Comparison

Darbuka vs Darbuka Beats

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

Head to head
About

Darbuka

Explore the authentic sounds of the darbuka, a traditional percussion instrument. This app offers realistic tones, multiple play modes, and recording capabilities for musicians and enthusiasts. Immerse yourself in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean rhythms.

Highlights
  • Authentic darbuka sounds
  • Three dynamic play modes
  • Record performances
  • Share music easily
  • Intuitive design
Features
Read full description

Discover the vibrant and energetic sounds of the darbuka, a traditional percussion instrument at the heart of Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and North African music. Darbuka brings the authentic sound and rhythmic power of this iconic instrument to your fingertips, providing an immersive experience for musicians, learners, and music enthusiasts. About the Darbuka The darbuka, also known as the goblet drum, is a hand-played percussion instrument with a distinct goblet shape. It’s widely used in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean music, known for its sharp, resonant tones and ability to create intricate rhythms. The darbuka’s versatility allows it to be played in various styles, from classical Arabic music to modern dance beats, making it a dynamic instrument that connects both the performer and the audience to the pulse of the music. Why You’ll Love Darbuka Authentic Darbuka Sounds Experience meticulously sampled darbuka tones, from deep bass notes to crisp, high-pitched taps, replicating the full range of this dynamic instrument. Three Dynamic Play Modes Free Play Mode: Play multiple notes at once to create complex, layered rhythms. Single Note Mode: Focus on individual strokes and refine your technique for perfect rhythmic precision. Soft Release Mode: Add a natural fade-out effect for smooth and authentic performances. Record Your Performances Capture your darbuka music with the built-in recorder. Perfect for reviewing, refining your skills, or sharing your creations. Share Your Music Easily share your darbuka performances with friends, family, or audiences worldwide, showcasing the energy and beauty of this percussion instrument. What Makes Darbuka Unique? True-to-Life Sound: Every stroke replicates the authentic, powerful tones of a real darbuka, allowing you to play traditional and modern rhythms. Cultural Significance: Immerse yourself in the heritage of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean rhythms while exploring modern beats. Elegant and Intuitive Design: A sleek and user-friendly interface ensures a seamless experience for musicians of all levels. Creative Freedom: Whether playing traditional folk rhythms or creating innovative drum patterns, Darbuka offers endless possibilities for musical expression. Download Darbuka today and let the infectious rhythms of the darbuka inspire your music!

About

Darbuka Beats

This app provides authentic Middle Eastern and Oriental rhythms for musicians, producers, and dancers. It features a wide variety of traditional loops, dynamic performance tools, and custom loop import. Seamlessly integrate with DAWs and external controllers for live shows and studio production.

Highlights
  • Over 30 authentic Arabic, Middle Eastern, and Oriental rhythms
  • Dynamic performance tools for live feel
  • AUv3 and Ableton Link support
  • Import custom WAV loops with iCloud backup
  • Set lists for live performances
  • MIDI Learn integration
  • Built-in recording and sharing
Features
Read full description

Darbuka Beats: Play Authentic Middle Eastern Rhythms at Your Fingertips Unleash the spirit of the Middle East with Darbuka Beats, the ultimate drum machine app for belly dancers, musicians, and producers! Dive into a vibrant world of authentic Arabic, Middle Eastern, and Oriental rhythms, expertly crafted for both practice and performance. Features: • Authentic Loops: Explore over 30 traditional and modern rhythms, including Maksoum, Saidi, Baladi, Ciftetelli, Ayoub, Rumba, Malfuf, Dabkeh, Samai, and many more. • Dynamic Performance Tools: Play intros, variations, fills, endings, and layer percussion elements for a live, humanized feel. • AUv3 Support: Seamlessly integrate with your favorite AUv3-compatible DAWs for a streamlined production workflow. • Custom Loop Import with iCloud Backup: Add your personal touch by importing your own WAV loops—and keep them safe with iCloud backup of your custom content. • Set Lists for Live Shows: Organize your songs and rhythms for flawless live performances. • MIDI Learn Integration: Map and control virtually every feature using your external MIDI controller. • Tap or Lock Tempo: Stay perfectly in sync with easy tempo tapping or locking. • Smooth Transitions: Fade in, fade out, insert breaks, and end rhythms cleanly for seamless transitions. • Ableton Link Support: Sync effortlessly with other apps and devices for collaborative sessions. • Record and Share: Capture your performances or studio sessions with built-in output recording. Rhythms Included: Fox, Maksoum, Zaffa, Ayoub, Ciftetelli, Gypsy, Wahda, Katakufti, Saidi, Balon, Malfuf, Dossary, Laff, Sama’i, Shrh, Waltz 3/4, Choby Dabkeh, Sirya, Adani, Haja3, Jerk, Rumba, Slow, Sodasi, Techno, Shaban, Chobi, Gorgina, Baladi, Rai, Masmudi, Swing Oriental, Tableh, Arabi, Setati, Tagil, Bandari, Iraqi, Samri, and more — including unique 3/4 Rai rhythms! Whether you're dancing, performing live, or producing music in the studio, Darbuka Beats gives you the authentic grooves you need to move and inspire. Download now and feel the rhythm of tradition — and innovation!

Screenshots

Darbuka4 screens
Darbuka Beats4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: Darbuka Beats at 4.7 against Darbuka's 3.8. Darbuka Beats also leads on ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (weekly vs every 3 months). Darbuka's advantage is iOS requirement (15.0 vs 18.0). On price, ratings volume, in-app purchases and monetization model 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

Both are free to download. Darbuka sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Darbuka Beats sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Darbuka Beats holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 3.8. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 19 and 47 respectively.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Darbuka ships an update every 3 months, Darbuka Beats weekly. Both last shipped on October 28, 2026.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
Darbuka versus Darbuka Beats: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterDarbukaDarbuka Beats
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.8 (19 ratings)4.7 (47 ratings) — better
Positive reviews—40.0% of reviews
Number of ratings1947 — better
Update frequencyEvery 3 monthsWeekly — better
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS15.0 — better18.0
Further details — not scored
Size216 MB308 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperAlper KahrimanSonic Market

Customer experience

Darbuka

All ratings19 ratings
Positive73.7%
Neutral0.0%
Negative26.3%

Darbuka Beats

All ratings47 ratings
Positive89.4%
Neutral4.3%
Negative6.4%
Written reviews5 reviews
Positive40.0%
Neutral40.0%
Negative20.0%

In-app purchases

1 purchases

Darbuka

One-time1
  • Get Premium$9.99
2 purchases

Darbuka Beats

One-time2
  • Darbuka Beats Factory Rhythms$1.99
  • Darbuka Beats Factory Rhythms$3.99

Questions

Is Darbuka free?
Darbuka is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Darbuka Beats free?
Darbuka Beats is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Darbuka or Darbuka Beats?
Darbuka Beats is rated higher. Darbuka averages 3.8 out of 5 from 19 ratings, while Darbuka Beats averages 4.7 from 47 ratings.
Do Darbuka or Darbuka Beats have ads?
Darbuka shows ads; Darbuka Beats does not.
Which is updated more often, Darbuka or Darbuka Beats?
Darbuka ships an update every 3 months, and Darbuka Beats weekly. Most recently, Darbuka was updated on October 28, 2026 and Darbuka Beats on October 28, 2026.

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