Head-to-head · Beat Making Software
MPC Beats vs BeatMaker 3
MPC Beats leads on 1 check, BeatMaker 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 scoreMPC Beats · 8.6/10
- Free planonly MPC Beats
- Most featuresBeatMaker 3 · 3 of 3
MPC Beats scores higher on our rubric for beat making software: 8.6 against 8.4 out of 10; our editors rank them #5 and #6.
MPC Beats offers free plan; BeatMaker 3 doesn't. On platforms, BeatMaker 3 gives you Mobile where MPC Beats offers Desktop.
MPC Beats is the better fit for budget-conscious desktop beatmakers. BeatMaker 3 is the better fit for advanced iPad production and live sampling.
- MPC Beats fits best
Budget-conscious desktop beatmakers
- BeatMaker 3 fits best
Advanced iPad production and live sampling
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Side by side
| Feature | MPC Beats 8.6/10 Visit ↗ | BeatMaker 3 8.4/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 8.6 | 8.4 |
| Ranking | #5 in Beat Making Software | #6 in Beat Making Software |
| Best for | Budget-conscious desktop beatmakers | Advanced iPad production and live sampling |
| Pricing model | Free | Paid |
| Starting price | Free plan | — |
| Free plan | ✓ (best) | — |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Desktop | Mobile |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS | iOS |
| Support | Docs, Tickets | Email, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market | Solo, Small business |
| Features MPC Beats 2/3 · BeatMaker 3 3/3 | ||
| Plugin support | ✓ | ✓ |
| MIDI support | ✓ | ✓ |
| Sample import | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Specs | ||
| Platforms | Desktop | Mobile |
| Track limit | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Audio export | Not checked yet | WAVE, AAC |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | MPC Beats is a free desktop digital audio workstation for beat makers, musicians, and producers. It combines sequencing with MIDI and audio recording, sample-based production, mixing, plugin support, arrangement, project saving, and audio… 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 → |
Strengths and trade-offs
MPC Beats — where it wins
- Free access to MIDI, audio recording, sequencing, and project saving
- Supports third-party 64-bit VST2 and AU plugins
- Includes sampling, controller mapping, arrangement, and track export
Where it doesn't
- Runs on Windows and macOS rather than mobile platforms
- Plugin support is limited to 64-bit VST2 and AU formats
- Its workflow is centered on beat making and desktop production
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
- MPC Beats8.6/10 · Free plan
A capable free desktop workstation for beatmakers who need recording, sampling, and export.
Visit MPC BeatsFull verdict → - BeatMaker 38.4/10 · Paid
A deep iPad workstation for beat makers who need sampling, sequencing, and live control.
Visit INTUAFull verdict →
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- Koala Sampler vs MPC Beats
- Koala Sampler vs BeatMaker 3
All beat making software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update





