# iRig Recorder vs Drum Notation by Beat Note

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Drum Notation by Beat Note at 83% against iRig Recorder's 28%. Drum Notation by Beat Note also leads on price (Free vs $14.99) and update cadence (every 9 days vs every 8 months). On ads, in-app purchases, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.

Drum Notation by Beat Note is free to download; iRig Recorder costs $14.99 up front. iRig Recorder sells 4 one-off in-app purchases and Drum Notation by Beat Note sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $6.69 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

iRig Recorder ships an update every 8 months, Drum Notation by Beat Note every 9 days. Both last shipped on October 17, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | iRig Recorder | Drum Notation by Beat Note |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $14.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | — | **[4.6 (87 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/drum-notation-by-beat-note/id1539132475/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **87** |
| Positive reviews | 28.2% of reviews | **82.8% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 8 months | **Every 9 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 26 MB | 89 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | **15.6** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [IK Multimedia US, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/323694278) | [Kick Snare Hat Apps, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/945994325) |

## What reviewers say

### iRig Recorder

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/irig-recorder/id428498084)

This app provides a streamlined interface for recording and editing audio and video on mobile devices. It offers professional-grade effects, waveform editing, and easy sharing options. Enhance your recordings with intelligent processing and creative tools.

**Highlights:** One-touch audio/video recording, Waveform editing, 16 studio-quality effects, Text and photo markers, Non-destructive editing tools, Multiple sharing options

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Fading | $0.99 | one-time |
| Creative Bundle | $4.99 | one-time |
| PRO Bundle | $14.99 | one-time |
| All functionality bundle | $14.99 | one-time |


### 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 iRig Recorder free?

iRig Recorder costs $14.99, and also offers in-app purchases.

### Is Drum Notation by Beat Note free?

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

### Do iRig Recorder or Drum Notation by Beat Note have ads?

Neither iRig Recorder nor Drum Notation by Beat Note shows ads.

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

iRig Recorder ships an update every 8 months, and Drum Notation by Beat Note every 9 days. Most recently, iRig Recorder was updated on October 17, 2026 and Drum Notation by Beat Note on October 17, 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.*