Comparison

Bongos vs Darbuka

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

Head to head
About

Bongos

Experience realistic bongo drumming with professionally recorded sounds that change based on where you strike the drums. This app offers high-quality samples, additional percussion, and low latency for an immersive musical experience on your iPhone or iPad.

Highlights
  • 18 high-quality bongo samples
  • Cowbell and sticks percussion
  • Professionally recorded & mastered sounds
  • No latency for precise playing
  • Multitasking support for playing along with music
  • Universal app for iPhone and iPad
Features
Read full description

The ultimate Bongos for your iPhone and iPad 18 with professionally recorded and mastered sounds: Depending where you hit the bongos sounds varies! It doesn’t matter if you are a professional musician, want to become a bongocero or just want to drum for fun - you should get this app! Features: ⇒ 18 high quality bongo samples ⇒ More percussion: Cowbell and sticks ⇒ Professionally recorded & mastered sounds ⇒ No latency for fast and exact playing! ⇒ Optimized for iPhone / iPad speakers, headphones and external speakers ⇒ Supports multitasking: Play along with your own music ⇒ HD Retina Graphics for iPhone, iPod touch and the new iPad ⇒ 2 Apps in 1: Universal App for iPhone AND iPad To play along with your own music, start the music on your iPhone, iPod touch or iPad and start the app. Important: If you can't hear anything on your device, please make sure, you turned up the ringtone volume and enabled application sounds in the iPhone settings menu. --------- Make sure to leave a comment with ideas and wishes for future versions in your review!

About

Darbuka

Explore the authentic sounds of the darbuka, a traditional percussion instrument. This app offers realistic tones, multiple play modes, and recording capabilities for musicians and enthusiasts. Immerse yourself in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean rhythms.

Highlights
  • Authentic darbuka sounds
  • Three dynamic play modes
  • Record performances
  • Share music easily
  • Intuitive design
Features
Read full description

Discover the vibrant and energetic sounds of the darbuka, a traditional percussion instrument at the heart of Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and North African music. Darbuka brings the authentic sound and rhythmic power of this iconic instrument to your fingertips, providing an immersive experience for musicians, learners, and music enthusiasts. About the Darbuka The darbuka, also known as the goblet drum, is a hand-played percussion instrument with a distinct goblet shape. It’s widely used in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean music, known for its sharp, resonant tones and ability to create intricate rhythms. The darbuka’s versatility allows it to be played in various styles, from classical Arabic music to modern dance beats, making it a dynamic instrument that connects both the performer and the audience to the pulse of the music. Why You’ll Love Darbuka Authentic Darbuka Sounds Experience meticulously sampled darbuka tones, from deep bass notes to crisp, high-pitched taps, replicating the full range of this dynamic instrument. Three Dynamic Play Modes Free Play Mode: Play multiple notes at once to create complex, layered rhythms. Single Note Mode: Focus on individual strokes and refine your technique for perfect rhythmic precision. Soft Release Mode: Add a natural fade-out effect for smooth and authentic performances. Record Your Performances Capture your darbuka music with the built-in recorder. Perfect for reviewing, refining your skills, or sharing your creations. Share Your Music Easily share your darbuka performances with friends, family, or audiences worldwide, showcasing the energy and beauty of this percussion instrument. What Makes Darbuka Unique? True-to-Life Sound: Every stroke replicates the authentic, powerful tones of a real darbuka, allowing you to play traditional and modern rhythms. Cultural Significance: Immerse yourself in the heritage of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean rhythms while exploring modern beats. Elegant and Intuitive Design: A sleek and user-friendly interface ensures a seamless experience for musicians of all levels. Creative Freedom: Whether playing traditional folk rhythms or creating innovative drum patterns, Darbuka offers endless possibilities for musical expression. Download Darbuka today and let the infectious rhythms of the darbuka inspire your music!

Screenshots

Bongos2 screens
Darbuka4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: Darbuka at 3.8 against Bongos's 3.3. On price, ratings volume, update cadence and ads 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. Bongos sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Darbuka sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Darbuka holds the better App Store score, 3.8 against 3.3. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 24 and 19 respectively.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Bongos ships an update every 2 months, Darbuka every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on October 20, 2026 and October 12, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference · 9 level
Bongos versus Darbuka: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterBongosDarbuka
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.3 (24 ratings)3.8 (19 ratings) — better
Positive reviews65.7% of reviews—
Number of ratings24 — better19
Update frequencyEvery 2 months — betterEvery 3 months
AdsYesYes
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS12.012.0
Further details — not scored
Size39 MB206 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperSkunk Brothers GmbHAlper Kahriman

Customer experience

Bongos

All ratings24 ratings
Positive54.2%
Neutral8.3%
Negative37.5%
Written reviews849 reviews
Positive65.7%
Neutral14.3%
Negative20.0%

Darbuka

All ratings19 ratings
Positive73.7%
Neutral0.0%
Negative26.3%

Bugs and requests

Bongos

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • Sound not working on some devices
  • Rotation issues on certain phones
  • Ads covering up playing area

Requested features

4 requests
  • Record and playback feature
  • More instrument options
  • Ability to tune/adjust bongos
  • Integration with music apps

Darbuka

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

1 purchases

Bongos

One-time1
  • Bongos Ad-Free$1.99
1 purchases

Darbuka

One-time1
  • Get Premium$7.99

Questions

Is Bongos free?
Bongos is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Darbuka free?
Darbuka is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Bongos or Darbuka?
Darbuka is rated higher. Bongos averages 3.3 out of 5 from 24 ratings, while Darbuka averages 3.8 from 19 ratings.
Do Bongos or Darbuka have ads?
Both Bongos and Darbuka show ads.
Which is updated more often, Bongos or Darbuka?
Bongos ships an update every 2 months, and Darbuka every 3 months. Most recently, Bongos was updated on October 20, 2026 and Darbuka on October 12, 2026.

Other comparisons