Polytrome
Polytrome is a free web metronome for musicians who want control over tempo, meter, sound, and practice structure.
What Polytrome is
Polytrome is a free web metronome for musicians who want control over tempo, meter, sound, and practice structure. Users can set BPM directly or tap a tempo, then choose beats per bar, note value, and subdivisions. Custom song structure assigns tempo and time signature by bar, with loop and count-in controls for repeated sections. Progressive Tempo raises the speed gradually, while a timer stops the metronome when practice time ends. A beat-stress control emphasizes a chosen beat. Audio settings provide volume, reverb, and selectable click styles. Visual choices include a flashing BPM dial, a flashing screen, and Zen Mode, which hides controls. Keyboard shortcuts support starting, muting, tap tempo, and Progressive Tempo. Polytrome’s Free plan is listed as free. The changelog notes that iOS users must disable Silent Mode for audio.
Good
- Free web-based metronome
- Tap tempo and BPM controls
- Custom structure by bar
- Progressive tempo increase
- Timer and beat-stress tools
Watch out
- iOS audio requires Silent Mode off
- Web platform only
- Donations support operating costs
Who it suits
It suits musicians at any level who need configurable rhythm practice in a browser. It is also useful for sessions involving changing tempos, subdivisions, or song sections.
Verdict
Polytrome offers extensive tempo and practice controls without a listed charge. Its web-only delivery and iOS Silent Mode requirement are the main details to consider.
Plans and prices
From Polytrome's own pricing page, checked 8 Oct 2001.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| Free | Free | Free online metronome |
The facts
Each one read from Polytrome's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Audio
- Audio settings include volume, reverb, and selectable click styles.checked 8 Oct 2001
- Display
- Display options include a flashing BPM dial, a flashing screen, and Zen Mode, which hides controls to focus on the beats.checked 8 Oct 2001
- Keyboard controls
- The page lists keyboard shortcuts for functions including start, mute, tap tempo, and Progressive Tempo.checked 8 Oct 2001
- Mobile note
- The changelog says iOS users need to turn off Silent Mode for metronome audio to work.checked 8 Oct 2001
- Practice tools
- The app includes a timer that stops the metronome when time runs out, and a control to stress a beat.checked 8 Oct 2001
- Progressive tempo
- Progressive Tempo gradually increases the tempo over time.checked 8 Oct 2001
- Purpose
- Polytrome describes itself as a free metronome with advanced features for musicians of all levels.checked 8 Oct 2001
- Song structure
- Custom song structure lets users define tempo and time signature per bar, with loop and count-in controls.checked 8 Oct 2001
- Subdivisions
- A subdivisions control can be enabled and adjusted.checked 8 Oct 2001
- Support
- The maker invites users to support Polytrome on Ko-fi and says donations help cover server, domain, and email costs.checked 8 Oct 2001
- Tempo
- The metronome lets users set BPM and tap to set the tempo.checked 8 Oct 2001
- Time signatures
- Users can adjust the beats per bar and note value.checked 8 Oct 2001
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