# VU44 vs Orbeat

The clearest difference is update cadence: Orbeat at every 6 days against VU44's every 2 months. VU44's advantage is monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases). On price, rating, review sentiment and ratings volume there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. VU44 sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Orbeat sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for VU44 against 5.0 for Orbeat. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 10 and 6 respectively. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 100% and 100% positive.

VU44 ships an update every 2 months, Orbeat every 6 days. The most recent releases landed on August 22, 2026 and September 14, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | VU44 | Orbeat |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [5.0 (10 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vu44-7/id6781011563/reviews) | [5.0 (6 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/orbeat-drum-machine/id6783843640/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **10** | 6 |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 6 days** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 25 MB | 5 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 16.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Dariusz Chynek](https://appshunter.io/developer/1805845479) | [Chih Han Lin](https://appshunter.io/developer/1800248325) |

## What reviewers say

### VU44

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vu44-7/id6781011563)

This app transforms audio sampling into a tactile, vinyl-inspired experience. Spin a virtual platter, drop the needle, and capture loops by ear and feel, just like a crate digger. Shape your sound with onboard mixing and effects, then integrate it into your music setup.

**Highlights:** Tactile vinyl-style platter for scratching and nudging, Adjustable RPM speeds for pitch shifting, Precise loop capture with hand-played timing, 4-band channel EQ for tone shaping, 16 built-in effects with 4 insert slots, Load audio from folders, files, and videos, AUv3 plugin support for host integration

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Support | $0.99 | one-time |


### Orbeat

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/orbeat-drum-machine/id6783843640)

This music app offers a unique circular sequencer for beat creation, featuring four distinct drum kits and generative tools. It allows for advanced rhythmic manipulation and can be used as a standalone instrument or an AUv3 plugin. Unlock full features with a one-time purchase.

**Highlights:** Circular sequencer interface, Four unique drum kits, Generative rhythm patterns, Swing and velocity controls, Probability and polymeter, AUv3 plugin support, WAV export

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Orbeat Pro | $5.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is VU44 free?

VU44 is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Orbeat free?

Orbeat is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, VU44 or Orbeat?

VU44 and Orbeat are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 10 and 6 ratings respectively.

### Do VU44 or Orbeat have ads?

Neither VU44 nor Orbeat shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, VU44 or Orbeat?

VU44 ships an update every 2 months, and Orbeat every 6 days. Most recently, VU44 was updated on August 22, 2026 and Orbeat on September 14, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*