Head-to-head · Drum Machine Software
Patterning 3 vs mpump
Patterning 3 leads on 0 checks, mpump on 1, 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 scorePatterning 3 · 8.5/10
- Free planonly mpump
- Most featuresmpump · 3 of 3
Patterning 3 scores higher on our rubric for drum machine software: 8.5 against 8.4 out of 10; our editors rank them #7 and #8.
mpump offers free plan; Patterning 3 doesn't.
Patterning 3 is the better fit for mobile and Mac circular sequencing. mpump is the better fit for free collaborative beat making.
- Patterning 3 fits best
Mobile and Mac circular sequencing
- mpump fits best
Free collaborative beat making
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Side by side
| Feature | Patterning 3 8.5/10 Visit ↗ | mpump 8.4/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 8.5 | 8.4 |
| Ranking | #7 in Drum Machine Software | #8 in Drum Machine Software |
| Best for | Mobile and Mac circular sequencing | Free collaborative beat making |
| Pricing model | Paid | Free |
| Starting price | $29.99 one-time | Free |
| Free plan | — | ✓ (best) |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Desktop, Mobile | Cloud, Mobile |
| Platforms | iOS, macOS | Web, iOS, Android |
| Support | Email, Community | Docs |
| Integrations | 5 integrations | 2 integrations |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market | Solo, Small business |
| Features Patterning 3 2/3 · mpump 3/3 | ||
| MIDI support | ✓ | ✓ |
| Sample import | ✓ | ✓ |
| Live performance tools | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Specs | ||
| Platform | Not checked yet | Web |
| Sequencing mode | Not checked yet | Hybrid |
| Pattern tracks | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Our review | ||
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| Our verdict | 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 → |
mpump is a free, open-source browser groovebox for loop-based electronic music. It is designed for beat makers who want drums, bass, synth parts and effects in one interface, with access through modern browsers on desktop and mobile… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
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
mpump — where it wins
- Free and open source across web, iOS and Android
- Deep sequencing with synthesis, samples, effects and live modes
- Shareable links include remix lineage and session portability
Where it doesn't
- The public hosted live-jam relay is currently offline
- Live-jam features require self-hosting a relay
- No AI features or paid tiers for expanded functionality
- Patterning 38.5/10 · Paid
A focused eight-track sequencer with deep pattern control and strong export options.
Visit Patterning 3Full verdict → - mpump8.4/10 · Free plan
A broad, free groovebox for shared beat making across web and mobile.
Visit mpumpFull verdict →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update