# Loops Lab vs Pop Drummer

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Loops Lab at none against Pop Drummer's 1. Loops Lab also leads on review sentiment (100% vs 92%). On price, rating, ratings volume and update cadence there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Pop Drummer sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Loops Lab asks for nothing beyond the download.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.7 for Loops Lab against 4.7 for Pop Drummer. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 127 and 240 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 100% of Loops Lab's written reviews are positive against 92% of Pop Drummer's.

Loops Lab ships an update every 3 weeks, Pop Drummer fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Loops Lab | Pop Drummer |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.7 (127 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/loops-lab/id6470818791/reviews) | **[4.7 (240 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pop-drummer-real-drum-machine/id6746682415/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 127 | **240** |
| Positive reviews | **100.0% of reviews** | 91.8% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 183 MB | 364 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 16 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [LoopsLab](https://appshunter.io/developer/1714259769) | [Lumbeat](https://appshunter.io/developer/590278231) |

## What reviewers say

### Loops Lab

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/loops-lab/id6470818791)

Embark on a musical mission to restore sound to the galaxy by creating your own beats. This app invites you to join the fight against cosmic silence and bring music back to the stars. Become a Loopster and mix every beat to save the universe.

**Highlights:** Create your own music mixes, Fight cosmic silence, Restore sound to stars, Become a Loopster, Engage in a musical mission

**In-app purchases:** none


### Pop Drummer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pop-drummer-real-drum-machine/id6746682415)

This app provides realistic acoustic drum sounds and editable grooves for musicians and creators. It offers multiple drummer styles, live performance pads, and extensive customization options for creating and performing pop rhythms. Supports AUv3 and standalone use.

**Highlights:** Realistic acoustic drum kits, Editable and customizable grooves, Multiple drummer styles, Live performance pads, AUv3 and standalone compatibility, MIDI control and export, Song arrangement mode

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pop Drummer Full Access | $22.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Great app
- 👍 Responsive developer
- 👍 One-time purchase instead of subscription
- 👍 AUv3 and MIDI support
- 👍 Modern user interface

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🤔 Issues with song mode
- 🤔 MIDI implementation could be improved

**Reported bugs**

- MIDI not working with some apps

**Requested features**

- Tap tempo MIDI control
- Cross-stick MIDI control


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Loops Lab free?

Loops Lab is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Pop Drummer free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Loops Lab or Pop Drummer?

Pop Drummer is rated higher. Loops Lab averages 4.7 out of 5 from 127 ratings, while Pop Drummer averages 4.7 from 240 ratings.

### Do Loops Lab or Pop Drummer have ads?

Neither Loops Lab nor Pop Drummer shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Loops Lab or Pop Drummer?

Loops Lab ships an update every 3 weeks, and Pop Drummer fortnightly. Most recently, Loops Lab was updated on October 24, 2026 and Pop Drummer on October 25, 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.*