# Hooktheory I vs DM10

The clearest difference is rating: DM10 at 4.6 against Hooktheory I's 4.1. DM10 also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 1) and update cadence (every 4 weeks vs every 3 months). Hooktheory I's advantage is price ($14.99 vs $17.99) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.0). On ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Hooktheory I costs $14.99 and DM10 $17.99 up front. Hooktheory I sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. DM10 asks for nothing beyond the download.

DM10 holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.1. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 11 and 53 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 63% of Hooktheory I's written reviews are positive against 72% of DM10's.

Hooktheory I ships an update every 3 months, DM10 every 4 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 21, 2026 and October 20, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Hooktheory I | DM10 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **$14.99** | $17.99 |
| Rating | [4.1 (11 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hooktheory-i/id862112892/reviews) | **[4.6 (53 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dm10-drum-and-synth-machine/id982224575/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 11 | **53** |
| Positive reviews | 63.4% of reviews | **71.9% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Every 4 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Paid |
| Size | 140 MB | 454 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Hooktheory LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/862112895) | [Fingerlab](https://appshunter.io/developer/412786610) |

## What reviewers say

### Hooktheory I

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hooktheory-i/id862112892)

Learn to craft melodies and chord progressions like a pro with interactive lessons and audiovisual examples from popular songs. This app provides an intuitive understanding of music theory, with practical exercises and a companion sketchpad for immediate practice.

**Highlights:** Learn chord progressions, Compose melodies, Audiovisual examples, Interactive exercises, Song dissection, Music theory concepts

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Full Version | $14.99 | one-time |


### DM10

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dm10-drum-and-synth-machine/id982224575)

This app is a powerful drum and synthesizer machine for electronic musicians. It offers a modern audio engine with a wide array of drum kits, instruments, and synth presets, alongside advanced sequencing and effects for creative music production.

**Highlights:** 228 drum kits, Bass & Lead synths, AudioUnit support, Polyrhythmic tracks, Advanced sequencing, Real-time FX automation, User drum kit creation

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Efficient drum sequencing
- 👍 Intuitive and easy to use interface
- 👍 Great selection of drum kits
- 👍 Regularly updated with new features
- 👍 Inspiring and fun to use

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Issues with time signature and step rate
- 🐛 Choke group functionality not working as expected
- 🔧 Limited synth and bass modules

**Reported bugs**

- Dropping the first beat in some cases
- Syncing issues in standalone mode

**Requested features**

- Add probability per step
- Implement true triplets and flams
- Allow tempo changes within a song
- Increase pattern count beyond 45
- Add more time signature options


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Hooktheory I free?

Hooktheory I costs $14.99, and also offers in-app purchases.

### Is DM10 free?

DM10 costs $17.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Hooktheory I or DM10?

DM10 is rated higher. Hooktheory I averages 4.1 out of 5 from 11 ratings, while DM10 averages 4.6 from 53 ratings.

### Do Hooktheory I or DM10 have ads?

Neither Hooktheory I nor DM10 shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Hooktheory I or DM10?

Hooktheory I ships an update every 3 months, and DM10 every 4 weeks. Most recently, Hooktheory I was updated on October 21, 2026 and DM10 on October 20, 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.*