Comparison

simple loop machine vs Starrypad

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — 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 complexity—great for ideas, practice, and live sketches. Features • 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 • Play/stop, loop, reverse playback • Waveform view with trim handles • Zoom (full waveform / selection range) • Volume and pitch per pad • Scratch strip (drag left and right) • Mix recording: capture pad playback into one mix; play, export, or delete • Settings: default record mode, default BPM/bars for fixed mode, delete all pads • In-app languages: Japanese, English, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Korean Privacy & data • Samples and mixes are stored only on your device • No account required • Microphone is used only for recording to pads • Export uses the system share sheet (Files, AirDrop, etc.) Notes • Use caution with headphones or speakers—levels can be loud • Microphone permission is required on first launch • A real device is recommended for recording (simulator has no mic) Support: contact us via the Support URL on the store listing.

About

Starrypad

Transform your device into a versatile music creation tool. Record and import audio, then assign it to velocity-sensitive pads for playback. Create loops, add layers, and export your work as WAV or MIDI.

Highlights
  • 16 velocity-sensitive pads
  • Built-in drum kits and synth phrases
  • Microphone and audio import
  • Loop recording and layering
  • WAV and MIDI export
  • USB MIDI controller support
Read full description

Starrypad turns your iPhone into a drum pad, looper and sampler. Play sixteen velocity-sensitive pads with acoustic drums, 808 sounds and original synth phrases. The C Synth kit follows your tempo while keeping note pitch independent. Shape each pad with level, pan and tuning in the Mixer. Record from the microphone or import audio from a video you choose, trim the sound and assign it to a pad. Record loops, add layers and undo the latest pass. Switch from recording to playback without stopping the loop. Play along with music from another audio app. Background playback depends on the other app and your audio route. This does not import or record protected streaming audio. Export loops as WAV or MIDI. Connect an optional class-compliant USB MIDI controller. No controller, account or subscription is required. Settings and help support English, Japanese and Simplified Chinese. Familiar performance legends stay in English. Audio processing and your recordings stay on the device. Salamander Drumkit by Alexander Holm (CC BY 3.0) TR-808 Sound Sample Set by Michael Fischer via TidalCycles (CC0 1.0) Additional percussion from FreePats (CC0 1.0) Original synthesized rhythm phrases by Starrypad

Screenshots

simple loop machine4 screens
Starrypad4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is ads: Starrypad at none against simple loop machine's shown. simple loop machine's advantage is update cadence (every 4 days vs every 10 days). On price, in-app purchases, device support and iOS requirement 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.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

simple loop machine ships an update every 4 days, Starrypad every 10 days. The most recent releases landed on October 7, 2026 and October 16, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
simple loop machine versus Starrypad: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
Parametersimple loop machineStarrypad
PriceFreeFree
Rating—5.0 (1 ratings) — better
Positive reviews—100.0% of reviews
Number of ratings—1 — better
Update frequencyEvery 4 days — betterEvery 10 days
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesNoNo
Monetization—Free
DevicesiPhone, iPad — betteriPhone
Requires iOS17.017.0
Further details — not scored
Size5 MB45 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperGoateeAllstarsRyo Ijuin

In-app purchases

None

simple loop machine

No in-app purchases

None

Starrypad

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is simple loop machine free?
simple loop machine is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Starrypad free?
Starrypad is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do simple loop machine or Starrypad have ads?
simple loop machine shows ads; Starrypad does not.
Which is updated more often, simple loop machine or Starrypad?
simple loop machine ships an update every 4 days, and Starrypad every 10 days. Most recently, simple loop machine was updated on October 7, 2026 and Starrypad on October 16, 2026.

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