Koala Sampler
8.1#1 in beat making software$2.99 one-timeFree planAndroidiOSLinuxmacOS
VisitKoala Sampler vs Zenbeats
What both publish
| Fact | Koala Sampler | Zenbeats |
|---|---|---|
| Documentation | The maker publishes a structured manual covering basics, sequencing, performance, plugins, specifications and desktop operation. | Roland publishes a 55-page Start Guide covering installation, MIDI, plug-ins, editing, recording, mixing, cloud transfer, stem export and MIDI export. |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Headquarters | Sidcup, Kent, United Kingdom | Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan |
| Integrations | iOS AUv3 operation works in hosts including AUM, GarageBand and Logic Pro, and Ableton Link enables Wi-Fi jamming. | Projects can be transferred between devices through Google Drive or OneDrive, and stems and loops can be exported for other DAWs. |
| Licence | The desktop plugin is proprietary software licensed personally, non-exclusively and non-transferably; one licence can run on up to three computers. | Zenbeats is distributed as Roland proprietary software with free and paid unlocks; Roland's product and support pages do not identify an open-source licence. |
| Rating on Google Play | 4.8 out of 5 from 3.27K reviews | 3.74 out of 5 from 2,231 reviews |
| Security and privacy | The maker says projects and audio stay on the user's computer, mobile apps need no account, and it does not sell data or use it for advertising. | Roland's privacy statement says it works toward GDPR, UK-GDPR, CCPA and other applicable privacy-law requirements. |
Koala Sampler plans
- Desktop—
- Koala Sampler (Mac, Windows, Linux, Raspberry Pi)Free
- Desktop Koala SamplerFree
- Desktop plugin trialFree
- Koala Sampler desktop plugin trialFree
- Sample packs$2.99, paid once
Zenbeats plans
- Free VersionFree
- Roland Cloud Membership$2.99 a month
- Android Unlock$14.99, paid once
- iOS Unlock$14.99, paid once
- Windows Unlock$49.99, paid once
- macOS Unlock$49.99, paid once
Pick Koala Sampler if…
It suits people who want to make beats or tracks from recorded or imported sounds. The iOS version may suit users who want Ableton Live Set export.
Pick Zenbeats if…
Zenbeats suits people making music across supported desktop and mobile systems who want multitrack editing, MIDI sequencing or live performance tools. Its free version offers basic production features, while platform unlocks add platform features, instruments and effects.