Comparison

Samplr vs Handy Recorder PRO

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

Head to head
About

Samplr

This app offers a unique multitouch interface for exploring and manipulating audio samples. Create music through various play modes, record gestures for sequencing, and experiment with audio effects. It's designed for audio experimentation, composition, and live performance.

Highlights
  • 8 distinct play modes (Slicer, Looper, Granular, etc.)
  • Gesture recorder for sequencing
  • Audio input recording and resampling
  • 6 sample slots with 16 voices each
  • 5 per-sample effects (Distortion, Reverb, etc.)
  • Import audio from cloud storage and other apps
Read full description

The app used by renowned musicians like Fred again.., Richard Devine, Apparat, Weval or Matmos live and in the studio. Samplr introduced a brand new way to make music, only possible on multitouch devices. Explore the samples melody and texture using the different play modes and create compositions with the gesture recorder. Samplr is the ideal tool for audio experimentation, music composition and live performance. USER REVIEWS “The most profound audio manipulation tool on iOS” 5 stars “There is NOTHING on the market hardware or software like this” 5 stars “Stunningly beautiful interface and exceptionally easy to use” 5 stars “This is the most musical app I've ever used. It's polished, it's musical, it's fun, it's inspiring” 5 stars “It’s the best realization of what touch screen sampling should be” 5 stars FEATURES • 8 play modes: Slicer, Looper, Granular, Tape, Scratch, Arpeggiator, Keyboard and Loop Player • Gesture recorder for sequencing • Audio input recording and resampling • 6 sample slots (x16 voices) • 5 effects per sample: Distortion, Filter, Amplitude Modulator, Feedback Delay and Reverb COMPATIBILITY • Ableton Link • MIDI Keyboard, Controller and Sync input • IAA (Inter-App Audio) • Audiobus Input and Output • WAV and AIFF file support • Import files from iCloud Drive, Dropbox, AudioShare, etc Learn more and see how it works on samplr.net. For feedback or support please reach out to support@samplr.net

About

Handy Recorder PRO

Record high-quality audio with advanced editing tools and effects. Easily share your creations to cloud services or merge audio with video. Optimized for specific microphones, it offers a professional recording experience on your iOS device.

Highlights
  • High-quality stereo recording (PCM/AAC)
  • EQ, reverb, and mastering effects
  • File editing (normalize, divide)
  • Cloud service uploads (SoundCloud, iCloud)
  • Video audio track extraction and merging
  • AUTO REC function
Features
Read full description

Handy Recorder PRO is an audio recording app with greatly expanded expandability. In addition to the functions of the free version of Handy Recorder, it supports a File browser app and iOS standard sharing function to enhance the convenience of linking with other apps, various cloud services, and PCs. As a unique new feature, we have added a "MOVIE" function that takes an audio track from a video, applies various effects such as EQ and reverb, and then merges it with the original video. ◇ Same high-quality sound recorder function as the free version The HandyRecorder app allows you to record high-quality audio with your iOS device. Use it with a ZOOM iQ series mic, which are designed to capture audio of the best quality with iOS devices, and record using the high-fidelity linear PCM and space-saving AAC formats. This app includes normalize and divide functions that can be used on recorded files. In addition, it has compressor, EQ and reverb effects. Moreover, you can directly upload your recordings from Handy Recorder to the iCloud and SoundCloud file-sharing site, allowing you to bring your creations to the world over the Internet. Features ■ Stereo linear PCM and AAC recording -You can record files using either high-quality linear PCM format or AAC format at a bit rate of 64, 128 or 160 kbps. -The AUTO REC function can be used to start and stop recording automatically in response to the input signal level. ■ Works like a hardware recorder -The operation screen was designed to simulate a ZOOM hardware Handy Recorder, so this app is as easy to operate as these products. ■ Effects -Recorded files can be processed using the included effects. •6 BAND EQ •REVERB (ROOM, JAZZ CLUB, CONCERT HALL, ARENA, STADIUM) •MASTERING (MAXIMIZE, ULTRA MAXIMIZE, CLEAR & POWER, WIDE, MONO) -Pro+C8cessed recordings can also be saved as separate files. -Use the NORMALIZE function to optimize the volume. ■File editing -In addition to deleting files, you can use the divide function to split files at the point that you want. ■Uploading to Cloud Services -The app includes a function that allows you to upload your recordings directly to the SoundCloud audio-sharing site. You can name your recordings and make sharing settings in the Handy Recorder app. -iCloud drive is supported. Not only uploading selected file manually, but also “Auto Sync” function allows you to upload automatically soon after REC finished. ■Optimized for the iQ series -By using the iQ5/iQ7 in MS recording mode, you can adjust the stereo width. -Select from three iQ5's AUTO GAIN settings (CONCERT, SOLO, MEETING) according to the application.* -Use the DIRECT MONITOR function to monitor the input signal through the headphones jack on the iQ series without latency -The left and right channels of the iQ series input signal can be reversed.* *These setting are saved in the iQ series mic itself and will be applied when using it with other apps. For more information, please visit our website. www.zoomcorp.com

Screenshots

Handy Recorder PRO4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Samplr at 79% against Handy Recorder PRO's 23%. Samplr also leads on rating (4.7 vs 2.3) and ratings volume (153 vs 13). Handy Recorder PRO's advantage is price ($1.99 vs $19.99) and device support (3 vs 1). On update cadence, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model 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

Samplr costs $19.99 and Handy Recorder PRO $1.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Samplr holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 2.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Samplr has 153 ratings behind it against 13, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 79% of Samplr's written reviews are positive against 23% of Handy Recorder PRO's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Samplr ships an update every 3 months, Handy Recorder PRO every 5 months. The most recent releases landed on October 20, 2026 and October 27, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
Samplr versus Handy Recorder PRO: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSamplrHandy Recorder PRO
Price$19.99$1.99 — better
Rating4.7 (153 ratings) — better2.3 (13 ratings)
Positive reviews79.5% of reviews — better22.5% of reviews
Number of ratings153 — better13
Update frequencyEvery 3 months — betterEvery 5 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaidPaid
DevicesiPadiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS12.0 — better13.0
Further details — not scored
Size49 MB15 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperMarcos AlonsoZOOM CORPORATION

Customer experience

Samplr

All ratings149 ratings
Positive93.3%
Neutral1.3%
Negative5.4%
Written reviews404 reviews
Positive79.5%
Neutral7.2%
Negative13.4%

Handy Recorder PRO

All ratings13 ratings
Positive30.8%
Neutral0.0%
Negative69.2%
Written reviews40 reviews
Positive22.5%
Neutral5.0%
Negative72.5%

Bugs and requests

Samplr

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • Recording functionality not working as expected
  • Dropbox integration causing crashes
  • Compatibility issues with newer iOS versions

Requested features

5 requests
  • Implement Ableton Link for better sync
  • Add support for more audio file formats
  • Improve sample import/export workflow
  • Introduce a more robust sequencing and automation system
  • Provide multi-channel audio output

Handy Recorder PRO

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

None

Samplr

No in-app purchases

None

Handy Recorder PRO

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Samplr free?
Samplr costs $19.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is Handy Recorder PRO free?
Handy Recorder PRO costs $1.99, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Samplr or Handy Recorder PRO?
Samplr is rated higher. Samplr averages 4.7 out of 5 from 153 ratings, while Handy Recorder PRO averages 2.3 from 13 ratings.
Do Samplr or Handy Recorder PRO have ads?
Neither Samplr nor Handy Recorder PRO shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Samplr or Handy Recorder PRO?
Samplr ships an update every 3 months, and Handy Recorder PRO every 5 months. Most recently, Samplr was updated on October 20, 2026 and Handy Recorder PRO on October 27, 2026.

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