Comparison

Notey vs Drum Coach

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

Head to head
About

Notey

This app transforms guitar learning into an engaging game where your instrument acts as the controller. It offers a fun, structured path for beginners, especially children, to learn real songs and skills through interactive gameplay.

Highlights
  • Guitar as controller
  • Learn real songs
  • Structured learning path
  • Progress tracking for parents
  • Interactive gameplay
  • Designed for kids
Features
Read full description

Most kids quit guitar when practice starts to feel like work. Notey is different. Your guitar is the controller, and the game only works when you play it. Kids aren't doing lessons with game elements. They're playing a game that teaches them music. Created by Grammy-winning musicians. Designed to be fun first, educational always. WHY IT WORKS —————————————— >>> REAL GAMEPLAY Not just gamified lessons. Designed to be fun on its own. >>> REAL SONGS. REAL PROGRESS. Start simple and build toward songs kids recognize and feel proud to play. >>> GUIDED WINS, NOT GUESSWORK A clear path means kids always know what to do next. HOW IT WORKS —————————————— - Place your device in front of you and start playing - Your guitar is the controller — Notey listens in real time and responds as you play - Short sessions. Real progress. BUILT FOR FAMILIES —————————————— Created specifically for kids learning guitar at home. - Structured learning path - Progress parents can see and hear - No lesson planning required - While designed for kids, beginner learners of any age are welcome. WHAT YOU NEED —————————————— - iPhone or iPad - Acoustic, electric, or classical guitar CONTACT US —————————————— - Questions or feedback? Email us at marketing@notey.co - Support: support@notey.co - Privacy Policy: https://notey.co/privacy - Terms of Service: https://notey.co/terms

About

Drum Coach

This app offers a personalized AI-driven learning path for drummers of all levels. It provides step-by-step lessons, a vast library of songs and exercises, and unique coaching tools like an AI chat and real teacher feedback to help you master drumming.

Highlights
  • Personalized AI learning path
  • Step-by-step AI lessons
  • 1,000+ songs and exercises
  • Practice with any setup
  • Progress tracking and stats
  • AI coach chat
  • Real teacher feedback
Features
Read full description

Built by drummers, for drummers. Get the personal AI tutor that replaces static videos with a smart learning path that adapts to you and makes every practice count. AWARD-WINNING & TRUSTED 1. GRAMMY Academy Honoree: Recognized for making music education more accessible worldwide. 2. Best Rated Drum app Globally 3. Supported by Berklee College of Music Professor: Mariano Steimberg 4. Teachers Approved: A trusted learning tool in classrooms and practice pads globally. YOUR PERSONALIZED DRUM PLAN 1. Step-by-Step AI Lessons: Your practice plan adapts after every session, so you're always challenged, never bored. 2. 1,000+ Songs & Exercises: Master rudiments, grooves, and fills with a massive library for every skill level. 3. Practice Anywhere, Anytime: Use a full kit, an electronic set, a practice pad, or just your hands. 4. Track Your Progress: Visualize your improvement with weekly stats and celebrate milestones to stay motivated. UNIQUE COACHING TOOLS 1. Built-in AI Coach Chat: Have a question about a grip or notation? Get instant answers from your AI coach right in the app. 2. Real Teacher Feedback: Share a recording of your playing and get personalized feedback from our team of pro drummers. 3. Smart Metronome: More than a click - our metronome is integrated into lessons to help you truly internalize rhythm and groove. WHO IS THIS FOR? 1. Beginners wanting a clear path to build confidence. 2. Intermediate Players looking to break through plateaus. 3. Teachers & Students who need the perfect companion between lessons. WHAT OUR DRUMMERS SAY "The custom practice plan is a total game-changer. I'm freaking out over how fast I'm improving!" - Alex T. "I've tried a bunch of apps and always quit. Drum Coach is the only one that gives me a clear plan and actually makes it fun." - Maya R. Join thousands of drummers worldwide who are improving daily with Drum Coach. Download now and start your free trial. Contact: support@upbeat.studio Support: upbeat.studio/drum-coach/support/ Privacy Policy: upbeat.studio/drum-coach/privacy-policy/ Terms & Conditions: upbeat.studio/drum-coach/terms-and-conditions/ Subscription Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

Notey4 screens
Drum Coach4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is ads: Notey at none against Drum Coach's shown. Notey also leads on review sentiment (84% vs 75%). Drum Coach's advantage is rating (4.7 vs 4.4). On price, ratings volume, update cadence and in-app purchases 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

Both are free to download. Notey sells 12 in-app purchases, starting at $7.99 per 7 days and Drum Coach sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $14.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Drum Coach holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.4. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 241 and 441 respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 84% of Notey's written reviews are positive against 75% of Drum Coach's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Notey ships an update fortnightly, Drum Coach every 10 days. Both last shipped on October 30, 2026.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
Notey versus Drum Coach: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterNoteyDrum Coach
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.4 (241 ratings)4.7 (441 ratings) — better
Positive reviews84.4% of reviews — better75.0% of reviews
Number of ratings241441 — better
Update frequencyFortnightlyEvery 10 days — better
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS15.015.0
Further details — not scored
Size1.2 GB187 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperNotey Inc.UPBEAT STUDIO

Customer experience

Notey

All ratings238 ratings
Positive83.2%
Neutral5.5%
Negative11.3%
Written reviews122 reviews
Positive84.4%
Neutral2.5%
Negative13.1%

Drum Coach

All ratings441 ratings
Positive95.0%
Neutral2.3%
Negative2.7%
Written reviews28 reviews
Positive75.0%
Neutral14.3%
Negative10.7%

User reviews

Notey

From 241 App Store ratings

What we love

  • 👍 Fun and engaging way to learn guitar
  • 🎨 Cute and appealing visuals
  • 🎮 Gamified learning experience
  • 🎓 Helpful for beginners and intermediates
  • 🎸 Works with real guitar

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Occasional bugs and crashes
  • 🔒 Login and subscription issues
  • 🔧 Compatibility problems on certain devices
  • 🎚️ Sensitivity and accuracy issues with guitar input

Drum Coach

From 441 App Store ratings

What we love

  • 👍 Great for beginners
  • 👍 Helpful for learning drums
  • 👍 Good for practicing
  • 👍 Easy to use
  • 👍 Well-designed app

Room to improve

  • 👎 Expensive subscription
  • 👎 No feedback/app not listening
  • 👎 Overpriced for features
  • 👎 Full-screen not fixed
  • 👎 Songs not aligned with notes

Bugs and requests

Notey

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • Levels freezing with mic setting screen open
  • Challenges not starting properly after restarting
  • Informational prompts disappearing too quickly

Requested features

5 requests
  • More song/level variety
  • Customizable curriculum and progress tracking
  • Expanded support for different instruments
  • Offline mode or downloadable content
  • Improved performance and stability

Drum Coach

Reported bugs

8 issues
  • App disconnects from Bluetooth
  • Incorrect direction (left/right) spoken
  • Sound on/off button works inverted
  • Full-screen not fixed
  • UI bug on iOS where next page button is unselectable
Show 3 more
  • Metronome cuts out
  • Bluetooth disconnecting after record session
  • Voiceover not fully silenceable

Requested features

6 requests
  • Way to rewind a lesson without restarting
  • See 2 rows of music at a time
  • App should hear user and give feedback on correct/wrong notes
  • Toggle pad-only exercises
  • More content/sessions
Show 1 more
  • Show days played in plan

In-app purchases

12 purchases

Notey

Subscriptions8
  • Notey's World Weekly3 Days trial$7.997 Days
  • Monthly Subscription7 Days trial$14.991 Month
  • One Free Month Subscription1 Month trial$14.991 Month
Show 5 more
  • Six Month HalfOff Subscription6 Months trial$44.996 Months
  • One Year Half Off Subscription7 Days trial$49.991 Year
  • Six Month Subscription$69.996 Months
  • Yearly Subscription$99.991 Year
  • Notey's World Yearly7 Days trial$99.991 Year
One-time4
  • Beatcoin 500$4.99
  • Beatcoin 1000$8.99
  • Beatcoin 2000$14.99
Show 1 more
  • Lifetime Access$139.99
10 purchases

Drum Coach

Subscriptions8
  • Drum Coach PRO Monthly7 Days trial$14.991 Month
  • Drum Coach PRO Monthly$14.991 Month
  • Drum Coach Pro Yearly Promo$44.991 Year
Show 5 more
  • Drum Coach PRO Yearly7 Days trial$49.991 Year
  • Drum Coach PRO Yearly$49.991 Year
  • Drum Coach PRO Yearly$59.991 Year
  • Drum Coach PRO yearly full7 Days trial$69.991 Year
  • Drum Coach PRO Yearly7 Days trial$99.991 Year
One-time2
  • Teacher Feedback$12.99
  • Drum Coach PRO lifetime$249.99

Questions

Is Notey free?
Notey is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Drum Coach free?
Drum Coach is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Notey or Drum Coach?
Drum Coach is rated higher. Notey averages 4.4 out of 5 from 241 ratings, while Drum Coach averages 4.7 from 441 ratings.
Do Notey or Drum Coach have ads?
Drum Coach shows ads; Notey does not.
Which is updated more often, Notey or Drum Coach?
Notey ships an update fortnightly, and Drum Coach every 10 days. Most recently, Notey was updated on October 30, 2026 and Drum Coach on October 30, 2026.

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