# iMPC vs BeatMaker 3

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.

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. The most recent releases landed on October 6, 2026 and October 12, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | iMPC | BeatMaker 3 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **$9.99** | $24.99 |
| Rating | [2.3 (32 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/impc/id584548447/reviews) | **[4.7 (4.5K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/beatmaker-3/id1060317024/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 32 | **4.5K** |
| Positive reviews | 44.5% of reviews | **62.6% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 10 months | **Monthly** |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 440 MB | 216 MB |
| Requires iOS | **8.0** | 11.0 |
| Devices | iPad | iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Akai Professional](https://appshunter.io/developer/373969727) | [INTUA](https://appshunter.io/developer/285413818) |

## What reviewers say

### iMPC

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/impc/id584548447)

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.

**Highlights:** 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

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Intuitive workflow
- 💯 Great sample library
- 🎨 Classic MPC look and feel
- 💰 Good value for money

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔇 Weak metronome
- 🔢 Limited to 4 tracks
- 🔁 No sample editing after assignment
- 🔌 Lack of Audiobus/MIDI support

**Reported bugs**

- Crashes and freezes
- Exported audio quality issues
- Inconsistent MIDI implementation

**Requested features**

- Ability to chop samples
- More effects and sound processing options
- Increased track count
- Audiobus and MIDI integration
- Improved sample management and organization


### BeatMaker 3

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/beatmaker-3/id1060317024)

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.

**Highlights:** 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

**In-app purchases (11)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Starter Pack #1: July 2017 | Free | one-time |
| Starter Pack #2: August 2017 | Free | one-time |
| ThudRumble Gigantic Balls Bass | Free | one-time |
| Modularism | $0.99 | one-time |
| Aquatronika | $0.99 | one-time |
| Beatlab | $0.99 | one-time |
| Ashes II | $0.99 | one-time |
| Arpism | $0.99 | one-time |
| INTUA 808 Science | $1.99 | one-time |
| MSXII The Constituent | $1.99 | one-time |
| MSXII The Fly Life | $1.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Powerful sampler
- 🚀 Versatile DAW capabilities
- 👍 Great for live performance
- 👍 Excellent value for money
- 👍 Seamless AUv3 integration

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent crashes
- 🐛 Stability issues with plugins
- 🐛 Buggy MIDI functionality
- 🔋 High battery consumption
- 👎 Confusing file management

**Reported bugs**

- 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**

- Ability to rearrange pads
- Improved MIDI sync and control
- More sound packs and updates
- Custom color themes
- Streamlined project management


## Frequently asked questions

### Is iMPC free?

iMPC costs $9.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is BeatMaker 3 free?

BeatMaker 3 costs $24.99, and also offers in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, iMPC or BeatMaker 3?

BeatMaker 3 is rated higher. iMPC averages 2.3 out of 5 from 32 ratings, while BeatMaker 3 averages 4.7 from 4.5K ratings.

### Do iMPC or BeatMaker 3 have ads?

Neither iMPC nor BeatMaker 3 shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, iMPC or BeatMaker 3?

iMPC ships an update every 10 months, and BeatMaker 3 monthly. Most recently, iMPC was updated on October 6, 2026 and BeatMaker 3 on October 12, 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.*