# AirDrum by Async Audio vs GrainHeads

The clearest difference is monetization model: GrainHeads at free against AirDrum by Async Audio's free with in-app purchases. GrainHeads also leads on ratings volume (14 vs 3). AirDrum by Async Audio's advantage is rating (5.0 vs 4.7) and iOS requirement (15.6 vs 17.6). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. AirDrum by Async Audio sells 4 one-off in-app purchases and GrainHeads sells 10 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

AirDrum by Async Audio holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.7. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 3 and 14 respectively.

AirDrum by Async Audio ships an update every 9 days, GrainHeads every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on October 30, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | AirDrum by Async Audio | GrainHeads |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/airdrum-by-async-audio/id6754063245/reviews)** | [4.7 (14 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/grainheads/id6760582834/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 3 | **14** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 9 days | **Every 5 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 18 MB | 106 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.6** | 17.6 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Async Audio LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1846056956) | [Andrei Nevar](https://appshunter.io/developer/1885164055) |

## What reviewers say

### AirDrum by Async Audio

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/airdrum-by-async-audio/id6754063245)

Transform wrist movements into drum beats and record musical ideas on your iPhone. This app offers motion-controlled drumming with MIDI output for integration with DAWs like Ableton Live. Explore expressive effects and a growing library of drum kits.

**Highlights:** Motion-based drumming, MIDI output (USB/Network), DAW compatibility (Ableton Live), Assignable drum kits, Real-time gesture triggering, XY pad for effects, Loop recording

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Voltage Drum Kit | $1.99 | one-time |
| Prism Drum Kit | $1.99 | one-time |
| Dust Drum Kit | $1.99 | one-time |
| Fader Drum Kit | $1.99 | one-time |


### GrainHeads

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/grainheads/id6760582834)

Transform any sound into unique textures and evolving sonic landscapes. This granular synthesizer offers deep control over individual sound grains, complex modulation, and a powerful step sequencer for experimental music creation.

**Highlights:** Multi-source granular engine, Shape individual grains with envelopes, Summing modulation matrix, Step sequencer with parameter lanes, Macros for expressive control, Re-routable effects chain

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

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Event Horizon | $3.99 | one-time |
| Arrakis | $3.99 | one-time |
| Solaris | $3.99 | one-time |
| Protomolecule | $3.99 | one-time |
| Heptapod | $3.99 | one-time |
| Tannhäuser | $3.99 | one-time |
| Rama | $3.99 | one-time |
| Ansible | $3.99 | one-time |
| Unlock GrainHeads Pro | $11.99 | one-time |
| The Archive | $24.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is AirDrum by Async Audio free?

AirDrum by Async Audio is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is GrainHeads free?

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

### Which has better reviews, AirDrum by Async Audio or GrainHeads?

AirDrum by Async Audio is rated higher. AirDrum by Async Audio averages 5.0 out of 5 from 3 ratings, while GrainHeads averages 4.7 from 14 ratings.

### Do AirDrum by Async Audio or GrainHeads have ads?

Neither AirDrum by Async Audio nor GrainHeads shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, AirDrum by Async Audio or GrainHeads?

AirDrum by Async Audio ships an update every 9 days, and GrainHeads every 5 days. Most recently, AirDrum by Async Audio was updated on October 30, 2026 and GrainHeads on October 31, 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.*