# theDrumDictionary vs Drum Notation by Beat Note

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: theDrumDictionary at none against Drum Notation by Beat Note's 5. theDrumDictionary also leads on rating (4.9 vs 4.7) and iOS requirement (8.4 vs 15.6). Drum Notation by Beat Note's advantage is update cadence (every 9 days vs every 2 months). On price, review sentiment, ratings volume and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Drum Notation by Beat Note sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $6.69 per month. theDrumDictionary asks for nothing beyond the download.

theDrumDictionary holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.7. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 45 and 83 respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 76% of theDrumDictionary's written reviews are positive against 83% of Drum Notation by Beat Note's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

theDrumDictionary ships an update every 2 months, Drum Notation by Beat Note every 9 days. The most recent releases landed on September 18, 2026 and September 23, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | theDrumDictionary | Drum Notation by Beat Note |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.9 (45 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/thedrumdictionary/id341510632/reviews)** | [4.7 (83 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/drum-notation-by-beat-note/id1539132475/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 45 | **83** |
| Positive reviews | 76.3% of reviews | **83.3% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 9 days** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 33 MB | 87 MB |
| Requires iOS | **8.4** | 15.6 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Hawks Hill Software, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1537224753) | [Kick Snare Hat Apps, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/945994325) |

## 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 Notation by Beat Note

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/drum-notation-by-beat-note/id1539132475)

Create, practice, and share drum music notation with ease. This app transforms sequenced beats into professional sheet music, offering tools for composition, transcription, and interactive teaching. Enhance your drumming journey with customizable practice sessions and high-quality export options.

**Highlights:** Sequencer to notation conversion, Compose and transcribe drum beats, Customizable practice sessions, Interactive teaching tools, High-quality PDF and image export, Multiple notation voicing options

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

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Educator Tier Monthly (No Trial) | $6.69 | per month |
| Creator Tier Monthly (No Trial) | $13.49 | per month |
| Educator Tier Annual (No Trial) | $59.99 | per year |
| Educator Tier Annual + Free Trial | $59.99 | per year |
| Creator Tier Annual + Free Trial | $119.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Intuitive and easy to use
- 🚀 Quick and efficient notation
- 🎶 Great sound playback
- 💡 Excellent for teaching and learning
- ✍️ Simple to write exercises and ideas

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Expensive subscription model
- 💸 High annual cost
- 🆓 Limited free version
- 🚫 No one-time purchase option
- 🤔 Subscription model makes little sense to some

**Reported bugs**

- Preview rarely matches notes on staff
- Sometimes doesn't play any notes
- Sounds not always appropriate for instrument voicing
- Editing measures is inconvenient
- Free trial charged immediately

**Requested features**

- 7/8 time signature support
- Syncing between devices
- Web version
- Native Mac/Windows apps
- Add text or notes to notations


## Frequently asked questions

### Is theDrumDictionary free?

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

### Is Drum Notation by Beat Note free?

Drum Notation by Beat Note is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, theDrumDictionary or Drum Notation by Beat Note?

theDrumDictionary is rated higher. theDrumDictionary averages 4.9 out of 5 from 45 ratings, while Drum Notation by Beat Note averages 4.7 from 83 ratings.

### Do theDrumDictionary or Drum Notation by Beat Note have ads?

Neither theDrumDictionary nor Drum Notation by Beat Note shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, theDrumDictionary or Drum Notation by Beat Note?

theDrumDictionary ships an update every 2 months, and Drum Notation by Beat Note every 9 days. Most recently, theDrumDictionary was updated on September 18, 2026 and Drum Notation by Beat Note on September 23, 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.*