Comparison

PolyCyclo vs ZZZ Polyrhythm

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

Head to head
About

PolyCyclo

Features
Read full description

Use PolyCyclo as a visual metronome. Set any whole-number tempo from 40 to 240 BPM, find a tempo with Tap, and turn on an independent reference pulse. Watch rhythm take shape as moving points, glowing traces, and polygons. Swipe between rhythms and sound sets, edit the pattern, save favorites with the star, and share a loop as MP4. Without an account or purchase, BPM, Tap Tempo, and the reference pulse are unlimited. Playback, the existing editing controls, star saves, and short watermarked MP4 export (15 seconds at 720p) are also included. Choose from the included selection of rhythms and sound sets. PolyCyclo Studio is an optional, one-time, non-consumable purchase. It unlocks all 312 rhythm presets, all 16 sound sets, watermark-free MP4 export up to 60 seconds at 1080p, and background playback. Restore the purchase any time from Settings. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

About

ZZZ Polyrhythm

Features
Read full description

Zzz Polyrhythm is a polyrhythm-focused metronome that lets you layer multiple rhythms simultaneously for advanced rhythmic practice. From classical 2-against-3 to jazz shuffle to contemporary 7-against-11 — instantly build any rhythm pattern you can imagine and play it back with professional-quality voices. Key Features [Base Beat — the time-keeper] - Time signature: any numerator (1-16) and denominator (2 / 4 / 8 / 16) - BPM: precise control from 30 to 240 - Tap Tempo: detect any tempo in real time - 8 voices: Wood Block / Click / Cowbell / Sine / Square / Tick / Hi Click / Low Thud [Layered Rhythms — Overlay] Layer additional rhythms on top of the base beat to construct complex polyrhythms. - Starting beat: not only "beat 1, beat 2" but also fractional positions like "beat 1.5" - Length: whole / half / quarter / eighth / sixteenth / thirty-second note × none / dotted / double-dotted - Subdivisions: any tuplet from 2 to 11 - Shuffle mode: play only the first and last clicks for a jazz swing feel - Timing offset: slide the start/end positions back and forth to fine-tune swing - Voice: choose an independent voice for each overlay from 8 sound presets [Visualizer] Concentric ring display lets you see rhythm timing at a glance. A dot lights up the moment each click fires, helping you grasp polyrhythm structure visually. [Presets] (Premium) Save your favorite rhythm configurations with custom names. Recall with one tap. Browse multiple presets and switch any time. [Phase-preserving BPM changes] Change BPM in the middle of a beat — the rhythm doesn't reset, it smoothly accelerates or decelerates, just like a professional studio metronome. Who it's for - Drummers / percussionists training complex rhythmic sense - Jazz / fusion players developing swing feel - Instrumentalists practicing 3-, 5-, 7-tuplet figures - Composers / arrangers analyzing multi-voice rhythm relationships - Performers studying traditional cross-rhythms and contemporary music Languages 日本語 / English / 中文 / 한국어 / Español / Português Switch languages manually from the hamburger menu, or have the app follow your device's system language. Free vs Premium [Free] - Base beat + up to 2 overlay layers - All 8 voices / any time signature / BPM 30-240 - Tap Tempo / Shuffle / full feature access - Discreet banner ad + occasional interstitial [Premium (Ad-free)] - All ads removed - Add 3 or more overlay layers (unlimited) - Save / load / delete rhythm presets Subscription Details - Title: Premium (Ad-free) - Length: 1 month, auto-renewable - Price: 180 JPY / month Payment will be charged to your Apple ID account at confirmation of purchase. The subscription renews automatically unless it is canceled at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. Your account will be charged for renewal within 24 hours prior to the end of the current period. You can manage or cancel your subscription anytime in your App Store account settings after purchase. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Privacy Policy: https://smolt-stage.com/home/privacy/zzz-polyrhythm-privacy-policy-ios-en.html Developer SMOLT STAGE, K.K. © 2026 SMOLT STAGE, K.K. For questions and feature requests, please use the in-app feedback form. We hope this contributes to your musical practice.

Screenshots

PolyCyclo4 screens
ZZZ Polyrhythm4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is ads: PolyCyclo at none against ZZZ Polyrhythm's shown. PolyCyclo also leads on update cadence (every 4 days vs every 6 weeks). 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. PolyCyclo sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month and ZZZ Polyrhythm sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $0.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

PolyCyclo ships an update every 4 days, ZZZ Polyrhythm every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 28, 2026 and October 26, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 4 level
PolyCyclo versus ZZZ Polyrhythm: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterPolyCycloZZZ Polyrhythm
PriceFreeFree
Update frequencyEvery 4 days — betterEvery 6 weeks
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesYesYes
DevicesiPhoneiPhone, iPad — better
Requires iOS17.017.0
Further details — not scored
Size19 MB6 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperTaichi UmekiSMOLT STAGE, K.K.

In-app purchases

2 purchases

PolyCyclo

Subscriptions2
  • Monthly Access14 Days trial$4.991 Month
  • Yearly Access14 Days trial$24.991 Year
1 purchases

ZZZ Polyrhythm

Subscriptions1
  • ZZZ Polyrhythm Premium$0.991 Month

Questions

Is PolyCyclo free?
PolyCyclo is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is ZZZ Polyrhythm free?
ZZZ Polyrhythm is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do PolyCyclo or ZZZ Polyrhythm have ads?
ZZZ Polyrhythm shows ads; PolyCyclo does not.
Which is updated more often, PolyCyclo or ZZZ Polyrhythm?
PolyCyclo ships an update every 4 days, and ZZZ Polyrhythm every 6 weeks. Most recently, PolyCyclo was updated on October 28, 2026 and ZZZ Polyrhythm on October 26, 2026.

Other comparisons