Gecko Drums vs Etherpad
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Gecko Drums
This app is a smart practice partner for drummers, offering a precision metronome with adjustable tempo and an exercise library. It helps users improve timing, speed, and focus with features like auto-advance and real-time accuracy feedback.
- Smart metronome with adjustable tempo
- Extensive exercise library with visual notation
- Smooth exercise transitions with preview
- Auto-advance to next exercise
- Real-time timing accuracy feedback
- Offline functionality
- Lock screen and AirPods controls
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Gecko Drums is the smart practice partner for drummers of all levels. Whether you're drilling rudiments, working through stick control patterns, or building up tempo — Gecko Drums keeps you focused and on time. SMART METRONOME A precision metronome built for serious practice. Tap tempo, adjust BPM on the fly, and let Gecko Drums automatically raise the tempo when you're ready. Set a start and end BPM, choose the step size, and watch your speed grow bar by bar. EXERCISE LIBRARY A full library of drum exercises across three categories: • Paradiddles — classic rudiments with visual notation • Snare Chops — advanced single-hand patterns • Stick Control — hundreds of patterns from the classic book • Favorites — pin your most-used patterns for quick access SMOOTH EXERCISE TRANSITIONS Swipe left or right to browse exercises. The next pattern is always visible as a preview — fly through your practice routine without breaking your flow. AUTO-ADVANCE Set Gecko Drums to automatically switch to the next exercise after a set number of bars, or when you reach your target BPM. Practice moves forward on its own. TIMING CHECK (PRO) Use your device's microphone to measure how accurately you're hitting. Real-time accuracy feedback in milliseconds — so you know when your timing is truly locked in, not just fast. TEMPO TEST / SILENT BARS (PRO) Mute the click for a set number of bars and keep the groove. The ultimate internal timing challenge — the metronome comes back to check if you stayed on beat. SESSION TIMER (PRO) Set a practice duration and Gecko Drums will alert you when time is up. Stay consistent, practice smarter. EXTRA CLICK SOUNDS (PRO) Choose from classic electronic click, warm wood block, or crisp rim shot. Pick the tone that helps you focus. AIRPODS & LOCK SCREEN Control playback from your AirPods or lock screen. Squeeze to play/pause, double-tap for next/previous exercise — keep playing without touching your phone. DESIGNED FOR PRACTICE • Dark, distraction-free interface • Works on iPhone and iPad • No account required — open and play • Fully offline, no internet needed • Free to use; Pro features unlock with a single purchase PRO UNLOCK — €2,99 One purchase unlocks all Pro features permanently: Timing Check, Tempo Test (Silent Bars), Session Timer, and Wood & Rim click sounds!
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.
- Multi-touch synthesis
- Multiple sound presets
- Visual particle effects
- Effect overlays
- Scale selection
- Landscape & portrait modes
- Low-latency audio
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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 Beta support) 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
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Etherpad at none against Gecko Drums's 1. Etherpad also leads on update cadence (every 3 days vs every 10 days) and ratings volume (21 vs 1). On price, rating, ads 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
Both are free to download. Gecko Drums sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Etherpad asks for nothing beyond the download.
On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for Gecko Drums against 4.9 for Etherpad. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Etherpad has 21 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.
Gecko Drums ships an update every 10 days, Etherpad every 3 days. Both last shipped on October 31, 2026.
| Parameter | Gecko Drums | Etherpad |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 5.0 (1 ratings) — better | 4.9 (21 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | — | 100.0% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 1 | 21 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 10 days | Every 3 days — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Mac | iPhone, iPad, Mac |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 — better | 17.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 22 MB | 9 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Dave Govert Menkehorst | Dinesh Yadav |
Customer experience
Gecko Drums
Etherpad
In-app purchases
Gecko Drums
- Pro Unlock$2.99
Etherpad
No in-app purchases









