# Pop Drummer vs Sonel

The clearest difference is update cadence: Sonel at every 6 days against Pop Drummer's fortnightly. Pop Drummer's advantage is iOS requirement (16 vs 18.6). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Pop Drummer sells 2 one-off in-app purchases and Sonel sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Pop Drummer ships an update fortnightly, Sonel every 6 days. Both last shipped on November 8, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Pop Drummer | Sonel |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (252 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pop-drummer-real-drum-machine/id6746682415/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **252** | — |
| Positive reviews | 91.5% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Fortnightly | **Every 6 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 366 MB | 84 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16** | 18.6 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Lumbeat](https://appshunter.io/developer/590278231) | [Tremolo Labs Inc](https://appshunter.io/developer/1834030815) |

## What reviewers say

### 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 (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Studio Mix | $8.99 | one-time |
| 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


### Sonel

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sonel/id6751213352)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Sonel Monthly | $4.99 | per month |
| Sonel Yearly | $29.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Pop Drummer free?

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

### Is Sonel free?

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

### Do Pop Drummer or Sonel have ads?

Neither Pop Drummer nor Sonel shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Pop Drummer or Sonel?

Pop Drummer ships an update fortnightly, and Sonel every 6 days. Most recently, Pop Drummer was updated on November 8, 2026 and Sonel on November 8, 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.*