# Flare Scratch vs Koala Sampler

The clearest difference is rating: Koala Sampler at 4.8 against Flare Scratch's 3.5. Koala Sampler also leads on review sentiment (88% vs 66%) and ratings volume (1.4K vs 71). Flare Scratch's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 8). On price, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Flare Scratch costs $4.99 and Koala Sampler $4.99 up front. Koala Sampler sells 8 one-off in-app purchases. Flare Scratch asks for nothing beyond the download.

Koala Sampler holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 3.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Koala Sampler has 1.4K ratings behind it against 71, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 66% of Flare Scratch's written reviews are positive against 88% of Koala Sampler's.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 29, 2026 and October 1, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Flare Scratch | Koala Sampler |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $4.99 | $4.99 |
| Rating | [3.5 (71 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/flare-scratch/id324824802/reviews) | **[4.8 (1.4K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/koala-sampler-beat-maker/id1449584007/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 71 | **1.4K** |
| Positive reviews | 65.9% of reviews | **88.2% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | Every 3 weeks |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Best chart rank | — | **#5** |
| Size | 9 MB | 59 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **14.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Async](https://appshunter.io/developer/324824805) | [Mazbox Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/329604853) |

## What reviewers say

### Flare Scratch

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/flare-scratch/id324824802)

This app simulates a high-torque DJ turntable, allowing users to scratch music from their iPod library or pre-loaded beat loops. It offers various classic scratching techniques and features like zoom mode for precision and mirror mode for left-handed users.

**Highlights:** Scratch iPod Library tunes, High torque turntable simulation, Loop player, Zoom mode for precision, Classic scratch techniques, Mirror mode for left-handers, Preloaded beat loops

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Hardest working dev
- 👍 Realistic scratching experience
- 💡 Ability to use own music library
- 🚀 Smooth and responsive

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Crashing issues
- 🐛 Compatibility problems
- 🐛 Bugs and glitches
- 🔋 App not optimized for newer devices

**Reported bugs**

- Crashing when adding music
- Inability to change loop or turntable tracks
- Compatibility issues with newer iOS versions

**Requested features**

- Pitch control
- Crab scratch button
- More skins/customization options
- Recording functionality
- Ability to load own beats/loops


### Koala Sampler

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/koala-sampler-beat-maker/id1449584007)

**Currently charting:** #5 Top Paid · Music, #76 Top Paid, #188 Top Grossing · Music (US App Store)

This app allows you to record sounds with your phone's microphone, transform them with effects, and create beats and tracks. Its intuitive interface focuses on a fast and fun music-making process.

**Highlights:** Record up to 64 samples with mic, Apply 16 built-in effects, Load and use own samples, Create beats with high-resolution sequencer, Export loops and tracks as WAV, AI sample separation, AUv3 and MIDI compatibility

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

**In-app purchases (8)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Koala AUv3 Plugin | $1.99 | one-time |
| Ese-O's Sample Pack | $2.99 | one-time |
| Solar Studies Samplepack | $2.99 | one-time |
| Soon Come Dub Sample Pack | $2.99 | one-time |
| Analog Astronaut Samplepack | $2.99 | one-time |
| Cirrus Cuts Sample Pack | $2.99 | one-time |
| Samurai Edition | $3.99 | one-time |
| Mixer | $4.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Intuitive and easy to use
- 🚀 Smooth workflow and fast performance
- 💡 Powerful sampling and sequencing capabilities
- 🔥 Excellent value for the price
- 🎨 Creative and inspiring sound design

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional crashes and stability issues
- 🔇 Limited effects and sound manipulation options
- 📁 Difficulty managing and organizing samples/projects
- 🎚️ Lack of advanced MIDI mapping and control options
- 🔍 Unclear or confusing UI elements in certain areas

**Reported bugs**

- Samples not loading or disappearing after app updates
- Sequencer timing and quantization issues
- Crashes when using certain features or with large projects

**Requested features**

- Ability to record and edit MIDI sequences
- More comprehensive effects and sound processing tools
- Improved sample management and organization features
- Support for external MIDI controllers and hardware integration
- Customizable color schemes and UI themes


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Flare Scratch free?

Flare Scratch costs $4.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Koala Sampler free?

Koala Sampler costs $4.99, and also offers in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Flare Scratch or Koala Sampler?

Koala Sampler is rated higher. Flare Scratch averages 3.5 out of 5 from 71 ratings, while Koala Sampler averages 4.8 from 1.4K ratings.

### Do Flare Scratch or Koala Sampler have ads?

Neither Flare Scratch nor Koala Sampler shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Flare Scratch or Koala Sampler?

Flare Scratch ships an update every 3 weeks, and Koala Sampler every 3 weeks. Most recently, Flare Scratch was updated on September 29, 2026 and Koala Sampler on October 1, 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.*