Picking the best metronome app can be a little difficult since the only way to test out an app is to buy it. Most only cost a few dollars, but that can add up pretty quickly given the number of apps that are available.
Earlier this week I asked which metronome apps you thought were the best, and you nominated 20 of your favorites. Based on the number of nominations I received, here are your top five:
Metronome Plus
Metronome Plus (iOS – $1.99) is a simple, elegant, and easy to use metronome app. It’s accurate and loud, includes a tapping feature to gauge tempo, and allows for some customization of meters and customizations. It also has multitasking capabilities, so you could read sheet music on your iPad, while keeping the metronome going in the background. But most of all, Metronome Plus is easy to use, and has a beautifully uncluttered interface. It’s about as intuitive and visually attractive a metronome app as you’ll find.
UPDATE (6.21.2019): The Metronome+ app is now part of a larger suite of practice tools (via in-app purchases), but the metronome functions are totally free.
Tempo/Tempo Advance
Tempo (iOS – $1.99 & Android – $.99) and its more full-featured sibling Tempo Advance (iOS only – $2.99) is another popular metronome app. Offers the usual range of features, from a variety of time signatures and compound meters to saving of custom rhythm presents and the ability to keep the metronome going even when your device is locked or running another app. The Advance version adds additional customization options and nice little touches like the ability to control the volume of the app independently of the phone’s volume.
Time Guru
Time Guru (iOS – $2.99 & Android – $1.99) is a unique metronome app developed by guitarist Avi Bortnick. It does all the things you’d expect a metronome to do, but it’s killer feature is that the app gives you the ability to selectively – or randomly – mute the sound. This can be very revealing, and let you know if you have a tendency to rush or drag. It could also help you develop a stronger internal sense of time, rather than becoming reliant on a continuous external beat.
Dr. Betotte
Dr. Betotte (iOS – $9.99) is the most expensive of the top five, and the most Dr. Beat-like of the bunch. Most musicians will probably never use half of what it’s capable of, but it does all sorts of weird funky rhythms and allows you to save all of these settings for future practice sessions (unlike apps like Polynome, which won’t save your settings). It also has a cool feature where you can program it to slowly increase the tempo over time, which can come in handy when you want to start working a tricky passage slowly, and gradually get it up to full speed without having to fiddle with the metronome settings in between reps.
Metronomics
Metronomics (iOS – $2.99) is not the most attractive metronome in the world, but it has a unique beat randomization feature (which looks and sounds cool, but I can’t for the life of me figure out how/why I’d use this – what am I missing here?). You can save your rhythm settings, and even send/receive them with other Metronomics-using friends. This app also has an “Independence” setting which allows you to mute the sound for a certain number of bars. This is similar to Time Guru’s random muting, just without the randomness.
The winner!
Metronome Plus was the resounding winner, with 79% of the votes.
Honorable mention goes to Polynome (iOS – $1.99), and Mobile Metronome (Android – free) also gets a nod.
Have something to say about one of the finalists? Want to make a case for your favorite, even if it didn’t make the top five? Make your case down below.
What's the Best Metronome App?
- Metronome Plus (79%, 41 Votes)
- Tempo/Tempo Advance (12%, 6 Votes)
- Time Guru (6%, 3 Votes)
- Dr. Betotte (4%, 2 Votes)
- Metronomics (0%, 0 Votes)
Total Voters: 52
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Metron by Sintraworks is the best if you are working on a multimeter, lots of tempo changes. You can customize your score into it- including accels and rits. I find it amazing for learning challenging works. A life saver really. I own 4 or 5 metronome apps and it’s by far the one I use the most.
Thanks, Amy. It did look like a pretty polished app. Perhaps your comments will help get the word out!
Viziklik is a sound-optional visual metronome that you will never struggle to hear and that won’t bleed into quiet acoustic recordings.
https://itunes.apple.com/ca/app/viziklik/id566465306?mt=8
Cheers!
Gary
I just started using TimeGuru and am a big fan – thanks for running this poll! Do you have any plans to do a similar survey on the best tuners (or tuner apps)?
That’s a great idea – perhaps in a month or two?
How about android metronome’s? the best one I’ve found is Visual Metronome (MA APPS one as there is two) animating needle is a great reference for me.
Unfortunately this nomination misses the only metronome app which can produce perfect beats with zero latency – TrueMetronome. Check it out: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/truemetronome/id574204413
[…] Five Best Metronome Apps […]
I use both Dr Betotte and Metronomics for different types of applied practicing. Dr Betotte is great for working with younger students to get them to start to subdivide beats, while the random-beat feature in Metronomics seems to make it easier for more advanced students to learn to internalize their time feel as opposed to relying on a constant, steady click.
[…] You or your student don’t have access to a metronome or cannot afford one? Don’t worry because there are many free and low-cost metronome apps available for your smart phones and tablets. Although it is preferable to have a physical one — particularly for children — these apps do a fine job. I currently have the “Steinway Metronome,” which I have had no problem using. A highly rated one for Android devices is called “Mobile Metronome,” which is a free (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=gabriel.metronome&hl=en). Others include “Metronome Plus” (available for iOS devices for $1.99), and “Tempo Advance” (available for iOS and Android devices for $.99-$1.99) (https://bulletproofmusician.com/five-best-metronome-apps/). […]
[…] rated one for Android devices is called “Mobile Metronome,” which is a free. Others include “Metronome Plus” (available for iOS devices for $1.99), and “Tempo Advance” (available for iOS and Android […]
Hi, I am looking at getting one for my yoga/breath workshop, to count breaths, any suggestions, please. Dont need anything fancy …thanks
I just found drummer’s metronome on the playstore. I tested almost every single metronome app from the store, but this beats em all!
check it out: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=de.stefanpledl.drummersmetronome
I just found this new little gem. JEOS: Groove Metronome is good looking and has some cool features like drum patterns in different styles. All drum patterns can be played in any time signature. It also has shuffle and variable swing.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=jeopeo.musiciansmetronome
Cool, thanks Daniel. I’ll check it out.
it doesn’t have an iOS version? How lame. It’s exactly what I need but isn’t available for me. How frustrating
Thanks Daniel.
I checked it out and actually does what I want from a metronome + it gives grooves instead of just a tic tac tac tac etc etc.
Since i play a lot of jazz the feature to adjust swingrate works perfect with the swingride.
First i had trouble setting the tempo but after working with it was actually pretty dynamic to use both the turning knob and the +/- buttons.
Maybe the colors could be better, though i like the white theme.
Good post! these apps are awesome and helpful. it will help a lot of student who will study musical instruments and develop their timing when reading a music sheets.
Great article! There are so many different metronome app options available, but I think the key is that you find a good one that suits your needs and then you have to use it! Don’t just let it sit on your phone unused!
Here is a free metronome app I helped develop (with Okunarium Labs)
Keep Time
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/keep-time/id574330593?mt=8
Hi!
As a fitness instructor, I’m looking for a metronome app that can “listen” to music and relay the tempo, or bpm. Do you know of any apps that have this feature?
Thanks a bunch!
-Dana
Hi Dana,
It sounds like you are looking for a “tap tempo” type function, where you tap the beat of the song, and the metronome tells you the bpm. There may be a free app that does this, but Metronome Plus has this feature, as well as Tempo, if I’m not mistaken.
I am looking for an android metronome that will pick up the tempo from music in the room and tell me what the meter is. So a member of the band can play a bit of a song and I can get the tempo from it. Any of those mentioned do that? Thanks.
Hi Matt,
I’m not aware of any metronome with this function (though that doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist), but some do have a “tap” function, where the app will tell you the tempo if you tap along with the beat.
The one I know of is called “LiveBPM”.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.DanielBach.liveBPM&hl=en
I enjoy Metronomics quite a bit–I think of it as a cross between a metronome and a drum machine. The sounds are a bit cheesy, and the bass drum is nearly inaudible on my iPhone. However, hook up the phone or iPad to external speakers, and you have a programmable mini-drumbox.
Thanks for the article. I use Tempo Advance and I am happy with its functions. I am looking for a way to move to the next saved song in a playlist without having to touch the screen of my phone (so I can keep drumming).
Do any of these apps support remote (bluetooth) page turning devices such as AirTurn or PageFlip Cicada?
Thank you :]
That’s a great question, Simon. I don’t have the answer, but I suspect if anybody would know it’d be Hugh Sung, the founder of AirTurn.
Tempo does, so I would also assume Tempo Advance does.
Great article. Hi, if you are looking for an inexpensive, easy to use pace setter / metronome app for your fitness training or yoga workshops, please check out Runner Drummer on the App Store.
This iPhone app plays professionally recorded dance drum sounds (bass drum, high hat, snare drum and cowbell) on your iPhone with exceptionally accurate audible beat timing.
You only need to tap a tempo button for desired tempo in beats per minute (BPM) and start running.
This app makes it really simple and fun to keep desired cadence (walking, jogging or temporun).
Check out Runner Drummer –>
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/runner-drummer/id691110763?mt=8
[…] If you’re a drummer, practice with a metronome or click – you can even get metronome apps for your smartphone like those listed here […]
[…] There are many metronome apps for iPhones. Here’s an article “Five Best Metronome Apps.” […]
Thanks for the recommendation. Time Guru has transformed me from someone with poor rhythm into someone feeling a beat in everything around me. Been using it over the year, and most likely to accompany me for the rest of my music life.
Hi, great article!
Since this was first written we’ve released a new metronome app aimed at improving rhythm recognition and sight reading skills. It allows you to input any rhythm, in any time signature, and hear it played back in a loop against a metronome click track. Very useful as a practice aid for any level of musician.
Please check it out.
https://www.rhythmcalculatorapp.com
I prefer the Cadenza: Tuner + Metronome for ease of use and the accuracy is fine. There are other music apps, but this one is just quicker to tune with.
You can find it here:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/cadenza-tuner-+-metronome/id482745751?mt=8
for those looking for an app that will listen and give you back a BPM, ” LiveBPM ” is available for both ios and android. I was skeptical being a drummer and playing a lot of odd time signatures, and busy fusion/jazz,… but I honestly was very impressed at how well the app works. it analyzes what it hears in real-time, so it’s excellent for practicing and seeing if you’re staying around the same tempo. if it appears to be giving you a tempo that is half or double what it should be, adjust the slider on the left side.
In some ways, I still like my old Dr. Beat DB-66 better than the Tempo app on my iPhone because of the ability to control the subdivision volume levels. Do you know any for the iPhone which have this ability?
Hmm…I’m not aware of an app that allows for this level of control, but perhaps I’ve missed one that does?
Metronomics definitely has level control and a wider range of subdivisions.
Clockwork! https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/clockwork-metronome-click/id383338773?mt=8
Probably you guys know about Zetronome. iOS version is just released…
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/zetronome+/id889040381?mt=8
Thanks. This was very useful. Does anyone know of a metronome app that works by feel rather than (or in addition to) sound? I would like to hold it while singing but not have to hear or see it.
[…] system and a map and a diary and a recording device. And yet we still call it a phone. Even when it’s a metronome. Even, yes, when it’s a […]
Just saw this. I’m glad to see Dr. Betotte for iOS. I’ve used that before and liked the options it had.
I should mention that what sets Metronomics apart from ALL other metronome apps is its ability to generate a wide array of rhythms. You can setup patterns with a setting. Each pattern has its own sound, and you can set the pattern to be any ratio of steps to beats (x steps in y beats), you can set the probability that the pattern will tap, you can also set a “sequence” to turn individual steps of a pattern on/off. FURTHERMORE, you can offset each pattern by any number of steps (the offset can have its own step/beat ratio!). There very few limitations to this powerhouse metronome. It is a must for the rhythmically forward thinking.
Have you checked out https://www.drummersmetronome.com? I love this one.
[…] but don’t rush this at the expense of learning technique. By the way, you’ll find heaps of metronome apps on the […]
[…] Five Best Metronome Apps – The Bulletproof Musician — Picking the best metronome app can be a little difficult since the only way to test out an app is to buy it. Most only cost a few dollars, but that can add up pretty …… […]
Also love Timetrainer in itunes store from justinguitar.com
Like others, the app will run independently from sheet music you may be using on the device. Also has extensive options for kinds of sound, the volume independent from device, and large selection of “trainers” that allow you to change customize. For example, change tempo over time – start slower and build tempo.
As self teaching student of the acoustic guitar I have found this app incredibly useful, easy to use, and flexible.
If anyone has an iPhone or iPad doesn’t want to pay for a metronome app – Garageband is free and has very easy to use metronome functionality. You just load an empty song, go into song settings and choose tempo, and set the tempo.
You can tap to set it as well. Then exit settings, and press play on the empty song, making sure the metronome icon is selected.
There are four metronome sounds. Sadly the only time signature choices are 4/4, 3/4 and 6/8, but still, you can’t beat the price.
There are many quite interesting iOS metronome apps but what about OS X metronome apps? For me the one of the bests is MetroKit from Granny’s Audio. https://www.grannysaudio.com/metrokit/
This blog article is named five best. So I started with my favorite OS X metronome app but here two more professional apps:
– Speed Upp https://www.speedupp.com
– Metronomics https://www.metronomicsapp.com
Already three best …
I built this one. This is an Indian Metronome. Hope you all like it. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.rajaramaniyer.jalra
Hi!!!
I like your metronome!!! Bravo!!!
[…] can get an actual metronome to sit on your piano or download a metronome app for your […]
See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metronome#Views_on_the_metronome
Be sure to browse to the criticism section.
Then also read
https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Special:Search/Metronome
We all know a lot of good metronomes for the iOS or Android-Plattform. But on the Windows / Windows Phone it was hard to find an accurate and easy to use metronome-app. This is why i built my own metronome: HQ Metronome!
Its available in the Windows Store for WindowsPhone 8.1 / Windows 10 / Windows 10 mobile!
For feature-suggestions, feel free to mail me (lebalz@outlook.com)
https://www.microsoft.com/store/apps/9nblggh6d2f1
What a great post! It’s really nice to find great content that helps users! Picking the best metronome app is quite difficult!
I play piano and have tried to download more than 4 or 5 different apps. Not only have I jeopardized the security on my phone, none of them worked! I really enjoy playing the piano and when traveling or not at home, it’s hard to practice, especially find a piano. I always use a traditional metronome, which is great for visual cues for me, but this is simply not possible when out of the house. I will definitely try these out now! Thank you for your help =)
Any recommendations for a metronome that can hit 440 bpm or higher without any accent. Re: contemporary score with continually changing time sigs eg. 5/16, 11/16, 9/16
Thanks.
A new iOS metronome app called FlexBeat can go beyond most metronome limits because you can enter note values in just about any metric combination and set the note value for the tempo. You can program a specific piece containing multiple meters, save it and share it with others who have the same app. See the video demo on their support website.
Yes, Time Dojo Metronome goes all the way to 999 BPM! and all the way down to 1 BPM.
Hey try out this new android metronome app–>https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=ndroid.ptar.com.musicmetronome&hl=en
very simple and offers a RECORDOING feature.
[…] every mile or so. I can easily tell when I start to get tired because my cadence dips below 88. Check out these metronome apps to give it a […]
[…] KAGEYAMA, Five Best Metronome Apps, Bullet Proof […]
Seeking gift for a musician (i am not a musician), so I have 2 basic questions. Maybe some of you can help…
1. Do all of these apps work by visual and audio (only) or do they also have sophisticated vibration settings or schemes?
2. If they do vibrate, do any of you have use cases or experiences wherein “wearing” the phone to feel the tempo would be desirable or preferable to it sitting on a surface our mounted to a mic stand?
Many thanks,
Chris
Can anyone help me figure out how to playback what I’ve just recorded on Metronome Plus?
I’m flummoxed. Thanks, Yvette
Hey Yvette! I’m the maker of Metronome+. You should be able to simply tap on any track you have recorded. Be sure that you are in record mode. Also check to see if the sound is turned up on your device. If you have any further questions though email me at:
dynamicappdesign@gmail.com
Best,
Joe
Hi,
Do you know if any of these metronomes appears in the iPad’s right column? It will help a lot!
Thanks,
Stelios
[…] Five Best Metronome Apps – The Bulletproof Musician – Picking the best metronome app can be a little difficult since the only way to test out an app is to buy it. Most only cost a few dollars, but that can add up pretty … […]
[…] Reviews 5 of the best […]
[…] can get an actual metronome to sit on your piano or download a metronome app for your […]
Just downloaded Metronome Plus and loving it thanks for making the poll did you end up making one for app tuners
Great article, Noa. I like the article. Thanks for sharing.
If you need something for OSX or Windows, Smart Metronome is great.
https://miraxlabs.com/smart-metronome/
Smart Metronome includes all the functions one would expect from a classic metronome, but can also listen to the input audio and determine the tempo. This way, you can quickly identify the tempo used for any song, or make sure you are keeping the correct timing while playing.
Read more: https://mac.softpedia.com/get/Audio/Smart-Metronome.shtml#ixzz4QzyHvaDz
I’ve used Tempo app. It’s a truly great app. I didn’t need to purchase a full drum machine to make my practice more ‘interesting’ because being able to change set sounds is enough for me. Very accurate and functional. Love it!
[…] but don’t rush this at the expense of learning technique. By the way, you’ll find heaps ofmetronome apps on the internet. And, here are 5 ways you can use a metronome to improve your guitar […]
I’ve used Tempo for a couple years, but now it’s doing an odd thing. It randomly and gradually speeds up the tempo, so that 120 becomes 170 in about 3-4 minutes of playing,. Now I have to figure out how to remove the app and find something else. VERY disappointing!
[…] Recommended apps by other musicians – https://bulletproofmusician.com/five-best-metronome-apps/ […]
[…] but don’t rush this at the expense of learning technique. By the way, you’ll find heaps of metronome apps on the internet. And, here are 5 ways you can use a metronome to improve your guitar […]
[…] will help you to keep the pulse of the beat. You don’t need to buy a metronome. You can download an app and use it for free. It will help your internal clock, so don’t sleep on […]
Great article – we use Metronome Plus sometimes on the ergo (indoor rower) and have found it to be great as a audio cue. https://rowingclassifieds.co.uk
I guess your wee obsession with all things Apple can be seen in that three of the five choices, including your winner, are IOS-only apps. This result is of zero use to the vast android user base. It would have clued me not to bother reading if the title had included “Apple” or “IOS”. Regular readers of your site may know it is Apple-oriented; I’m a first-time visitor checking out the results of my Google search for “android best metronome app”.
Check out also tapping metronome for Apple Watch, it’s free: https://tappingmetronome.com
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/tapping-tempo/id1308157601?ls=1&mt=8
You can try Stage Metronome Android app.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=app.pg.stagemetronome
I am surprised that “Pro Metronome” didn’t make it onto this list. Myself and many other professional musicians that I know use this app as their only metronome. It is inexpensive, intuitive, and VERY powerful. The customization of the meter, its subdivisions, and how they sound is incredible. There is a great practice mode for starting at a certain tempo and finishing at another, with options as to how many BPM to increase by and at what time intervals. There are plenty of interesting drum grooves that I haven’t even experimented with, as well. You can choose to silence certain beats and not others, or emphasize and de-emphasize certain ones, to create all sorts of interesting and varied ways to practice (though it doesn’t have the random beat silencing feature of Time Guru, which I will probably get just for that feature). I highly recommend this metronome!
2019 update: I just threw my hat in the ring with Time Dojo Metronome, primarily for building speed and practicing technique. If anyone out there could try it and give some feedback that would be awesome!
A spoken voice counting metrone, such as SpeakBeat Metronome can change the game for many new musicians, https://shiverware.com/speakbeatmetronome/
It uses a spoken count instead of ticks or clicks that makes it easy to follow along and keep track of where you are in the bar. Choose a voice, a time signature and a tempo, and you’re ready to go. You can add sub-beats, a count-in and more! This app is great for music teachers, choreographers, dance instructors and cheerleading coaches by saving your voice from the repetitive and exhausting “five, six, seven, eight”! SpeakBeat Metronome will allow you to focus on the material, rather than keeping the beat.