# MACHINE DRUM vs Starrypad

The clearest difference is rating: MACHINE DRUM at 5.0 against Starrypad's 3.7. Starrypad's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and update cadence (every 10 days vs monthly). On price, ads, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. MACHINE DRUM sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Starrypad asks for nothing beyond the download.

MACHINE DRUM holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 3.7. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1 and 3 respectively.

MACHINE DRUM ships an update monthly, Starrypad every 10 days. The most recent releases landed on October 25, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | MACHINE DRUM | Starrypad |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/machine-drum-beat-maker-kit/id6801917704/reviews)** | [3.7 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/starrypad/id6806672128/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 1 | **3** |
| Positive reviews | — | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Monthly | **Every 10 days** |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 9 MB | 45 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.4** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Nathan Burazer](https://appshunter.io/developer/6788218630) | [Ryo Ijuin](https://appshunter.io/developer/6806672130) |

## What reviewers say

### MACHINE DRUM

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/machine-drum-beat-maker-kit/id6801917704)

This app offers a minimalist drum machine and sound design lab for creating beats and audio. It features a tactile step sequencer, custom kick sound designer, and the ability to record and manipulate custom samples. Professional DSP effects and genre-inspired templates are also included to enhance creativity.

**Highlights:** Tactile 16-pad step sequencer, Custom kick sound designer with dual-oscillator engine, Record and manipulate custom samples, DSP effects including Delay, Reverb, and Bitcrusher, Frequency filters (LP, BP, HP), Hardware and genre-inspired presets

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| MACHINE DRUM PRO | $9.99 | one-time |


### Starrypad

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/starrypad/id6806672128)

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is MACHINE DRUM free?

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

### Is Starrypad free?

Starrypad is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, MACHINE DRUM or Starrypad?

MACHINE DRUM is rated higher. MACHINE DRUM averages 5.0 out of 5 from 1 ratings, while Starrypad averages 3.7 from 3 ratings.

### Do MACHINE DRUM or Starrypad have ads?

Neither MACHINE DRUM nor Starrypad shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, MACHINE DRUM or Starrypad?

MACHINE DRUM ships an update monthly, and Starrypad every 10 days. Most recently, MACHINE DRUM was updated on October 25, 2026 and Starrypad on October 24, 2026.

---

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