# WhoSampled vs Koala Sampler

The clearest difference is price: WhoSampled at Free against Koala Sampler's $4.99. WhoSampled also leads on ratings volume (8.5K vs 1.4K). Koala Sampler's advantage is update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 4 months) and review sentiment (88% vs 62%). On rating, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

WhoSampled is free to download; Koala Sampler costs $4.99 up front. WhoSampled sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $9.99 per year and Koala Sampler sells 8 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.9 for WhoSampled against 4.8 for Koala Sampler. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: WhoSampled has 8.5K ratings behind it against 1.4K, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 62% of WhoSampled's written reviews are positive against 88% of Koala Sampler's.

WhoSampled ships an update every 4 months, Koala Sampler every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and September 22, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | WhoSampled | Koala Sampler |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **Free** | $4.99 |
| Rating | **[4.9 (8.5K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/whosampled/id529092671/reviews)** | [4.8 (1.4K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/koala-sampler-beat-maker/id1449584007/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **8.5K** | 1.4K |
| Positive reviews | 61.9% of reviews | **88.2% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | — | **#7** |
| Size | 15 MB | 59 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | **14.0** |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 12+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [WhoSampled](https://appshunter.io/developer/529092674) | [Mazbox Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/329604853) |

## What reviewers say

### WhoSampled

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/whosampled/id529092671)

Explore the connections within music by discovering samples, covers, and remixes. Scan music playing around you or your library to uncover the DNA of your favorite tracks and artists. Access a vast database of musical knowledge and delve deeper into the music you love.

**Highlights:** Scan music to find samples, covers, and remixes, Connect to Spotify and Apple Music libraries, Access a large database of music DNA, Compare songs and listen to full tracks, Detailed sample information, Music charts and recommendations, Save favorites

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Unlimited Track ID | $9.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 💎 Incredible resource for music lovers
- 🔍 Helps discover new music through samples
- 📚 Extensive database of samples and covers
- 🎶 Useful for DJs and producers
- 🔗 Good integration with music streaming services

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Misleading pricing with hidden subscription fees
- 🤖 Outdated and clunky user interface
- 🔍 Incomplete database, missing some music
- 🐛 Bugs and crashes, especially with Spotify integration
- 🚫 Restricted functionality without subscription

**Reported bugs**

- Network errors when scanning Spotify
- Audio not working on sample videos
- Login issues with Spotify and other accounts

**Requested features**

- iPad app optimization
- More advanced search and filtering options
- Ability to submit new samples and covers
- Smoother transitions between songs and samples
- Background music playback while browsing


### Koala Sampler

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/koala-sampler-beat-maker/id1449584007)

**Currently charting:** #7 Top Paid · Music, #100 Top Paid (US App Store)

This app allows you to record sounds with your phone's microphone, transform them with effects, and create beats and tracks. Its intuitive interface focuses on a fast and fun music-making process.

**Highlights:** Record up to 64 samples with mic, Apply 16 built-in effects, Load and use own samples, Create beats with high-resolution sequencer, Export loops and tracks as WAV, AI sample separation, AUv3 and MIDI compatibility

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

**In-app purchases (8)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Koala AUv3 Plugin | $1.99 | one-time |
| Ese-O's Sample Pack | $2.99 | one-time |
| Solar Studies Samplepack | $2.99 | one-time |
| Soon Come Dub Sample Pack | $2.99 | one-time |
| Analog Astronaut Samplepack | $2.99 | one-time |
| Cirrus Cuts Sample Pack | $2.99 | one-time |
| Samurai Edition | $3.99 | one-time |
| Mixer | $4.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Intuitive and easy to use
- 🚀 Smooth workflow and fast performance
- 💡 Powerful sampling and sequencing capabilities
- 🔥 Excellent value for the price
- 🎨 Creative and inspiring sound design

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional crashes and stability issues
- 🔇 Limited effects and sound manipulation options
- 📁 Difficulty managing and organizing samples/projects
- 🎚️ Lack of advanced MIDI mapping and control options
- 🔍 Unclear or confusing UI elements in certain areas

**Reported bugs**

- Samples not loading or disappearing after app updates
- Sequencer timing and quantization issues
- Crashes when using certain features or with large projects

**Requested features**

- Ability to record and edit MIDI sequences
- More comprehensive effects and sound processing tools
- Improved sample management and organization features
- Support for external MIDI controllers and hardware integration
- Customizable color schemes and UI themes


## Frequently asked questions

### Is WhoSampled free?

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

### Is Koala Sampler free?

Koala Sampler costs $4.99, and also offers in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, WhoSampled or Koala Sampler?

WhoSampled is rated higher. WhoSampled averages 4.9 out of 5 from 8.5K ratings, while Koala Sampler averages 4.8 from 1.4K ratings.

### Do WhoSampled or Koala Sampler have ads?

Neither WhoSampled nor Koala Sampler shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, WhoSampled or Koala Sampler?

WhoSampled ships an update every 4 months, and Koala Sampler every 3 weeks. Most recently, WhoSampled was updated on September 24, 2026 and Koala Sampler on September 22, 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.*