# Different Drummer vs TerribleSync

The clearest difference is price: TerribleSync at Free against Different Drummer's $2.99. Different Drummer's advantage is rating (4.5 vs 4.0) and update cadence (monthly vs every 35 months). On review sentiment, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

TerribleSync is free to download; Different Drummer costs $2.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Different Drummer holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 4.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Different Drummer has 31 ratings behind it against 4, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 81% of Different Drummer's written reviews are positive against 83% of TerribleSync's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Different Drummer ships an update monthly, TerribleSync every 35 months. The most recent releases landed on October 5, 2026 and October 2, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Different Drummer | TerribleSync |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $2.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | **[4.5 (31 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/different-drummer/id525272276/reviews)** | [4.0 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/terriblesync/id1109759662/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **31** | 4 |
| Positive reviews | 81.5% of reviews | **83.3% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Monthly** | Every 35 months |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free** |
| Size | 93 MB | 1 MB |
| Requires iOS | 13.0 | **12.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Techné Media](https://appshunter.io/developer/486076968) | [Benjamin Roth](https://appshunter.io/developer/448057425) |

## What reviewers say

### Different Drummer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/different-drummer/id525272276)

This app generates unique and complex rhythmic music patterns for any instrument, including drums. It offers extensive control over rhythm, harmony, and expression through wave-based synthesis. Explore endless possibilities for creating innovative beats and sequences.

**Highlights:** Rhythmic music generation for any instrument, Complex pattern and rhythm creation, MIDI controller and file creator, Wave-based control for expression, Multi-track music output, Audiobus 3 and Ableton Link 3 support, Progression Composer for arpeggios

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 💡 Innovative and unique approach
- 🚀 Powerful and deep functionality
- ✨ Inspiring creative tool
- 🎨 Visually appealing GUI
- 🎧 Great sound quality

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🤯 Steep learning curve
- 😵 Unintuitive interface
- 🐛 Frequent crashes
- 🎛️ Cluttered UI design
- ⏳ Time-consuming to master

**Reported bugs**

- Crashes with IAA/Audiobus
- Doesn't sync MIDI clock / Ableton Link properly
- Hanging MIDI notes with automation
- Crashes when sending to Dropbox
- Emailing MIDI file issues

**Requested features**

- AUv3 support
- MIDI clock / Ableton Link sync improvements
- Revamp sample import (e.g., zip support)
- Add presets
- MIDI-in support


### TerribleSync

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/terriblesync/id1109759662)

Control the tempo of music hardware like synthesizers and drum machines using your iPhone or iPad. Features include tap tempo, precise dial adjustment, and buttons for performance effects. Requires a 3.5mm audio cable for connection.

**Highlights:** Tap tempo, Rotary tempo dial, Pause/mute button, Performance effect buttons, Clear interface, Open source project

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Different Drummer free?

Different Drummer costs $2.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is TerribleSync free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Different Drummer or TerribleSync?

Different Drummer is rated higher. Different Drummer averages 4.5 out of 5 from 31 ratings, while TerribleSync averages 4.0 from 4 ratings.

### Do Different Drummer or TerribleSync have ads?

Neither Different Drummer nor TerribleSync shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Different Drummer or TerribleSync?

Different Drummer ships an update monthly, and TerribleSync every 35 months. Most recently, Different Drummer was updated on October 5, 2026 and TerribleSync on October 2, 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.*