling drum synthesizers, including 2 bass drums, 2 snare drums, 2 sets of low, mid and high toms, low, mid and high congas, rim shot, claves, hand clap, maracas, closed and open hi-hats, cymbal and cowbell. - 3 Layers of 16 XY pad controls (Tone, Level, Pitch) - Drum Pads Mode (Pad) - Trigger Mode (On / Off) - MIDI input (mid note events only) - Output mix signal and all instruments signal - Support Audio Unit Extensions (AUv3) Step Sequencer - 16 step sequencer - Variable Pattern Length - Parameter Automation - Swing: 6 variations - Accent: 3 level - Double hit: on / off - Pattern: 4 patterns - Pattern Length: 1 bar - Loop length: 1 bar or 4 bar - Note length: 16th or 32nd - Record quantization: 16th - Chain mode: on / off - Tempo: 20 BPM - 999 BPM - Support Ableton Link * Ableton Link requires Wi-Fi connections. Others -Support Audiobus (main output and aux output) -Built in User Guide

About

Drumly

Features
Read full description

Master Drumming with Visual Feedback Drumly is your smart drum training companion, combining LED lights and beat synchronization to help you practice like never before. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced drummer, Drumly offers an interactive way to improve timing, rhythm, and technique. Features: • Real-time LED guidance synced to your playing • Bluetooth control for wireless LED activation • Practice mode with BPM control and metronome • Song playback with visual rhythm cues • Personalized training based on your skill level • Save and replay your sessions for progress tracking Connect your Drumly LED box and get instant feedback on every hit. Make practice sessions productive — and fun. Why Drumly? Drumly isn’t just an app — it’s a full training system. Our custom-designed hardware clips to your drum kit and lights up exactly when and where to strike, creating a powerful visual learning experience. Ready to see your progress in real-time? Download Drumly and light up your rhythm.

Screenshots

VADrumSM4 screens
Drumly4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Drumly at Free against VADrumSM's $9.99. Drumly also leads on update cadence (every 5 days vs monthly). VADrumSM's advantage is iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.0). On ads, in-app purchases 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

Drumly is free to download; VADrumSM costs $9.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

VADrumSM ships an update monthly, Drumly every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on August 14, 2026 and September 10, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
VADrumSM versus Drumly: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterVADrumSMDrumly
Price$9.99Free — better
Rating4.8 (6 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings6 — better—
Update frequencyMonthlyEvery 5 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaid—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS13.0 — better15.0
Further details — not scored
Size21 MB45 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperRyo Togawamustafa yldiz

In-app purchases

None

VADrumSM

No in-app purchases

None

Drumly

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is VADrumSM free?
VADrumSM costs $9.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is Drumly free?
Drumly is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do VADrumSM or Drumly have ads?
Neither VADrumSM nor Drumly shows ads.
Which is updated more often, VADrumSM or Drumly?
VADrumSM ships an update monthly, and Drumly every 5 days. Most recently, VADrumSM was updated on August 14, 2026 and Drumly on September 10, 2026.

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