# theDrumDictionary vs Chops

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: theDrumDictionary at none against Chops's 4. theDrumDictionary also leads on rating (4.9 vs 4.7) and ratings volume (45 vs 15). Chops's advantage is review sentiment (100% vs 76%) and update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 2 months). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Chops sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 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 15 respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 76% of theDrumDictionary's written reviews are positive against 100% of Chops'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, Chops every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 18, 2026 and September 19, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | theDrumDictionary | Chops |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.9 (45 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/thedrumdictionary/id341510632/reviews)** | [4.7 (15 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chops-drum-rudiments/id6566195057/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **45** | 15 |
| Positive reviews | 76.3% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Freemium |
| Size | 33 MB | 50 MB |
| Requires iOS | **8.4** | 18.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Hawks Hill Software, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1537224753) | [Digital Staves](https://appshunter.io/developer/1758758328) |

## 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


### Chops

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chops-drum-rudiments/id6566195057)

Master all 40 PAS rudiments with structured courses, dynamic exercises, and a smart metronome. Apply your skills on the kit with beautiful notation and full playback controls. Designed for drummers of all levels to practice with purpose and enhance their foundation.

**Highlights:** Master all 40 PAS rudiments, Apply skills on the drum kit, Dynamic exercises and workouts, Structured courses for all levels, Beautiful and readable notation, Smart metronome with tempo adjustment, Full playback controls

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

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Chops Subscription (Monthly) | $2.99 | per month |
| Education Subscription (Yearly) | $12.99 | per year |
| Chops Subscription (Yearly) | $29.99 | per year |
| Lifetime | $69.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is theDrumDictionary free?

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

### Is Chops free?

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

### Which has better reviews, theDrumDictionary or Chops?

theDrumDictionary is rated higher. theDrumDictionary averages 4.9 out of 5 from 45 ratings, while Chops averages 4.7 from 15 ratings.

### Do theDrumDictionary or Chops have ads?

Neither theDrumDictionary nor Chops shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, theDrumDictionary or Chops?

theDrumDictionary ships an update every 2 months, and Chops every 3 weeks. Most recently, theDrumDictionary was updated on September 18, 2026 and Chops on September 19, 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.*