Comparison

LoopPlay vs Refrain

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

Head to head
About

LoopPlay

This app allows users to practice audio files at their own pace, adjusting playback speed and pitch. It offers features like A-B looping, saved loop points, and playlist management for efficient learning and practice.

Highlights
  • A-B looping
  • Adjustable playback speed
  • Adjustable pitch
  • Saved loop points
  • Playlist creation
  • Lock screen controls
Features
Read full description

Practice at your own pace, in your key, on iPhone and iPad. LoopPlay helps you work through a difficult passage, learn a song by ear, or practice a phrase in another language. Open your own audio files, repeat the part you need, and use Pro to adjust speed and pitch independently. [A-B Loop & Saved Points] Set a start point (A) and end point (B) to repeat a section. Your loop points are saved per file and restored when you open it again. [Speed Control] Slow down a passage without changing its pitch, or speed it up as you improve. Choose from three free speed presets: 0.95x, 1x, and 1.05x. Pro unlocks speed adjustment from 0.5x to 2.0x. [Pitch Control — Pro] Transpose audio from āˆ’12 to +12 semitones without changing playback speed. Match a song to your vocal range or practice in a different key. [Waveform & BPM] Use the waveform to find a passage and adjust your loop. Pro detects BPM and lets you set a target tempo for practice. [Playlists & Recent Folders] Open audio files or folders, reorder tracks, and return to recent folders. Your custom track order is saved for each folder. [Practice Controls] Switch between playback, loop, speed, pitch, and BPM tools in the bottom controls. Pitch and BPM tools require Pro. [Lock Screen & Control Center] Control playback from the lock screen and Control Center. See track artwork when it is available in your audio files. [Free & Pro] Playback, A-B looping, saved loop points, playlists, recent folders, and the 0.95x, 1x, and 1.05x speed presets are free. A one-time Pro purchase unlocks 0.5x–2.0x speed control, pitch control, and BPM detection. No subscription. Existing paid users receive Pro automatically. [Supported Formats] MP3, WAV, AIFF, M4A, FLAC [Privacy] Audio processing stays on your device. LoopPlay does not collect your audio or personal data; App Store communication is used only to load and verify purchases.

About

Refrain

Read full description

Refrain is a focused loop player for anyone who learns by repetition: musicians working out a solo, language learners drilling a phrase, dancers counting an eight, transcribers catching every word. Import any audio file from your device, set an A and a B point right on the waveform, and loop that section on repeat until you've got it. Save the sections you keep coming back to, and jump straight to them next time. FEATURES • A/B loop: drop A and B markers on the waveform and loop that section instantly • Waveform view: see the shape of the audio and place your markers precisely • Saved segments: store the loops you practice most and reload them in a tap • Snippet preview: audition a segment before you commit to it • Precise skip: jump forward or back by 1, 3, 5, 10, 15, or 30 seconds, or 1 or 5 minutes • Count-in timer: get a lead-in before playback so you're ready to come in • Bookmarks: mark the spots you want to find again • Volume control: set a comfortable practice level • Your library: everything you import, organized and ready to pick up again Everything happens on your device. Refrain works fully offline and collects no data. No account, no sign-up, no tracking. Bring in a track and start looping.

Screenshots

LoopPlay4 screens
Refrain4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Refrain at none against LoopPlay's 1. On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price Ā· Rating Ā· Positive reviews Ā· Number of ratings Ā· Update frequency Ā· Ads Ā· In-app purchases Ā· Monetization Ā· Best chart rank Ā· Devices Ā· Requires iOS

CostPrice Ā· In-app purchases Ā· Ads Ā· Monetization

Both are free to download. LoopPlay sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Refrain asks for nothing beyond the download.

Scorecard1 real difference Ā· 7 level
LoopPlay versus Refrain: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterLoopPlayRefrain
PriceFreeFree
Positive reviews66.7% of reviews—
Update frequencyEvery 5 days—
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFreemium—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, Mac — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS17.016.4 — better
Further details — not scored
Size5 MB41 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperDingiDanga CompanySUBVERTING COMPLEXITY (PTY) LTD)

In-app purchases

1 purchases

LoopPlay

One-time1
  • LoopPlay Pro$2.99
None

Refrain

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is LoopPlay free?
LoopPlay is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Refrain free?
Refrain is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do LoopPlay or Refrain have ads?
Neither LoopPlay nor Refrain shows ads.

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