Yames
Yames: A focused, offline practice metronome with drills, coaching, MIDI, and backing bands. Ranked #2 of 26 in Metronome Apps by our editors (9.2/10); pricing: Free plan; best for free desktop practice and coaching.
At a glance
- Editor score9.2 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forFree desktop practice and coaching
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Facts checked21 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Free and open source across macOS, Windows, and Linux
- Adaptive speed drills and local timing feedback
- Setlists, MIDI control, and backing-band practice
Where it doesn't
- Desktop platforms only, with no mobile version listed
- MIDI support centers on controllers and footswitches
- Its broad practice tools may exceed basic metronome needs
Our verdict on Yames
Yames is a free, open-source desktop metronome for musicians practicing on macOS, Windows, or Linux. It covers core tempo work with BPM control, a visual beat pulse, subdivision choices from quarter notes through sixteenth notes, time-signature controls, presets, keyboard shortcuts, and fullscreen visual modes. The product is aimed at players who want more than a simple click track, particularly those building structured practice routines or working with external MIDI hardware.
Its strongest area is guided practice. Automatic speed drills can use linear or zigzag ramp strategies, while the local practice coach provides timing feedback and adaptive tempo coaching without requiring an internet connection. Setlists combine metronome presets, drills, and jams, giving musicians a way to organize sessions inside the desktop app. Backing-band practice adds drummer, bass, and keyboard parts, and recording capabilities extend the app beyond basic tempo marking. These features make Yames a good fit for focused individual practice, especially when offline access matters.
The Free plan costs €0 forever and includes open-source access, no account requirement, and offline operation. Platform coverage includes macOS, Windows, and Linux, while integrations are centered on MIDI controllers and MIDI footswitches. A floating always-on-top widget and keyboard shortcuts support quick control during practice, and Zen visual modes provide an alternative fullscreen view. Musicians seeking a free desktop practice environment should find the combination broad and practical; those wanting a basic metronome may not need its drills, coaching, setlists, or backing-band features. Mobile-focused players should choose a product with a mobile platform instead.
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Yames pricing
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Yames fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Maximum BPM | Not verified |
| Tap tempo | Not verified |
| Subdivision control | Yes |
| Custom time signatures | Yes |
| Polyrhythm support | Not verified |
| Offline mode | Yes |
| Platform coverage | macOS, Windows, Linux |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Platforms | macOS, Windows, Linux |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 2 integrations: MIDI controllers, MIDI footswitches |
| Pricing | Free plan (source) |
| Website | yames.app |
| Facts checked | 21 Sep 2026 |
Yames integrations
Yames lists 2 integrations on its own site.
- MIDI controllers
- MIDI footswitches
Alternatives to Yames
- Metronome BeatsA broad practice app with advanced rhythm tools and coverage across web, macOS, iOS, and Android.9.4
- PolyMetronomeA focused metronome for complex rhythms, tempo training and logged practice.9.1
- Pro MetronomeA flexible mobile metronome for structured practice, rhythm training, and hardware control.9.0
Yames vs the competition
- Yames vs Metronome Beats
- Yames vs PolyMetronome
- Yames vs Pro Metronome
- Yames vs The Metronome by Soundbrenner
- Yames vs Metronomics
- Yames vs Bounce Metronome Pro
Compare Yames with any tool side by side →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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