Comparison

BeatRepeat vs Etherpad

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

Head to head
About

BeatRepeat

This app is a real-time drum repeat instrument and MIDI effect designed for live performance. It allows users to tap pads to trigger repeating drum hits synced to tempo, and swipe to create evolving rhythms with layered patterns. It offers extensive control over rhythmic elements and generative patterns.

Highlights
  • 8 velocity-sensitive pads
  • Repeat presets for instant rhythms
  • Per-pad control over rhythm parameters
  • Euclidean rhythm masks
  • Evolve modifier for parameter shifts
  • Fill patterns for multi-pad sequences
  • MIDI input and output
Features
Read full description

Beat Repeat is a real-time drum repeat instrument and MIDI effect built for live performance. Tap a pad to trigger repeating drum hits synced to your tempo. Swipe to latch patterns, stack layers, and build evolving rhythms. Core Features - 8 velocity-sensitive pads - Repeat presets: instant rhythmic patterns (Straight 8th, Triplet, Flam, Ghost Roll, and more) - Per-pad control over division, gate, offset, ratchet, trigger conditions, and probability - Euclidean rhythm masks for generative patterns - Evolve modifier: parameters shift over time using mathematical shapes (sine, ramp, random walk) - Fill patterns: multi-pad sequences triggered from a single pad - Ghost notes with adjustable intensity and offset - Accent patterns for dynamic variation Works Everywhere - Standalone app with internal drum sounds - AUv3 plugin for GarageBand, AUM, Cubasis, and other hosts - VST3/AU for desktop DAWs - Full MIDI input and output - Ableton Link support for wireless sync - Drift quantization for natural-feeling timing

About

Etherpad

Create evolving soundscapes and ambient textures with an intuitive touch-based music synthesizer. Explore generative music without needing music theory, perfect for relaxation or creative expression.

Highlights
  • Multi-touch synthesis
  • Multiple sound presets
  • Visual particle effects
  • Effect overlays
  • Scale selection
  • Landscape & portrait modes
  • Low-latency audio
Features
Read full description

Etherpad is an expressive touch-based music synthesis instrument for iPhone, iPad and your Mac. Sweep your fingers across the screen to create evolving soundscapes, ambient drones, and generative textures. (AUv3 support in Beta) Powered by the legendary Csound audio engine, Etherpad turns your device into a portable synthesizer that responds to every touch with rich, organic sound. No music theory required — just touch, listen, and explore. KEY FEATURES • Multi-touch synthesis — Each finger controls pitch and timbre independently • Distinct Soundscapes — Switch between evolving pad sounds and textures • Reactive Visuals — ripples, trails, rings, and column glow respond to every touch • 14 evolving sounds — from lush pads to Glass Choir, PWM Pad, and Morphwave • Advanced Scales & Tuning — Break out of standard keys and explore the Bohlen-Pierce scale, overtone series, pentatonics, and more • Jam Sessions — Load your own audio tracks directly into the app and play along with your creative flow • MIDI 2.0 — per-note expression and full MIDI support for connected controllers (Beta) • AUv3 plug-in — play Etherpad inside Logic Pro, GarageBand, AUM, and other hosts (Beta) • Ultra Low-latency audio — Built on Csound, the industry-standard audio engine PERFECT FOR • Ambient and drone musicians • Meditation and relaxation • Beginners exploring sound synthesis • Live performers and improvisers • Sound designers and experimental composers • Anyone curious about generative music Website: https://etherpad.app Touch the surface. Hear the universe.

Screenshots

BeatRepeat3 screens
Etherpad4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is ratings volume: Etherpad at 20 against BeatRepeat's 3. On price, rating, review sentiment and update cadence 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. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for BeatRepeat against 4.9 for Etherpad. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Etherpad has 20 ratings behind it against 3, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 100% and 100% positive.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

BeatRepeat ships an update every 3 days, Etherpad every 2 days. The most recent releases landed on October 2, 2026 and September 22, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference · 9 level
BeatRepeat versus Etherpad: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterBeatRepeatEtherpad
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (3 ratings) — better4.9 (20 ratings)
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews100.0% of reviews
Number of ratings320 — better
Update frequencyEvery 3 daysEvery 2 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFreeFree
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, Mac — better
Requires iOS16.0 — better17.0
Further details — not scored
Size42 MB9 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperMathias KirkerødDinesh Yadav

Customer experience

BeatRepeat

Written reviews2 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

Etherpad

All ratings20 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews5 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

None

BeatRepeat

No in-app purchases

None

Etherpad

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is BeatRepeat free?
BeatRepeat is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Etherpad free?
Etherpad is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, BeatRepeat or Etherpad?
BeatRepeat is rated higher. BeatRepeat averages 5.0 out of 5 from 3 ratings, while Etherpad averages 4.9 from 20 ratings.
Do BeatRepeat or Etherpad have ads?
Neither BeatRepeat nor Etherpad shows ads.
Which is updated more often, BeatRepeat or Etherpad?
BeatRepeat ships an update every 3 days, and Etherpad every 2 days. Most recently, BeatRepeat was updated on October 2, 2026 and Etherpad on September 22, 2026.

Other comparisons