Comparison

iMPC vs eSPi

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

Head to head
About

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.

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
Read 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!

About

eSPi

Recreate the iconic sound of the 90's SP-1200 sampler on your iPad. Import or record audio, then chop, pitch, and sequence it to create sampled beats. Experience the gritty sound and workflow of a legendary music production tool.

Highlights
  • Sampled beat creation
  • SP-1200 emulation
  • Import and record samples
  • Sample chopping and pitching
  • Sequencing
  • Multiple filters and effects
  • Compressor
Features
Read full description

Create sampled beats the original 90's way using eSPi. The SP-1200 was the primary tool of many legendary hip-hop beatmakers and house music producers in the 90's. It is well known for its gritty sound and simple but effective workflow. Now with eSPi you get to experience this machine right at your fingertips, on your iPad. Import samples or record them yourself, chop them up, pitch them and sequence them within the app. Features include multiple filters, effects, a compressor, and most importantly the best emulation of the gritty signature sound produced by the SP-1200 when pitching samples up & down. eSPi is also available on Mac, Linux & PC. *SP1200 & SP12 are registered trademarks or Rossum Electromusic LLC.

Screenshots

eSPi4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: iMPC at $9.99 against eSPi's $19.99. iMPC also leads on iOS requirement (8.0 vs 14.0). eSPi's advantage is rating (3.7 vs 2.3) and update cadence (fortnightly vs every 10 months). On review sentiment, ratings volume, ads and in-app purchases 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

iMPC costs $9.99 and eSPi $19.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

eSPi holds the better App Store score, 3.7 against 2.3. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 32 and 39 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 44% of iMPC's written reviews are positive against 51% of eSPi's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

iMPC ships an update every 10 months, eSPi fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 6, 2026 and October 8, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
iMPC versus eSPi: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameteriMPCeSPi
Price$9.99 — better$19.99
Rating2.3 (32 ratings)3.7 (39 ratings) — better
Positive reviews44.5% of reviews50.8% of reviews — better
Number of ratings3239 — better
Update frequencyEvery 10 monthsFortnightly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaidPaid
DevicesiPadiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS8.0 — better14.0
Further details — not scored
Size440 MB32 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperAkai ProfessionalLouis Teboul

Customer experience

iMPC

All ratings30 ratings
Positive23.3%
Neutral10.0%
Negative66.7%
Written reviews443 reviews
Positive44.5%
Neutral15.1%
Negative40.4%

eSPi

All ratings39 ratings
Positive59.0%
Neutral15.4%
Negative25.6%
Written reviews65 reviews
Positive50.8%
Neutral20.0%
Negative29.2%

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

eSPi

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

None

iMPC

No in-app purchases

None

eSPi

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is iMPC free?
iMPC costs $9.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is eSPi free?
eSPi costs $19.99, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, iMPC or eSPi?
eSPi is rated higher. iMPC averages 2.3 out of 5 from 32 ratings, while eSPi averages 3.7 from 39 ratings.
Do iMPC or eSPi have ads?
Neither iMPC nor eSPi shows ads.
Which is updated more often, iMPC or eSPi?
iMPC ships an update every 10 months, and eSPi fortnightly. Most recently, iMPC was updated on October 6, 2026 and eSPi on October 8, 2026.

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