# theDrumDictionary vs Drum Notes

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: theDrumDictionary at none against Drum Notes's 10. theDrumDictionary also leads on ads (none vs shown) and review sentiment (76% vs 57%). Drum Notes's advantage is update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 2 months) and ratings volume (204 vs 45). On price and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Drum Notes sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per month. theDrumDictionary asks for nothing beyond the download.

theDrumDictionary holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.6. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 45 and 204 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 76% of theDrumDictionary's written reviews are positive against 57% of Drum Notes's.

theDrumDictionary ships an update every 2 months, Drum Notes every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 18, 2026 and September 25, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | theDrumDictionary | Drum Notes |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.9 (45 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/thedrumdictionary/id341510632/reviews)** | [4.6 (204 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/drum-notes-beats-and-notation/id1493160348/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 45 | **204** |
| Positive reviews | **76.3% of reviews** | 57.4% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 33 MB | 133 MB |
| Requires iOS | **8.4** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Hawks Hill Software, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1537224753) | [UPBEAT STUDIO](https://appshunter.io/developer/1755215567) |

## What reviewers say

### theDrumDictionary

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/thedrumdictionary/id341510632)

This app is a comprehensive resource for drummers and musicians to expand their rhythmic knowledge. It features all standard rudiments and a large collection of drum set beats with adjustable tempo audio and notation. An integrated metronome and practice tracking tools make it an ideal practice companion.

**Highlights:** 40 standard snare drum rudiments, Over 100 drum set beats, Tempo-adjustable audio examples, Integrated metronome, Practice time tracking, Customizable beat lists

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Excellent learning tool for drummers of all levels
- 🎵 High-quality audio samples and clear sound
- 📚 Comprehensive collection of 40 rudiments
- 🎯 Easy-to-use interface and navigation
- 📖 Visual notation paired with audio playback

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Audio quality degrades when changing tempo
- ⏸️ App stops playing when phone sleeps
- 🔊 Bass drum not distinctive enough in mix
- 📊 Limited number of beats per genre
- ⚠️ Some audio samples don't match notation

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes on startup (older iOS versions)
- Uneven single stroke roll with extra hits/flams
- Audio warping when tempo changes
- App stops when device goes to sleep
- Inconsistent bass drum clarity

**Requested features**

- Tempo/speed control for practice
- More beats and grooves across all genres
- Odd time signatures (5/8, 7/8, 9/4, 11/4, 6/8, 7/4)
- Highlighted note indicator during playback
- Video demonstrations of techniques


### Drum Notes

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/drum-notes-beats-and-notation/id1493160348)

Create, share, and practice percussive music scores with an intuitive editor. Explore a global community of drummers and percussionists, access thousands of beats, and utilize practice tools. Ideal for musicians, teachers, and bands of all levels.

**Highlights:** Intuitive score editor for drum set and percussion, Explore and learn from community-shared beats and rhythms, Practice tools including metronome and rhythm trainer, Organize rhythms, arrangements, and exercises, Create and share drum exercises for students, Export scores as audio or image formats

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

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium Monthly Subscription | $5.99 | per month |
| Premium Monthly Subscription | $7.99 | per month |
| Premium Yearly Subscription | $42.99 | per year |
| Premium Yearly Subscription | $42.99 | per year |
| Premium Monthly Subscription | $44.99 | per 6 months |
| Premium yearly Subscription | $49.99 | per year |
| Premium yearly subscription | $49.99 | per year |
| Drumap PRO Yearly Offer | $49.99 | per year |
| Samba on Drum set workshop | $5.99 | one-time |
| Music Capoeria Workshop | $6.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is theDrumDictionary free?

theDrumDictionary is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Drum Notes free?

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

### Which has better reviews, theDrumDictionary or Drum Notes?

theDrumDictionary is rated higher. theDrumDictionary averages 4.9 out of 5 from 45 ratings, while Drum Notes averages 4.6 from 204 ratings.

### Do theDrumDictionary or Drum Notes have ads?

Drum Notes shows ads; theDrumDictionary does not.

### Which is updated more often, theDrumDictionary or Drum Notes?

theDrumDictionary ships an update every 2 months, and Drum Notes every 2 weeks. Most recently, theDrumDictionary was updated on September 18, 2026 and Drum Notes on September 25, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*