Comparison

MetroBPM vs CuePulse

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

Head to head
About

MetroBPM

This app provides a real-time tempo detector and metronome for musicians. It uses your device's microphone to analyze rhythmic music and offers customizable metronome sounds and visualizations. Optimized for live performance with a modern design and live activity support.

Highlights
  • Real-time tempo detection
  • Live metronome with selectable sounds
  • Tempo history plot
  • Tap-to-detect tempo
  • App icon shortcuts
  • Live Activity & Dynamic Island support
Features
Read full description

Measure your tempo for practice and live performance. MetroBPM combines a Live Tempo Detector with a Metronome in your pocket. It uses your device's microphone to detect tempo from percussive/rhythmic music in Real-Time. Designed for drummers, percussionists, dance musicians and DJs. - Features - • Real-time detection of tempo from rhythmic music • Tempo history plot • Metronome with selectable sounds • Tap-to-detect tempo • Clock / timer for live performance or practice • Quickly launch frequently used tempo by tap-hold app icon • No Ads or Subscription - Modern Design - • Optimized for live on-stage use on iPhone, iPhone Duo and iPad • Dark mode for low-power usage on OLED displays • Live Activity & Dynamic Island Support (monitor and control from Home Screen, Lock Screen and supported Watch OS) Note: Tempo detection optimized for rhythmic / percussive music in quadruple, 6/8 time signatures, performance may vary. Works best with live music in low background noise.

About

CuePulse

Features
Read full description

■ Key Features 【Mode Design & Safety Optimized for Live Environments】 Features a "Performance Mode" designed for live shows and a "Simple Mode" for instant use as a standalone metronome. Switching between these modes ensures optimal operability in any situation. The "Edit Screen" for modifying patches utilizes an independent layout, completely eliminating the risk of accidental operations during a performance. 【Unrivaled Setlist & Bank Management】 Organize tempo and time signature settings for each song or section as individual "Patches" in a list. Save up to 300 patches in each bank, ranging from A to Z. Display only the necessary range, ensuring excellent operability and visibility even with massive setlists. Supports "Chain Playback" across multiple banks and "Loop Playback." Instantly share data with support for importing and exporting JSON and Setlist (.slist) files. 【Precise Tempo Changes & Total Control Over Time Signatures】 Smoothly transition to a target BPM over a specified number of "Bars + Beats." Reproduce intricate tempo changes (Accel/Rit) by setting individual curves and linking multiple patches together. Freely configure complex accent patterns using an intuitive matrix UI. Fully supports beat subdivisions (Sub-beats). 【Visual Feedback for Any Environment】 Offers visual tempo indication via LED animation, in addition to the click sound. Never lose the tempo, even in a dark orchestra pit, with a screen flash function (adjustable brightness) synchronized to the beat. "Daylight Mode" ensures visibility even on bright outdoor stages. "Upside Down Mode" provides flexibility for convenient cable routing. 【External Control & Shortcut Integration】 Fully compatible with Bluetooth foot pedals and external keyboards. Assign up to 21 different actions to shortcut keys, including play/stop, patch navigation, and page turning. Ensures reliable control at your feet, even when your hands are full while playing or conducting. 【Pro-Level Customization】 Visually supports intuitive groove feels with the "Swing Curve" setting, which adjusts the pendulum's trajectory. The "Tap Tempo" function features adjustable sensitivity for accurate BPM detection. Customizable control button assignments on the main screen. Individually adjust the volume levels for accents, normal beats, and sub-beats. Includes an auto-lock prevention (keep-awake) feature and supports forced audio playback even when the device is in silent mode. CuePulse is the most reliable timekeeper for musicians who refuse to compromise.

Screenshots

MetroBPM4 screens
CuePulse4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: CuePulse at Free against MetroBPM's $3.99. CuePulse also leads on update cadence (weekly vs every 3 weeks). MetroBPM's advantage is iOS requirement (17.6 vs 26.2). On ads, in-app purchases 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

CuePulse is free to download; MetroBPM costs $3.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

MetroBPM ships an update every 3 weeks, CuePulse weekly. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 8, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 6 level
MetroBPM versus CuePulse: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterMetroBPMCuePulse
Price$3.99Free — better
Rating5.0 (6 ratings) — better—
Number of ratings6 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeksWeekly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaid—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, MaciPhone, iPad, Mac
Requires iOS17.6 — better26.2
Further details — not scored
Size7 MB7 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperQi YangTakahiko Ikenuma

In-app purchases

None

MetroBPM

No in-app purchases

None

CuePulse

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is MetroBPM free?
MetroBPM costs $3.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is CuePulse free?
CuePulse is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do MetroBPM or CuePulse have ads?
Neither MetroBPM nor CuePulse shows ads.
Which is updated more often, MetroBPM or CuePulse?
MetroBPM ships an update every 3 weeks, and CuePulse weekly. Most recently, MetroBPM was updated on October 24, 2026 and CuePulse on October 8, 2026.

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