# DrumComputer vs NERD Synth A2x + AUv3

The clearest difference is price: DrumComputer at Free against NERD Synth A2x + AUv3's $5.99. NERD Synth A2x + AUv3's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and update cadence (fortnightly vs every 5 weeks). On rating, ratings volume and ads there is nothing between them.

DrumComputer is free to download; NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 costs $5.99 up front. DrumComputer sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 asks for nothing beyond the download.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.8 for DrumComputer against 4.9 for NERD Synth A2x + AUv3. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 621 and 1.4K respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 81% of DrumComputer's written reviews are positive against 89% of NERD Synth A2x + AUv3's.

DrumComputer ships an update every 5 weeks, NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 20, 2026 and October 21, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | DrumComputer | NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **Free** | $5.99 |
| Rating | [4.8 (621 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/drumcomputer-synthetic-beats/id1502238351/reviews) | **[4.9 (1.4K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nerd-synth-a2x-plus-auv3/id6478898564/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 621 | **1.4K** |
| Positive reviews | 81.0% of reviews | **89.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 5 weeks | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Paid |
| Size | 1.6 GB | 242 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.6 | **14.4** |
| Devices | iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Sugar Bytes GmbH](https://appshunter.io/developer/614418826) | [AudioKit Pro](https://appshunter.io/developer/1307785645) |

## What reviewers say

### DrumComputer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/drumcomputer-synthetic-beats/id1502238351)

This app is a powerful tool for creating synthetic drum sounds and beats. It combines advanced synthesis techniques with flexible modulation and sequencing capabilities, offering intelligent randomizers and pattern editing for endless creative possibilities. Users can design unique drum hits, build complex patterns, and mix them for professional-sounding results.

**Highlights:** 8 layered sound engines, Flexible modulation matrix, Intelligent sound randomizers, 16-step sequencer with pattern generation, Auto and manual remixing/fills, AUv3 plugin and standalone operation, MIDI file export

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| DrumComputer Full Version | $29.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Best iOS drum machine
- 👍 Wicked easy to use interface
- 👍 Great sound and workflow
- 👍 Powerful and flexible sequencer
- 👍 Tons of customization options

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional crashes
- 🔋 High CPU usage and battery drain
- 👎 Confusing and complex interface
- 👎 Lack of MIDI mapping for live use
- 👎 Inability to record beats from pads

**Reported bugs**

- Crashes on startup with iOS 14.2
- Inability to import samples in some cases
- MIDI out only supports single channel

**Requested features**

- Add real-time beat recording
- Improve MIDI mapping capabilities
- Add randomization options for tempo, sequence length, and mixing
- Improve preset management (ability to delete presets)
- Optimize for better performance and battery life


### NERD Synth A2x + AUv3

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nerd-synth-a2x-plus-auv3/id6478898564)

This virtual analog synthesizer offers a powerful and intuitive sound design experience, inspired by classic hardware. Explore over 40 classic waveforms, a versatile arpeggiator, step sequencer, and lush effects to craft unique electronic music.

**Highlights:** Virtual Analog Synthesizer, 40+ Classic Waveforms, Arpeggiator, Step Sequencer, Lush Effects Suite, Four-voice Unison, AUv3 Plugin Support

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- ⭐ Outstanding synth
- 👍 Very nice and rich sounding
- 🎨 Great presets and sound design
- 🔧 Easy to use and intuitive
- 💻 Works well in AUv3 environments

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Doesn't show up in Logic
- 🔧 Needs to be more Mac-compatible
- 🔧 Changing presets can be sluggish
- 🔧 Missing aftertouch/expression support

**Reported bugs**

- Doesn't fit properly in Logic Pro for iPad
- Keyboard keys get stuck when using a controller

**Requested features**

- Dark mode option
- Undo/redo functionality
- Improved Logic Pro integration
- Ability to change color scheme


## Frequently asked questions

### Is DrumComputer free?

DrumComputer is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 free?

NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 costs $5.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, DrumComputer or NERD Synth A2x + AUv3?

NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 is rated higher. DrumComputer averages 4.8 out of 5 from 621 ratings, while NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 averages 4.9 from 1.4K ratings.

### Do DrumComputer or NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 have ads?

Neither DrumComputer nor NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, DrumComputer or NERD Synth A2x + AUv3?

DrumComputer ships an update every 5 weeks, and NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 fortnightly. Most recently, DrumComputer was updated on October 20, 2026 and NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 on October 21, 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.*