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Head-to-head · Beat Making Software

MASCHINE vs BeatMaker 3

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 4 checks side by side
Higher score MASCHINE #2 in Beat Making Software 9.2/10 Paid ✓ 3 of 3 features Visit MASCHINE
BeatMaker 3 #6 in Beat Making Software 8.4/10 Paid ✓ 3 of 3 features Visit INTUA

MASCHINE leads on 0 checks, BeatMaker 3 on 0, and 4 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 scoreMASCHINE · 9.2/10

MASCHINE scores higher on our rubric for beat making software: 9.2 against 8.4 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #6.

On platforms, BeatMaker 3 gives you Mobile where MASCHINE offers Desktop.

MASCHINE is the better fit for beatmakers wanting hardware-style production workflows. BeatMaker 3 is the better fit for advanced iPad production and live sampling.

  • MASCHINE fits best

    Beatmakers wanting hardware-style production workflows

  • BeatMaker 3 fits best

    Advanced iPad production and live sampling

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Side by side

Feature MASCHINE 9.2/10 Visit ↗ BeatMaker 3 8.4/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.2 8.4
Ranking #2 in Beat Making Software #6 in Beat Making Software
Best for Beatmakers wanting hardware-style production workflows Advanced iPad production and live sampling
Pricing model Paid Paid
Starting price $39 one-time —
Free plan — —
Free trial — —
Deployment Desktop Mobile
Platforms Windows, macOS iOS
Support Docs Email, Docs
Integrations 11 integrations 9 integrations
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business
Features MASCHINE 3/3 · BeatMaker 3 3/3
Plugin support ✓ ✓
MIDI support ✓ ✓
Sample import ✓ ✓
Specs
Platforms Desktop Mobile
Track limit Not checked yet Not checked yet
Audio export audio files in 16-, 24-, and 32-bit depth; MIDI files WAVE, AAC
Our review
Pros
  • Combines sampling, slicing, arrangement, mixing, instruments, and effects
  • Supports DAW plug-ins, MIDI sequencing, export, and stem separation
  • Works with major DAWs and Windows or macOS desktop systems
  • 128 trigger pads across eight banks support detailed beat programming
  • Unlimited tracks, audio recording, MIDI sequencing, and full mixing tools
  • Audio Unit V3, Audiobus, Ableton Link, and MIDI support broaden its workflow
Cons
  • There is no free plan
  • The $39 option is update-only for Maschine 2 users
  • Platform support is limited to Windows and macOS
  • Available on iOS, with the product focused on iPad production
  • Sound-store purchases are separate from the main app
  • Audio export is limited to WAVE and AAC formats
Our verdict

MASCHINE is Native Instruments’ beat-making and music production system for producers and performers. It supports beat and pattern creation, audio sampling, sample slicing, clip-based arrangement, mixing, sound design, and performance. The…

Read the review →

BeatMaker 3 is an iPad music-production workstation from INTUA for musicians and producers building beats, sampled instruments, patterns, and complete songs. It brings together a drum machine with 128 trigger pads across eight banks, a…

Read the review →
  1. MASCHINEBeat Making Software 9.2Paid
  2. BeatMaker 3Beat Making Software 8.4Paid

Strengths and trade-offs

  • MASCHINE — where it wins

    • Combines sampling, slicing, arrangement, mixing, instruments, and effects
    • Supports DAW plug-ins, MIDI sequencing, export, and stem separation
    • Works with major DAWs and Windows or macOS desktop systems

    Where it doesn't

    • There is no free plan
    • The $39 option is update-only for Maschine 2 users
    • Platform support is limited to Windows and macOS
  • BeatMaker 3 — where it wins

    • 128 trigger pads across eight banks support detailed beat programming
    • Unlimited tracks, audio recording, MIDI sequencing, and full mixing tools
    • Audio Unit V3, Audiobus, Ableton Link, and MIDI support broaden its workflow

    Where it doesn't

    • Available on iOS, with the product focused on iPad production
    • Sound-store purchases are separate from the main app
    • Audio export is limited to WAVE and AAC formats
  • MASCHINE9.2/10 · Paid

    A capable beat-making system for producers who want sampling, sequencing, and hardware-style workflows.

    Visit MASCHINEFull verdict →
  • BeatMaker 38.4/10 · Paid

    A deep iPad workstation for beat makers who need sampling, sequencing, and live control.

    Visit INTUAFull verdict →

More comparisons

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update