Head-to-head · Drum Machine Software
Hydrogen vs Patterning 3
Hydrogen leads on 1 check, Patterning 3 on 0, and 3 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 4 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreHydrogen · 9.4/10
- Free planonly Hydrogen
- Most featuresHydrogen · 3 of 3
Hydrogen scores higher on our rubric for drum machine software: 9.4 against 8.5 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #7.
Hydrogen offers free plan; Patterning 3 doesn't.
Hydrogen is the better fit for free pattern-based drum production. Patterning 3 is the better fit for mobile and Mac circular sequencing.
- Hydrogen fits best
Free pattern-based drum production
- Patterning 3 fits best
Mobile and Mac circular sequencing
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Side by side
| Feature | Hydrogen 9.4/10 Visit ↗ | Patterning 3 8.5/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.4 | 8.5 |
| Ranking | #1 in Drum Machine Software | #7 in Drum Machine Software |
| Best for | Free pattern-based drum production | Mobile and Mac circular sequencing |
| Pricing model | Free | Paid |
| Starting price | Free plan | $29.99 one-time |
| Free plan | ✓ (best) | — |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Desktop | Desktop, Mobile |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux | iOS, macOS |
| Support | Docs | Email, Community |
| Integrations | 2 integrations | 5 integrations |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market | Solo, Small business, Mid-market |
| Features Hydrogen 3/3 · Patterning 3 2/3 | ||
| MIDI support | ✓ | ✓ |
| Sample import | ✓ | ✓ |
| Live performance tools | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Specs | ||
| Platform | Desktop | Not checked yet |
| Sequencing mode | Pattern | Not checked yet |
| Pattern tracks | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | Hydrogen is an open-source drum machine and drum synthesizer for Windows, macOS, and Linux. It is aimed at musicians, producers, and performers who want to program or record drum patterns, arrange them into songs, work with samples and… Read the review → |
Patterning 3 is a drum machine and beat-making app for iPad and Apple Silicon Mac. Its circular sequencer provides eight drum tracks, independent loop lengths up to 512 steps, and multiple timelines for building songs and loop sections.… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Hydrogen — where it wins
- Free and open source under GPLv2+
- Pattern chaining, unlimited instrument tracks, and song arrangement
- MIDI, OSC, sample editing, and WAV, AIFF, FLAC, or OGG export
Where it doesn't
- Sequencing is pattern-based rather than hybrid
- Focused on desktop platforms rather than broader device coverage
- Its workflow centers on drumkits, samples, and drum arrangement
Patterning 3 — where it wins
- Independent loops support up to 512 steps
- AUv3 multichannel output and MIDI integration
- Exports audio, MIDI files, and Ableton Live Sets
Where it doesn't
- Available only on iOS and macOS
- Limited to eight drum tracks
- No free plan is included
- Hydrogen9.4/10 · Free plan
A free, cross-platform drum machine for pattern-driven production and live control.
Visit HydrogenFull verdict → - Patterning 38.5/10 · Paid
A focused eight-track sequencer with deep pattern control and strong export options.
Visit Patterning 3Full verdict →
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- Atlas 2 vs Patterning 3
All drum machine software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update