# 5ths Machine vs Loop

The clearest difference is price: Loop at Free against 5ths Machine's $1.99. Loop also leads on update cadence (fortnightly vs every 24 months) and ratings volume (3 vs 1). 5ths Machine's advantage is rating (5.0 vs 3.0) and in-app purchases (none vs 2). On ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Loop is free to download; 5ths Machine costs $1.99 up front. Loop sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. 5ths Machine asks for nothing beyond the download.

5ths Machine holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 3.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1 and 3 respectively.

5ths Machine ships an update every 24 months, Loop fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on November 14, 2026 and November 7, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | 5ths Machine | Loop |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $1.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/5ths-machine/id1582877284/reviews)** | [3.0 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/loop-melody-maker/id6762234256/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 1 | **3** |
| Positive reviews | — | 71.4% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 24 months | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | Paid | **Freemium** |
| Size | 18 MB | 1 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 18.6 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Lucy Hudson](https://appshunter.io/developer/1179157812) | [ANCREATIVE INC.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1846323282) |

## What reviewers say

### 5ths Machine

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/5ths-machine/id1582877284)

Explore the theoretical intricacies of key signatures with an interactive quiz. Learn about the 12-position equal temperament system and discover how to identify keys with an unusual number of sharps. Understand music theory through a unique perspective.

**Highlights:** Key signature quiz, Equal temperament system explanation, Theoretical key signature exploration, Background information on music theory, Quiz tips and strategies, Chronology of music theory concepts

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### Loop

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/loop-melody-maker/id6762234256)

Create melodies and drum patterns on a simple grid. Explore free samples or build your own sounds with various synthesis options. Save your creations and make music offline.

**Highlights:** Tap grid to create melodies, Build drum patterns, Multiple synthesis options, Shape sound with effects, Save and export loops, Offline music creation

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Loop Monthly | $1.99 | per month |
| Loop Premium Lifetime | $9.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is 5ths Machine free?

5ths Machine costs $1.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Loop free?

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

### Which has better reviews, 5ths Machine or Loop?

5ths Machine is rated higher. 5ths Machine averages 5.0 out of 5 from 1 ratings, while Loop averages 3.0 from 3 ratings.

### Do 5ths Machine or Loop have ads?

Neither 5ths Machine nor Loop shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, 5ths Machine or Loop?

5ths Machine ships an update every 24 months, and Loop fortnightly. Most recently, 5ths Machine was updated on November 14, 2026 and Loop on November 7, 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.*