Comparison

simple loop machine vs Hive

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

Head to head
About

simple loop machine

Features
Read full description

simple loop machine is a straightforward loop-style music app: record up to eight samples from the microphone, assign them to pads, then play, loop, reverse, trim, and scratch. No DAW-style complexityβ€”great for ideas, practice, and live sketches. Features β€’ 8-pad recording - Free mode: hold an empty pad to record; release to stop - Fixed mode: set BPM and bars, tap an empty pad to record a fixed length β€’ Play/stop, loop, reverse playback β€’ Waveform view with trim handles β€’ Zoom (full waveform / selection range) β€’ Volume and pitch per pad β€’ Scratch strip (drag left and right) β€’ Mix recording: capture pad playback into one mix; play, export, or delete β€’ Settings: default record mode, default BPM/bars for fixed mode, delete all pads β€’ In-app languages: Japanese, English, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Korean Privacy & data β€’ Samples and mixes are stored only on your device β€’ No account required β€’ Microphone is used only for recording to pads β€’ Export uses the system share sheet (Files, AirDrop, etc.) Notes β€’ Use caution with headphones or speakersβ€”levels can be loud β€’ Microphone permission is required on first launch β€’ A real device is recommended for recording (simulator has no mic) Support: contact us via the Support URL on the store listing.

About

Hive

Features
Read full description

Hive is a honeycomb loop mixer. Pick a hive, tap a hex, and the loop locks to the beat. Every loop in a pack lives in the same key and tempo, so whatever you light up plays together. No timeline. No tracks. No menus. Just a wall of glowing hexes and a heartbeat that keeps the jam honest. Tap mid-cycle and the loop waits for the next downbeat, then drops in on time. Seven hives, seven moods. Tape Haze and Break Slice are free, forever. Pocket Groove, Stingray, Warehouse Pulse, Neon Current, and Crate Digger unlock with Hive Pro. Light up a mix you love and share it as a hive code. Anyone with Hive opens the same loops, on the same downbeat. Hive Pro is $4.99/month or $39.99/year. It unlocks every hive, all future packs, unlimited downloads, and mix recording. Cancel anytime in Settings. Works on iPhone and iPad, portrait or landscape. Pinch to zoom the bigger hives.

Screenshots

simple loop machine4 screens
Hive4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: simple loop machine at none against Hive's 2. simple loop machine also leads on update cadence (every 4 days vs every 2 weeks). Hive's advantage is ads (none vs shown). On price, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

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

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

Both are free to download. Hive sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. simple loop machine asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

simple loop machine ships an update every 4 days, Hive every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 5, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences Β· 3 level
simple loop machine versus Hive: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
Parametersimple loop machineHive
PriceFreeFree
Update frequencyEvery 4 days β€” betterEvery 2 weeks
AdsYesNo β€” better
In-app purchasesNo β€” betterYes
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS17.0 β€” better18.0
Further details β€” not scored
Size5 MB45 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperGoateeAllstarsENAMIC (PTY) LTD

In-app purchases

None

simple loop machine

No in-app purchases

2 purchases

Hive

Subscriptions2
  • Hive Pro Monthly$4.991 Month
  • Hive Pro Yearly$39.991 Year

Questions

Is simple loop machine free?
simple loop machine is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Hive free?
Hive is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do simple loop machine or Hive have ads?
simple loop machine shows ads; Hive does not.
Which is updated more often, simple loop machine or Hive?
simple loop machine ships an update every 4 days, and Hive every 2 weeks. Most recently, simple loop machine was updated on November 5, 2026 and Hive on October 31, 2026.

Other comparisons