iMPC vs BeatMaker 3
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
iMPC
Transform your iPad into a powerful music production tool with this app. It offers a classic MPC workflow, extensive sample libraries, and advanced editing features to create beats and sequences. Easily record, overdub, and share your musical creations.
- Classic MPC workflow
- Over 1,200 samples
- Record and overdub beats
- Built-in effects
- Sampler with multiple input options
- Export tracks to MPC Software
- 16 Levels mode
Read full descriptionHide full description
Turn your iPad into an MPC with more than 1,200 samples, 50 editable programs, 80 editable sequences, and iconic MPC workflow. Need help? Have an issue or question? Please email us at support@retronyms.com. iMPC brings the look and feel of the classic Akai Pro MPC to your iPad. iMPC includes everything you need to create a beat quickly and easily. With features including built-in effects, plus the ability to create new sequences and record and overdub beats, the possibilities are endless. The app’s built-in sampler can record samples three different ways: using the mic on the iPad, using the line input on the iPad, or using the multi-touch turntable interface in iMPC to record samples directly from iTunes or other music libraries. - Exclusive iMPC sound set and classic Akai Professional sound library - "3D Perform" controls -- use your iPhone's motion sensors to control parameters - Export tracks to MPC Software for use with MPC Renaissance and MPC Studio - Share on SoundCloud, Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, or export to your computer - 16 Levels mode: 16 levels of attack, velocity, length, and tuning - Note Variation slider: adjust attack, velocity, length, and tuning as you play - Trim and categorize samples, undo takes and erase samples - Use with Tabletop’s Timeline Editor - Tabletop Ready iMPC is free for for iMPC owners - Route to and use with your favorite Tabletop Effects and devices - Line-in allows you to resample Tabletop devices - Create new sequences, record and overdub beats - Live Sequence queuing for real-time performance and playback - Simple drag and drop program creation - Effects include delay, bit crusher, master compressor/limiter - Time correct: 1/8 note - 1/32T with variable swing - Note Repeat: 1/8 note - 1/32T timing, with latch - AudioCopy beats and sequences to compatible apps - AudioPaste samples from hundreds of compatible apps Check out our other apps in the MPC Collection: iMPC for iPhone and iMPC Pro 2. Happy music making!
BeatMaker 3
This music production studio offers an intuitive audio and MIDI workstation, combining desktop software power with hardware efficiency. Create, perform, and record your musical ideas with advanced sampling, sequencing, and mixing tools. Integrate external apps and export your finished tracks.
- Streamlined performance and recording workflow
- Advanced sampling engine with live stretching
- Classic timeline and flexible scene-based sequencing
- Full-fledged mixer with multi-channel routing
- AUv3 and IAA app integration
- Inspirational sound library and export options
Read full descriptionHide full description
▸ REDEFINING MUSIC PRODUCTION BeatMaker brings unmatched efficiency and depth in an intuitive audio and MIDI workstation. Look no further, the power of traditional desktop software and real hardware is now united into one single production studio. ▸ PLAY • PERFORM • RECORD Its streamlined workflow lets you perform and shape your ideas quickly and effectively, turning your instruments into full productions. Inspirational performance tools such as repeat, roll, swing, key scales & chords and macro controls will boost your creativity tenfold. Take control of it all with your MIDI gear and the new smart binding system. ▸ CRAFT YOUR OWN INSTRUMENTS 128 banks of 128 pads, where each one of them is a full-fledged instrument with multiple dimensions. Record and chop live, assemble, mangle and resample: our state of the art sampling engine will sculpt your ideas, giving life to your instruments with a full modulation and layering system. With ZPlane’s Elastique live stretch and pitch shift, adjust your loops and instruments to match the tempo or go experimental. You can even integrate your favorite synth & effect apps with full AUv3 and IAA support. ▸ PRECISE SEQUENCING The classic timeline based pattern & song editor gives all the modern sequencing features you‘d want to arrange complete tracks. Adding to this foundation, the new flexible Scene Mode opens up opportunities for remixing and live performances, looping and arranging clips in new ways. All the patterns, automations and sequencing tools are available right where you would expect. Add audio tracks to the mix, stretch them, turn your arrangements into a complete masterpiece. You can even play in sync with other software using Ableton Link. ▸ INSPIRATIONAL LIBRARY The ever growing sound store will bring premium and exclusive content to your own library. The genius of our sound designers will enhance your productions instantly, whether you’re looking for a classic 808 bass or exploring new musical genres. ▸ FULL FLEDGED MIXER Multi-channel recording & input/output routing is now a reality with the support of USB audio interfaces. Fine-tune your mix with the modern mixing board: every track, every pad has its own channel with unlimited effects and up to 8 sends. Add new depths to your sound with our palette of effects (internal or external AUv3/IAA). ▸ EXPORT AND SHARE Export your compositions and separated elements into single stems to share, re-use, re-work, re-master within a traditional studio setup Read the full specs on http://intua.net ! ▸ COMPATIBILITY - Works with 32-bits and 64-bits iPads. - Native iPad Pro support - iOS 9.3+ required - Best experience on newer models - iPhone version coming soon ▸ Documentation - Full documentation and tutorials available at http://support.intua.net
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: iMPC at $9.99 against BeatMaker 3's $24.99. iMPC also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 11) and iOS requirement (8.0 vs 11.0). BeatMaker 3's advantage is rating (4.7 vs 2.3) and update cadence (monthly vs every 10 months). On ads and device support 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
iMPC costs $9.99 and BeatMaker 3 $24.99 up front. BeatMaker 3 sells 11 one-off in-app purchases. iMPC asks for nothing beyond the download.
BeatMaker 3 holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 2.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: BeatMaker 3 has 4.5K ratings behind it against 32, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 44% of iMPC's written reviews are positive against 63% of BeatMaker 3's.
iMPC ships an update every 10 months, BeatMaker 3 monthly. Both last shipped on October 6, 2026.
| Parameter | iMPC | BeatMaker 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $9.99 — better | $24.99 |
| Rating | 2.3 (32 ratings) | 4.7 (4.5K ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 44.5% of reviews | 62.6% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 32 | 4.5K — better |
| Update frequency | Every 10 months | Monthly — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Paid | Free with in-app purchases — better |
| Devices | iPad | iPad |
| Requires iOS | 8.0 — better | 11.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 440 MB | 216 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Akai Professional | INTUA |
Customer experience
iMPC
BeatMaker 3
User reviews
iMPC
From 32 App Store ratingsWhat we love
- 🚀 Intuitive workflow
- 💯 Great sample library
- 🎨 Classic MPC look and feel
- 💰 Good value for money
Room to improve
- 🔇 Weak metronome
- 🔢 Limited to 4 tracks
- 🔁 No sample editing after assignment
- 🔌 Lack of Audiobus/MIDI support
BeatMaker 3
From 4.5K App Store ratingsWhat we love
- 🚀 Powerful sampler
- 🚀 Versatile DAW capabilities
- 👍 Great for live performance
- 👍 Excellent value for money
- 👍 Seamless AUv3 integration
Room to improve
- 🐛 Frequent crashes
- 🐛 Stability issues with plugins
- 🐛 Buggy MIDI functionality
- 🔋 High battery consumption
- 👎 Confusing file management
Bugs and requests
iMPC
Reported bugs
3 issues- Crashes and freezes
- Exported audio quality issues
- Inconsistent MIDI implementation
Requested features
5 requests- Ability to chop samples
- More effects and sound processing options
- Increased track count
- Audiobus and MIDI integration
- Improved sample management and organization
BeatMaker 3
Reported bugs
5 issues- Crashes when switching sound banks
- MIDI keyboard disconnects on stop
- Samples losing sync after export
- Glitches with AUv3 plugin loading
- Inconsistent behavior with touch controls
Requested features
6 requests- Ability to rearrange pads
- Improved MIDI sync and control
- More sound packs and updates
- Custom color themes
- Streamlined project management
Show 1 moreShow fewer
- Expanded piano roll functionality
In-app purchases
iMPC
No in-app purchases
BeatMaker 3
- Starter Pack #1: July 2017Free
- Starter Pack #2: August 2017Free
- ThudRumble Gigantic Balls BassFree
Show 8 moreShow fewer
- Modularism$0.99
- Aquatronika$0.99
- Beatlab$0.99
- Ashes II$0.99
- Arpism$0.99
- INTUA 808 Science$1.99
- MSXII The Constituent$1.99
- MSXII The Fly Life$1.99









