Comparison

FingerBeat vs Approvl

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

Head to head
About

FingerBeat

Transform any sound into music with this pocket sampler and drum machine. Record audio, slice it into playable hits, and create beats using a step sequencer or keyboard. Mix live, overdub vocals, and share your creations instantly.

Highlights
  • Record and sample any sound
  • Auto-slicing for playable kits
  • Step sequencer and keyboard
  • Live mixer with effects
  • Tape recorder and audio editor
  • Share projects and mixes
Features
Read full description

Turn any sound into a beat. FingerBeat is a pocket sampler, drum machine and tape recorder built for making music on the go, with your fingers and no music theory whatsoever. Record anything with the microphone, drop it on a pad and start playing. Capture a whole instrument phrase and FingerBeat slices it into separate hits automatically, so one recording becomes a playable kit. Draw patterns in the step sequencer, tweak the mix live, sing over the top, and share the result in seconds. FingerBeat is completely free. No ads, no subscriptions, no locked features. MAKE BEATS FROM ANYTHING ● 8 low-latency stereo pads, each with its own channel ● Sample straight from the microphone, the built-in sound library, or any audio file ● Auto-slicing turns one recording into a set of playable hits ● Import music from your library (DRM-free tracks) or from the Files app ● Paste audio from other apps with AudioCopy 3 SEQUENCE WITHOUT THE THEORY ● Step sequencer: tap and draw boxes to build patterns, one color per channel ● 24 pattern blocks with up to 256 steps each ● Keyboard and note editor: what you play appears instantly and can be redrawn with a finger ● Shake to undo, or shake to randomize your sounds for happy accidents TAPE RECORDER AND AUDIO EDITOR ● Record whole sessions, jams, ideas and meetings for later ● Use the reels to set precise in and out points and pull loops ● Scratch over your beats with the tape while the sequencer plays, and overdub the performance ● Cut, paste and drag clips straight into pads PERFORM AND MIX LIVE ● Multi-touch mixer with live effects, designed for hands-on performance ● Live input monitoring so you can sing or rap over your beat in real time ● Audiobus support and Korg WIST wireless sync-start with other music apps ● Everything is saved automatically, so you pick up exactly where you left off SHARE ● Export mixes, loops and samples by AirDrop, Messages, Mail, Files or any app on your device ● Send whole beat projects to friends who use FingerBeat ● Also available through Finder and iTunes file sharing GOOD TO KNOW For the tightest timing, use wired headphones or a wired speaker. Bluetooth playback works but adds delay, which you will feel when playing the pads. FingerBeat is the new retro. No talent required. Just beat it! Privacy policy: https://fingerbeat.com/privacy-policy Questions or feedback: info@oktoid.org

About

Approvl

Read full description

Approvl is for music producers who want feedback and approval on songs and mixes from their artists, labels etc. Capturing written or verbal comments on the timeline allows the producer to fine tune the mix and ensure the client or label are happy with the end product. Doing this manually involves countless phone calls, emails and texts and Approvl makes this efficient and easy for both producer and artist. Mixes can be reviewed on Mac, iPad or iPhone also making it easy for mixes to approved on the road, in the van or wherever the artist is. Mixes can also be approved through a web link. Approvl is a paid monthly or annual subscription for producers but is free to approvers. Supplied according to standard Apple Terms of Use (EULA) found here: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

FingerBeat4 screens
Approvl4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: FingerBeat at every 2 months against Approvl's every 3 months. FingerBeat also leads on iOS requirement (13.0 vs 17.6). On price, 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

Both are free to download. FingerBeat sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $0.49 per month and Approvl sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

FingerBeat ships an update every 2 months, Approvl every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on October 23, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
FingerBeat versus Approvl: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterFingerBeatApprovl
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.7 (66 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews90.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings66 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 2 months — betterEvery 3 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, Mac
Requires iOS13.0 — better17.6
Further details — not scored
Size137 MB19 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperOktoidIan Miller

In-app purchases

2 purchases

FingerBeat

Subscriptions1
  • Pay monthly, cancel anytime$0.491 Month
One-time1
  • Pay once, enjoy forever$13.99
2 purchases

Approvl

Subscriptions2
  • Approvl Monthly subscription14 Days trial$9.991 Month
  • Approvl - Annual Subscription14 Days trial$99.991 Year

Questions

Is FingerBeat free?
FingerBeat is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Approvl free?
Approvl is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do FingerBeat or Approvl have ads?
Neither FingerBeat nor Approvl shows ads.
Which is updated more often, FingerBeat or Approvl?
FingerBeat ships an update every 2 months, and Approvl every 3 months. Most recently, FingerBeat was updated on October 23, 2026 and Approvl on October 24, 2026.

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