The metronome is every musician’s best friend (even if it drives you mad sometimes)! 🕒🎶
Whether you play jazz, metal or Leonard Bernstein’s ‘Mass‘ on the kazoo, the metronome is your personal rhythm guardian. Always ready to mercilessly point out every acceleration and every delay. It makes your sense of time impeccable, your technique precise as a Swiss watch, and your discipline admirable. Regular practice with this ticking companion is not only the way to musical perfection, but also a guarantee that you will never get lost in the tempo with a band, whether live or in the studio.
The metronome is an exceptional gadget – your mechanical personal trainer that makes sure you don’t play mechanically.
The advancement in mobile technology has caused the traditional metronome to undergo a real revolution. Today’s metronome apps go far beyond a simple click. They allow you to freely change the meter, accenting, work with non-standard rhythmic patterns, and synchronize with other musicians or DAW programs.
Importantly, all of these advanced features are available on a smartphone or tablet, which means every musician has a professional practice tool with them at all times, regardless of location or circumstance. This is not only a convenience, but also a huge opportunity for musical development that we never had before.
At BeatIt, we have prepared a practical (yet subjective) test and rating of the 5 best metronome applications available on the market. We tested them when practicing, at band rehearsals and doing studio work. We evaluated the following features:
– Intuitive operation / ease of use and interface clarity
– Features available (e.g. different meters, accents, tempos, practice modes)
– Operational stability and compatibility with different systems (iOS, Android)
– Price – free vs. paid
– User reviews.
Here is a comparison of the top 5 metronome apps in terms of key criteria that matter to drummers and musicians:
🔹 No. 1. PolyNome
The PolyNome is an advanced metronome and comprehensive practice database designed for discerning drummers. With its intuitive interface and extensive customization options, the PolyNome allows you to precisely set tempos, accents and custom rhythmic patterns. The application offers an extensive library of ready-made exercises, which can be freely expanded and customized. The PolyNome also allows you to track your progress, plan daily practice sessions and analyze statistics, which significantly enhances the process of learning and improving your playing technique. With synchronization with other devices and a practice sharing feature, the PolyNome becomes an indispensable tool for students and professional musicians alike. Find out how the PolyNome can revolutionize your approach to drumming exercises! More info: https://polynome.net/
🔸 Intuitive operation:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Professional and clear interface despite a large number of features. Requires getting accustomed to (to a reasonable extent, though).
🔸 Features:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Two sequencers, compound meters, subdivisions and polyrhythms accents, exercise library, progress tracking, MIDI, Siri, tuner.
🔸 Stability/compatibility:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – iOS only, very stable (sample-accurate).
🔸 Price:
Paid: ~10 US dollars, sometimes incl. additional IAP features.
🔸 Reviews:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Professional musicians’ favourite. Frequently recommended by drummers such as Benny Greb or Mike Johnston.
🔹No. 2. Soundbrenner
The Soundbrenner a revolutionary metronome created for demanding drummers. It’s not just an app, but an advanced tool that takes rhythm precision to a whole new level. With an intuitive interface and extensive customization options, the Soundbrenner allows you to customize the tempo, accents and bar divisions for each musician. Synchronization with other devices and support for multiplayer mode make practicing with a band even more effective. The free app, available for iOS and Android, allows you to quickly set the tempo, save favorite settings and use the extensive rhythm library. The Soundbrenner is a reliable partner for any drummer – both during daily practice and on stage. Experience how precise rhythm can change your playing! More info: https://www.soundbrenner.com/pages/the-metronome-app
🔸 Intuitive operation:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Very clear, modern interface. Playlists, accents and tempos created and adjusted with a simple tap.
🔸 Features:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Supports odd meters, accents, set lists, Bluetooth MIDI, tap-tempo, visualizations, practice tracking.
🔸 Stability/compatibility:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – iOS and Android, full compatibility with Soundbrenner Core and Pulse.
🔸 Price:
Free with paid extensions (Premium ~6 US dollars per month or ~37 US dollars per year).
🔸 Reviews:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Frequently chosen by live bands. Very good reviews due to integration with other equipment.
🔹 No. 3. Camtronome
The Camtronome is a Polish metronome of the new generation, created for demanding drummers! This innovative tool combines an advanced metronome with a video recording feature, eliminating the need for multiple devices – all you need is your phone. The Camtronome will be perfect for practice, band rehearsals and live performances.
It offers an extensive practice mode, where you can set dynamic changes in tempo, meter or rhythm, as well as a function to mute random notes or bars to develop your skills more effectively. An audio prompter will remind you of the song’s structure – verse, chorus or solo. With the ability to create playlists and store them in the cloud, organizing your repertoire becomes extremely easy. More info: https://camtronome.com/pl/
🔸 Intuitive operation:
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Great DAW-style interface, clear playlists and settings, slightly complex when used for the first time.
🔸 Features:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Camera + metronome (!), recording with the click, tempo change, export, practice mode, cloud, remote control.
🔸 Stability/compatibility:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – iOS and Android. Stable even when working with video and long sessions.
🔸 Price:
Free but there are also paid features (from ~5.5 to 16.5 US dollars for extensions).
🔸 Reviews:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Very good reviews, especially among touring drummers and educators.
🔹 No. 4 Pro Metronome (by EUMLab)
The Pro Metronome (by EUMLab) is an advanced tool designed for demanding drummers who expect precision and reliability during every rehearsal or performance. The application offers a wide range of features, from classic tempo settings, to advanced rhythmic divisions, to personalized accents that allow you to perfectly customize your metronome. The intuitive interface and easy-to-read display guarantee comfort even in stage conditions. The Pro Metronome supports practicing groove, polyrhythms and odd meters, making it an indispensable tool for beginners and professionals alike. With EUMLab support, you can be sure that your rhythm will always be perfect. Get more information on the official YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@EUMLab.
🔸 Intuitive operation:
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Easy to use but sometimes requires getting used to the scroll bars and modes.
🔸 Features:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Polyrhythms, accents, visual metronomes, flash tempo, gradually increasing tempo for exercises.
🔸 Stability/compatibility:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Stable both on iOS and Android. Very accurate (±20 µs).
🔸 Price:
Free but there is also a paid Pro version (one-off payment of ~12 US dollars).
🔸 Reviews:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Commonly used by instrumentalists, especially for its precision and the possibility to modify beat sounds, accents as well as volume levels.
🔹 No. 5. Metronome Beats
Discover Metronome Beats, an indispensable app for any drummer who wants perfect precision and freedom while practicing. Metronome Beats is an intuitive tool that allows you to adjust the tempo up to 300 beats per minute, as well as set custom meters and accents. Whether you play jazz, rock or classical music, the app allows you to create your own rhythmic patterns and save them for later use. The clear interface makes changing tempo or meter a snap, even when playing live. In addition, Metronome Beats works in the background, so you can use other applications at the same time. More info: https://stonekick.com/metronome.html
🔸 Intuitive operation:
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Very simple and quick start. The interface is rather traditional, but effective.
🔸 Features:
⭐⭐⭐☆☆ – Tempo change, gradually increasing tempo for exercises, tap-tempo, no advanced features (e.g. MIDI, practice tracking).
🔸 Stability/compatibility:
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Mostly Android. A stable app, however, not expanded as dynamically as the competitors.
🔸 Price:
Free. Pro version (no ads) available for about 5 US dollars.
🔸 Reviews:
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Good for beginners. Popular due to low price and ease of use.
🥁 Summary:
| App | User-friendliness | Functionalities | Compatibility | Price | Review verdicts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soundbrenner | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | iOS + Android | Freemium | Very good |
| Pro Metronome | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | iOS + Android | Freemium | Very good |
| PolyNome | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | iOS | Paid | Pro level |
| Camtronome | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | iOS + Android | Freemium | Live & Studio |
| Metronome Beats | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐☆ | iOS + Android + Web | Free | For beginners |
🎯 Which app is the best for you? – As recommended by BeatIt
Choosing the right metronome application is the key to effective practice and success on stage. Consider what stage of your musical journey you are at, what your needs are, and under what conditions you most often work.
🔰 If you’re just getting started with music, the Metronome Beats app will hit the bull’s eye. It’s a free, extremely simple and intuitive tool that will help you quickly master the basics of rhythm without getting distracted by unnecessary features.
🎓 For advanced musicians who want complete control over their practice, we strongly recommend the PolyNome. It’s a professional application that offers extensive sequences, the ability to save you progress, and accurate progress tracking – everything you need to develop your skills to the highest level.
🥁 Drummers should pay attention to the Camtronome as it’s a combination of a metronome and a video recorder with a click. This allows you to accurately analyze your technique and effectively work on precision.
🎤 Live bands and session musicians will find the Soundbrenner extremely useful. This application allows for setlist management, synchronization via Bluetooth, and interoperability with MIDI devices, greatly improving work on stage and in the studio.
💡 Advice from BeatIt: If you frequently play at different venues, choose an app that allows you to save presets and sync between devices. Always test your chosen tool during rehearsals before taking it to a concert.
Choose wisely – the right app is your ally in the pursuit of musical mastery!
The metronome – an inconspicuous device that can work wonders with your sense of rhythm. Without it, even the most talented musician can fall into the snare of chaos, and the groove will vanish into thin air faster than a coffee at an eight o’clock in the morning rehearsal or soundcheck. Today’s metronome apps are no longer just boring “click, click. They are real rhythmic combos that will make you a master of timing (or at least make sure you don’t get lost in the middle of a song).
Do not take our word for it – test our suggestions and see which one works best with your musical habits. Maybe you will find your rhythmic soulmate?
You already have your fav metronome? Or have you discovered an app that deserves a fanfare? Be sure to share your discovery in the comments – you may save someone’s musical rep! 🥁👇
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📲 #StayInTune
