# BeatMaker 2 vs Drum Pad Machine

The clearest difference is price: Drum Pad Machine at Free against BeatMaker 2's $11.99. Drum Pad Machine also leads on rating (4.6 vs 3.4) and ratings volume (674K vs 232). BeatMaker 2's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 3 months). On review sentiment, in-app purchases, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.

Drum Pad Machine is free to download; BeatMaker 2 costs $11.99 up front. BeatMaker 2 sells 10 one-off in-app purchases and Drum Pad Machine sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $7.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Drum Pad Machine holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 3.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Drum Pad Machine has 674K ratings behind it against 232, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 61% of BeatMaker 2's written reviews are positive against 63% of Drum Pad Machine's.

BeatMaker 2 ships an update every 3 weeks, Drum Pad Machine every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on September 27, 2026 and September 28, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | BeatMaker 2 | Drum Pad Machine |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $11.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | [3.4 (232 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/beatmaker-2/id417020234/reviews) | **[4.6 (674K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/drum-pad-machine-beat-maker/id1057968965/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 232 | **674K** |
| Positive reviews | 60.5% of reviews | **63.3% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 weeks** | Every 3 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Freemium |
| Best chart rank | — | **#190** |
| Size | 745 MB | 230 MB |
| Requires iOS | **9.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [INTUA](https://appshunter.io/developer/285413818) | [Easybrain Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/1190815537) |

## What reviewers say

### BeatMaker 2

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/beatmaker-2/id417020234)

Create professional-quality music on your mobile device. Build virtual studios, compose songs with a variety of instruments and effects, and record your ideas. Import your own sounds or use the extensive library to bring your musical vision to life.

**Highlights:** Virtual home-studio creation, Multiple instrument types, Full range of audio effects, Sound library and import options, MIDI accessory compatibility, Multi-track sequencer, Piano-roll interface

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Prime Loops - Dirty South Heroes | $3.99 | one-time |
| Prime Loops - East Coast Hip Hop Volume 1 | $3.99 | one-time |
| Prime Loops - Midnight R&B Gold | $3.99 | one-time |
| Prime Loops - West Coast Anthology | $3.99 | one-time |
| 9TH Street | $4.99 | one-time |
| Essential Pack | $5.99 | one-time |
| Emerge Audio Dubstep Destruction | $5.99 | one-time |
| Southern Homie | $6.99 | one-time |
| South Chiefs | $7.99 | one-time |
| INTUA Future ATL | $11.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Powerful sampling and beat-making capabilities
- 👍 Intuitive and flexible workflow
- 🎨 Extensive sound library
- 💡 Ability to import custom samples and MIDI
- 🎹 Versatile keyboard and drum pad interfaces

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent crashes and stability issues
- 🔋 High memory usage and battery drain
- 📺 Poor iPad optimization and scaling
- 🔇 Lackluster built-in sounds and synths
- 🔍 Confusing and cluttered user interface

**Reported bugs**

- Bluetooth connectivity problems
- Inability to restore in-app purchases
- Crashes when editing multiple pads or tracks
- Compatibility issues with newer iOS devices
- Dropbox integration and file transfer not working

**Requested features**

- Improved Dropbox and file management integration
- Add MIDI output and external hardware support
- Implement a more streamlined and intuitive UI
- Include a wider range of high-quality built-in sounds
- Add real-time audio recording and export options


### Drum Pad Machine

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/drum-pad-machine-beat-maker/id1057968965)

**Currently charting:** #190 Top Free · Music (US App Store)

Create professional-quality music and unique tracks with a variety of styles and sound packs. Utilize instruments, FX, and sequencing for creative sound design. Learn through beat school lessons and share your creations instantly.

**Highlights:** Multiple music styles (Hip-hop, Trap, House, etc.), Professional sound packs, Drum and Piano instruments, Sequencing with tempo and EQ, Beat School lessons, Quick music sharing

**Features:** Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Drum Pad Machine Pro - Weekly | $7.99 | per 7 days |
| Music Beat Maker Premium | $7.99 | per 7 days |
| Drum Pad Machine Pro - Monthly | $14.99 | per month |
| Beatmaker Premium | $14.99 | per month |
| Drum Pad Machine Pro - Annual | $46.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 🤩 Incredible music-making experience
- 👍 Easy to learn and use
- 🎶 Wide variety of music genres and beats
- 🎓 Helpful tutorials and lessons
- 🎧 High-quality sound samples

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🤬 Excessive and repetitive ads
- 💰 Expensive subscription model
- 🐛 Occasional glitches and crashes
- 🤔 Limited customization options
- ⏱️ Lessons and tutorials move too fast

**Reported bugs**

- Recordings sometimes stop unexpectedly
- Difficulty registering multiple button presses simultaneously
- Compatibility issues on older devices

**Requested features**

- Add a search function to find specific beats
- Allow users to create and share their own custom beats
- Implement a pause/resume feature for recordings
- Provide more granular control over tempo and timing


## Frequently asked questions

### Is BeatMaker 2 free?

BeatMaker 2 costs $11.99, and also offers in-app purchases.

### Is Drum Pad Machine free?

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

### Which has better reviews, BeatMaker 2 or Drum Pad Machine?

Drum Pad Machine is rated higher. BeatMaker 2 averages 3.4 out of 5 from 232 ratings, while Drum Pad Machine averages 4.6 from 674K ratings.

### Do BeatMaker 2 or Drum Pad Machine have ads?

Drum Pad Machine shows ads; BeatMaker 2 does not.

### Which is updated more often, BeatMaker 2 or Drum Pad Machine?

BeatMaker 2 ships an update every 3 weeks, and Drum Pad Machine every 3 months. Most recently, BeatMaker 2 was updated on September 27, 2026 and Drum Pad Machine on September 28, 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.*