--- title: "Apps for Electronic Drum Kits Compared: Learn, Sounds, Record" description: "What to connect an electronic drum kit to: learning apps that score MIDI, drum sound software, recording apps and kit makers' apps, with prices." author: "Raul Rodrigues" publishedAt: 2026-10-08 checkedOn: 2026-10-07 canonical: https://upbeat.studio/compare/apps-for-electronic-drums/ --- # Apps and software for electronic drum kits, compared What to connect an electronic kit to depends on what you want from it. Drum software such as EZdrummer 3, Superior Drummer 3, Addictive Drums 2 and Steven Slate Drums replaces the module's sounds with recorded kits, on a computer. Learning apps such as Melodics, Clone Hero and our own Drum Coach read the kit's MIDI and score what you play. The kit makers' own apps edit settings for a few of their own modules only. The table compares 14 apps on how they connect, what they do with the kit, and what they cost in the US today. > Upbeat Studio makes one of the apps in this table, Drum Coach. It is not ranked anywhere on this page: it sits in the table with the same columns and the same criticism as every other row, its e-kit features are described exactly as its own support pages describe them today, beta included, and the picker never shortlists it. Checked on 2026-10-07. 14 tools. Prices are US dollars as listed on the named store on the date given with each row; they change, so check the store before buying. ## What you need, and what decides the pick - **Learn with scoring.** I want lessons that score what I play on the e-kit. What decides it: MIDI scoring note by note, how the kit connects, and what the lessons and songs cover. - **Real kit sounds.** My module sounds thin. I want it to sound like a recorded kit. What decides it: sample quality, ready-made maps for your kit's brand, and whether it runs alone or inside a recording program. - **Free sounds.** Better sounds, without paying. What decides it: what the free version includes and whether it maps to an e-kit without fiddling. - **Play along and record.** I want to play along to songs and record myself. What decides it: a song library or your own tracks, and recording audio, MIDI or video. - **Kit settings.** I want to change my kit's sounds and settings from my phone. What decides it: which kits the maker's app supports and how it connects. - **Phone only.** I don't have a computer at the kit. Phone or tablet only. What decides it: an iOS or Android app that does the job alone, and the cable or Bluetooth it needs. ## The table | Tool | Maker | Kind | Platforms | Price (US) | Scores or grades what you play over MIDI | Connects to the kit over USB MIDI | Connects over Bluetooth MIDI | Runs as a VST, AU or AAX plugin inside a recording program | Runs on its own without a recording program | Ready-made maps or presets for e-kit brands, as the maker names them | Songs or tracks to play along with | Records your playing (audio, MIDI or video) | Works with any brand's kit, not only the maker's own | App Store | Google Play | Best for | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Drum Coach (ours) | Upbeat Studio | learning app | iOS, Android | $14.99/mo or from $59.99/yr (subscription) | yes | yes | yes | no | yes | No brand presets named in the setup guides: in-app pad calibration maps each pad's MIDI note as you hit it (beta); the compatible-kits list covers Roland, Yamaha, Alesis, Simmons, EFNOTE and other brands | yes | yes | yes | 4.7 (433) | 4.5 (2k) | Learn with scoring, Phone only | | Melodics | Melodics Limited | learning app | iOS, macOS, Windows | Free, or $34.99/mo or from $131.88/yr (freemium) | yes | yes | yes | unknown | yes | Plug and play recognition for listed Alesis, Carlsbro, Donner, GEWA, KAT, Roland, Simmons, Yamaha and Zildjian kits; 'Map MIDI instrument' for any other MIDI kit | yes | unknown | yes | 4.7 (620) | not on this store | Learn with scoring, Phone only | | Drumeo (in the Musora app) | Musora Media Inc. | learning app | iOS, Android | from $29.99/mo or from $229/yr (subscription) | unknown | unknown | unknown | unknown | yes | None named: Musora says no MIDI is required for its lessons | yes | unknown | yes | 4.7 (3k) | 4.2 (2k) | Phone only | | EZdrummer 3 | Toontrack Music AB | drum software | macOS, Windows | from $99 (one-time) | unknown | yes | unknown | yes | yes | E-drum presets for the most widely used modules; Toontrack names Roland, Alesis, Yamaha and Pearl among the brands | unknown | yes | yes | not on this store | not on this store | Real kit sounds | | Superior Drummer 3 | Toontrack Music AB | drum software | macOS, Windows | from $319 (one-time) | unknown | yes | unknown | yes | yes | E-drum mapping presets for most brands; Toontrack names Roland, Alesis, Yamaha and Pearl among them | unknown | yes | yes | not on this store | not on this store | Real kit sounds | | Addictive Drums 2 | XLN Audio | drum software | macOS, Windows | from $169 (one-time) | unknown | yes | unknown | yes | yes | Map Presets for over 60 e-drum kits, named by XLN: 2box, Alesis, EFNOTE, GEWA, MegaDRUM, Millenium, Nux, Roland, Simmons and Yamaha models, plus General MIDI | unknown | yes | yes | not on this store | not on this store | Real kit sounds | | Steven Slate Drums 5.5 | Steven Slate Drums | drum software | macOS, Windows | Free, or $9.99/mo or $119.99 (freemium) | unknown | unknown | unknown | yes | unknown | Preinstalled kit maps for e-kits, per Slate's mapping guide (brands not named there), plus custom mapping in the Map tab | unknown | unknown | yes | not on this store | not on this store | Real kit sounds, Free sounds | | BFD Player | inMusic (BFD Drums) | drum software | macOS, Windows | Not published (freemium) | unknown | yes | unknown | yes | yes | Keymaps for various Alesis kits and Roland models, plus Superior Drummer and General MIDI maps; kits without one use the default BFD Player map | unknown | unknown | yes | not on this store | not on this store | Real kit sounds, Free sounds | | MT-PowerDrumKit 2 | Manda Audio | drum software | macOS, Windows | Free (free) | unknown | unknown | unknown | yes | no | Downloadable presets per kit model for Roland, Alesis, Millenium, Yamaha, Simmons, Behringer, Donner and other brands, many made by users; MIDI Learn for other kits | unknown | unknown | yes | not on this store | not on this store | Real kit sounds, Free sounds | | GarageBand | Apple | recording app | iOS, macOS | Free (free) | no | yes | yes | no | yes | None named by Apple | unknown | yes | yes | 4.1 (118k) | not on this store | Play along and record, Free sounds, Phone only | | DTX402 Touch | Yamaha | kit maker app | iOS, Android | Free (free) | yes | yes | no | no | yes | Yamaha DTX402K, DTX432K and DTX452K only | yes | yes | no | 2.3 (20) | 3.6 (550) | Kit settings, Learn with scoring, Phone only | | Rec'n'Share | Yamaha | kit maker app | iOS, Android | Free (free) | no | unknown | no | no | yes | Yamaha EAD10, DTX10, DTX8, DTX6 and DTX402 series | no | yes | no | 2.5 (162) | 1.9 (1k) | Play along and record, Phone only | | V-Drums Play | Roland | kit maker app | iOS, Android | Free (free) | no | no | yes | no | yes | Roland V71, V51 and V31 modules only | no | yes | no | 1.0 (3) | no rating yet | Kit settings | | Clone Hero | Clone Hero team | learning app | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS | Free (free) | yes | yes | unknown | no | yes | None named; a built-in MIDI mapper with a Quick Setup step and per-note velocity thresholds | yes | unknown | yes | not on this store | not on this store | Learn with scoring | Legend: yes = the store listing or the maker says so; no = not there; unknown = neither says. ## One by one ### Drum Coach (made by Upbeat Studio, disclosed) Upbeat Studio. learning app, iOS, Android, subscription. Free tier: A free trial, free demo sessions and the start of the Drumming Essentials course; the full lesson library needs a paid plan. In its e-drums beta, Drum Coach connects to an e-kit over USB MIDI (or Bluetooth MIDI on supported Roland modules) and scores your hits in exercises and practice sessions on a phone or tablet, with pad and delay calibration. Know before choosing: e-drum support is labeled beta on iOS and Android, and songs do not accept e-kit input yet. - Best for: Learn with scoring, Phone only - Not for: Drummers who want scored song play-alongs on the e-kit today, or an app for a Mac or Windows computer. - Someone does it better: Melodics already scores song lessons played on an e-kit and runs on Mac, Windows, iPad and iPhone, while Drum Coach's e-drum beta covers exercises and practice sessions on phones and tablets only. - Price (US, checked 2026-10-07): - Premium, monthly: $14.99/mo at App Store (US) (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/drum-coach-learn-drums-guided/id6443453750) - Premium, yearly: $99.99/yr at App Store (US) (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/drum-coach-learn-drums-guided/id6443453750) - Premium, yearly, in some in-app offers: $59.99/yr at App Store (US) (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/drum-coach-learn-drums-guided/id6443453750) - Lifetime, in some in-app offers: $249.99 at App Store (US) (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/drum-coach-learn-drums-guided/id6443453750) - Note: Free to download with a free trial. The App Store page lists more yearly prices from older or limited offers; the lines above are the plans the app offers new US subscribers today (checked in App Store Connect and RevenueCat). - App Store: 4.7 (433) (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/drum-coach-learn-drums-guided/id6443453750) - Google Play: 4.5 (2k) (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.drumap.drumcoach) - Maker: https://upbeat.studio/drum-coach/ - Sources: - E-drums support is a beta on iOS and Android: "E-drums is currently in beta on iOS and Android (not on web)." (https://upbeat.studio/drum-coach/support/how-to-connect-e-drums/) - Connects over USB MIDI on most kits: "USB cable works on virtually every e-drum." (https://upbeat.studio/drum-coach/support/how-to-connect-e-drums/) - Bluetooth MIDI on supported Roland modules: "Bluetooth MIDI is a great wireless option on supported Roland modules (TD-07, TD-17, TD-27 and similar)." (https://upbeat.studio/drum-coach/support/how-to-connect-e-drums/) - Scores live e-drum hits in exercises and practice sessions: "Exercises and practice sessions with live e-drum hits, scoring, pad calibration, and delay calibration." (https://upbeat.studio/drum-coach/support/how-to-connect-e-drums/) - Songs do not take e-kit input yet: "Exercises and practice sessions work with e-drums today; songs will show that e-drums aren't ready for them yet." (https://upbeat.studio/drum-coach/support/e-drums-common-issues/) - Pad map built by hitting each pad: "Hit each highlighted pad a few times so Drum Coach can map its MIDI note, then Save pad map." (https://upbeat.studio/drum-coach/support/e-drums-common-issues/) - Unlisted kits with USB MIDI can still connect: "If your kit isn't listed but has USB MIDI, try Connect e-drums anyway." (https://upbeat.studio/drum-coach/support/compatible-e-drums/) - Records practice sessions: "Yes, you can record your practice sessions in Drum Coach" (https://upbeat.studio/drum-coach/support/) - Free ways to try it: "either by participating in a free trial, using our free demo sessions or by starting the Drumming Essentials course" (https://upbeat.studio/drum-coach/support/) - Store listing mentions electronic kits: "Use a full kit, an electronic set, a practice pad, or just your hands." (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/drum-coach-learn-drums-guided/id6443453750) ### Melodics Melodics Limited. learning app, iOS, macOS, Windows, freemium. Free tier: Twenty free lessons on iPhone and iPad (iPad with a daily playtime cap) and, on desktop, a limited free plan after the 7-day trial. Melodics connects to an e-kit over USB on Mac, Windows, iPad and iPhone (and over Bluetooth MIDI on supported kits with the iPhone app), recognizes many kits plug and play, and scores every lesson and song lesson on timing and note streaks. Know before choosing: there is no Android app, and the full lesson and song catalog needs a subscription. - Best for: Learn with scoring, Phone only - Not for: Android users, and drummers who want the e-kit to sound like a recorded acoustic kit rather than take scored lessons. - Someone does it better: Drum Coach's e-drum beta runs on Android phones and tablets, which Melodics does not support at all. - Price (US, checked 2026-10-07): - Monthly Subscription: $34.99/mo at US App Store (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/melodics-drum-lessons-app/id6504540940) - Annual Subscription: $179.99/yr at US App Store (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/melodics-drum-lessons-app/id6504540940) - Premium, yearly: $179.88/yr at Melodics website (https://melodics.com/plans) - Standard, yearly: $131.88/yr at Melodics website (https://melodics.com/plans) - Note: App Store prices are for the iPhone drums app. The website's monthly tab shows Standard $29.99 /month and Premium $34.99 /month. melodics.com/plans renders prices with script, so they were read from the page in a browser on 2026-10-07. - App Store: 4.7 (620) (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/melodics-drum-lessons-app/id6504540940) - Google Play: not on this store - Maker: https://melodics.com/drums - Sources: - Most MIDI kits work: "Most MIDI drum kits work with Melodics." (https://support.melodics.com/en/articles/6757591-connecting-your-electronic-drums) - Any MIDI instrument can be mapped: "All MIDI instruments can be mapped to Melodics." (https://support.melodics.com/en/articles/10763434-supported-instruments) - USB MIDI on iPhone works for all kits: "Method 1: USB MIDI Setup (works for all drum kits)" (https://support.melodics.com/en/articles/9789407-connecting-your-drums-to-melodics-on-iphone) - Bluetooth MIDI on supported kits: "Some drum kits support Bluetooth MIDI, a low-latency protocol for sending MIDI data wirelessly." (https://support.melodics.com/en/articles/9789407-connecting-your-drums-to-melodics-on-iphone) - Scores your playing: "Melodics scores your lessons based on how accurately you played and how consistently you kept a clean streak." (https://support.melodics.com/en/articles/15092017-lesson-scoring) - Plug and play on e-kits with custom mapping: "Plug & play on any electronic drum kit, with custom MIDI mapping available." (https://melodics.com/drums) - Song lessons: "Hundreds, with new lessons added every week." (https://melodics.com/drums) - Platforms: "Melodics software runs on Windows, macOS, iPad, and iPhone." (https://support.melodics.com/en/articles/6894225-minimum-requirements-to-play-melodics) - No Android: "Melodics is not compatible with Android, Chromebooks (ChromeOS), Linux, or any other device/operating system not listed above." (https://support.melodics.com/en/articles/6894225-minimum-requirements-to-play-melodics) - Free lessons on iPhone and iPad: "iPad users get 20 free premium lessons with 5 minutes of playtime per day." (https://melodics.com/drums) - Desktop trial then limited free plan: "you'll simply revert to our limited free plan once the trial wraps up" (https://melodics.com/drums) ### Drumeo (in the Musora app) Musora Media Inc.. learning app, iOS, Android, subscription. Free tier: A 7-day free trial of the app; outside it, Drumeo's YouTube channel, free guides and sample lessons on its websites. The Musora app gives an e-kit drummer Drumeo's video lessons and courses plus a large transcribed song library with looping, tempo change and instrument removal to play along with on your kit. Know before choosing: no Musora page describes connecting the kit to the app or scoring what you play; Musora says no MIDI is required for its lessons and that feedback comes from its instructors. - Best for: Phone only - Not for: Drummers who want an app that reads their e-kit's hits and grades their playing. - Someone does it better: Melodics connects to the e-kit over USB or Bluetooth MIDI and scores what you play, which no Musora page says its app does. - Price (US, checked 2026-10-07): - Musora Monthly Membership: $29.99/mo at US App Store (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/musora-the-music-lessons-app/id1460388277) - Musora Annual Membership: $279/yr at US App Store (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/musora-the-music-lessons-app/id1460388277) - Monthly (includes songs): $30/mo at Musora website (https://www.musora.com/pricing) - Annual, lessons only (no songs): $229/yr at Musora website (https://www.musora.com/pricing) - Note: The Musora website also lists Annual with songs 'Billed at $279 per year.' and Monthly lessons only at $25/month ('All prices listed in USD.'). The App Store also lists legacy Drumeo Edge memberships ($29.99 monthly, $239.99 annual). One membership covers every Musora instrument. - App Store: 4.7 (3k) (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/musora-the-music-lessons-app/id1460388277) - Google Play: 4.2 (2k) (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.drumeo) - Maker: https://www.drumeo.com/ - Sources: - No MIDI used in lessons: "There is no MIDI, cables or external software required for our lessons." (https://help.musora.com/article/835-do-you-need-midi-for-the-lessons) - Feedback comes from instructors, not the kit: "Our interaction happens with our instructors via student focus and personalized lesson plans." (https://help.musora.com/article/835-do-you-need-midi-for-the-lessons) - Works with any acoustic or electronic kit: "Drumeo’s lessons work seamlessly with both acoustic and electronic drum kits." (https://help.musora.com/article/1081-what-is-the-minimum-gear-requirement-needed-to-get-started) - Apps for Apple and Android: "The official Musora App, is available for both Apple and Android devices!" (https://help.musora.com/article/955-is-there-a-musora-app) - Song library: "Choose from a library of 5000+ professionally transcribed songs" (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/musora-the-music-lessons-app/id1460388277) - Play-along tools: "Remove any instrument from the mix so you can play that part yourself" (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/musora-the-music-lessons-app/id1460388277) - Free trial: "Start a 7-day free trial and get full access to guitar, piano, drums, bass, and singing lessons" (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/musora-the-music-lessons-app/id1460388277) - Free content outside the app: "Our YouTube channels (like Drumeo, Guitareo, Pianote, and Singeo)" (https://help.musora.com/article/1061-what-is-the-difference-between-your-free-and-paid-content) ### EZdrummer 3 Toontrack Music AB. drum software, macOS, Windows, one-time. Free tier: A free, fully functional 10-day trial installed through Toontrack's Product Manager. EZdrummer 3 swaps your module's sounds for recorded acoustic kits on a Mac or Windows computer, standalone or inside a DAW, with one-click e-kit presets, velocity and hi-hat tuning, and recording of your takes. Know before choosing: it needs a computer, and Toontrack says a dedicated audio interface is what makes live playing low-latency. - Best for: Real kit sounds - Not for: Drummers who want lessons or scoring, or who have only a phone or tablet. - Someone does it better: Superior Drummer 3 goes deeper for e-drummers, with positional sensing on the ride as well as the snare and fully custom CC zones. - Price (US, checked 2026-10-07): - Regular: $179 at Toontrack website (https://www.toontrack.com/product/ezdrummer-3/) - Upgrade (owners of an earlier EZdrummer): $99 at Toontrack website (https://www.toontrack.com/product/ezdrummer-3/) - Note: The page's product data lists 'EZdrummer 3 - Regular' at 179 USD and 'EZdrummer 3 - Upgrade' at 99 USD; the upgrade requires owning a previous EZdrummer. - App Store: not on this store - Google Play: not on this store - Maker: https://www.toontrack.com/product/ezdrummer-3/ - Sources: - E-kit presets: "Map EZdrummer 3 to your e-kit at the click of a button." (https://www.toontrack.com/product/ezdrummer-3/) - Records your playing: "Record your takes straight into EZdrummer 3." (https://www.toontrack.com/product/ezdrummer-3/) - Plugin formats and standalone: "A 64-bit host (with support for VST 3, AU or AAX). Standalone is included." (https://www.toontrack.com/product/ezdrummer-3/) - Preset brands: "Roland, Alesis, Yamaha and Pearl are among the most popular brands included" (https://www.toontrack.com/blog/using-e-drums-with-ezdrummer-3-superior-drummer-3/) - USB MIDI connection: "most modern modules connect via USB; older modules may require a separate MIDI interface" (https://www.toontrack.com/blog/using-e-drums-with-ezdrummer-3-superior-drummer-3/) - Audio interface matters for latency: "A USB adapter or your computer’s built-in audio won’t get you there." (https://www.toontrack.com/blog/using-e-drums-with-ezdrummer-3-superior-drummer-3/) - Free trial: "Download free, fully functional 10-day trials." (https://www.toontrack.com/product/ezdrummer-3/) - Included content is drum grooves, not backing songs: "Comprehensive MIDI library of grooves and fills" (https://www.toontrack.com/product/ezdrummer-3/) ### Superior Drummer 3 Toontrack Music AB. drum software, macOS, Windows, one-time. Free tier: None listed: Toontrack's free 10-day trials cover EZdrummer 3, EZbass, EZkeys 2 and EZmix 3, not Superior Drummer 3. Superior Drummer 3 is Toontrack's full drum production studio, and for an e-kit it adds e-drum presets plus advanced settings such as per-articulation hi-hat CC thresholds, snare and ride positional sensing and custom CC zones. Know before choosing: the complete sound library is a very large download, and Toontrack lists no free trial for it. - Best for: Real kit sounds - Not for: Drummers who only want lessons or scoring, or who need a light install on a small laptop. - Someone does it better: EZdrummer 3 is far cheaper and lighter to install, and Toontrack offers it as a free 10-day trial. - Price (US, checked 2026-10-07): - Regular: $399 at Toontrack website (https://www.toontrack.com/product/superior-drummer-3/) - Crossgrade (requires a previous EZdrummer): $319 at Toontrack website (https://www.toontrack.com/product/superior-drummer-3/) - Note: The crossgrade price shows under 'This pricing requires that you already own a previous version of EZdrummer'. - App Store: not on this store - Google Play: not on this store - Maker: https://www.toontrack.com/product/superior-drummer-3/ - Sources: - E-drum presets for most brands: "E-drum mapping presets for most brands" (https://www.toontrack.com/product/superior-drummer-3/) - E-drum presets and settings tab: "Get started playing instantly with one of the the e-drum presets" (https://www.toontrack.com/product/superior-drummer-3/) - Plugin formats and standalone: "64-bit host (with support for VST, AU or AAX). Standalone is included." (https://www.toontrack.com/product/superior-drummer-3/) - Records your playing: "Record your takes straight into EZdrummer 3 or Superior Drummer 3." (https://www.toontrack.com/e-drums/) - Custom CC zones: "Superior Drummer 3 lets you build fully custom CC zones, assigning different articulations based on CC value ranges." (https://www.toontrack.com/blog/using-e-drums-with-ezdrummer-3-superior-drummer-3/) - Preset brands: "Roland, Alesis, Yamaha and Pearl are among the most popular brands included" (https://www.toontrack.com/blog/using-e-drums-with-ezdrummer-3-superior-drummer-3/) - Trials listed do not include Superior Drummer 3: "Bring your music to life with EZdrummer 3, EZbass, EZkeys 2 and EZmix 3. Start your free 10-day trials today." (https://www.toontrack.com/10-day-trials) - Install size: "Complete install: Approx. 236 GB download and an additional 55 GB for the installation process." (https://www.toontrack.com/product/superior-drummer-3/) ### Addictive Drums 2 XLN Audio. drum software, macOS, Windows, one-time. Free tier: A 10-day trial with full features and five ADpaks, with no payment details required. Addictive Drums 2 plays your e-kit through acoustic drum kits recorded in studios, standalone or as a plugin, with ready Map Presets for over 60 e-drum kits and a Record MIDI button that captures what you play. Know before choosing: it is sold as collections that bundle it with expansions, either picked by you or curated by XLN, and XLN recommends a dedicated audio interface for low latency. - Best for: Real kit sounds - Not for: Drummers who want lessons or scoring, or who want everything on a phone or tablet. - Someone does it better: Superior Drummer 3 offers finer e-drum control, including snare and ride positional sensing and custom CC zones. - Price (US, checked 2026-10-07): - Curated Collection (a style bundle chosen by XLN): $169 at XLN Audio website (https://www.xlnaudio.com/products/addictive_drums_2/collections) - Custom Collection (with 9 expansions you choose): $179 at XLN Audio website (https://www.xlnaudio.com/products/addictive_drums_2/collections) - Custom XL Collection (18 expansions): $359 at XLN Audio website (https://www.xlnaudio.com/products/addictive_drums_2/collections) - Custom XXL Collection (30 expansions): $549 at XLN Audio website (https://www.xlnaudio.com/products/addictive_drums_2/collections) - Note: Addictive Drums 2 is sold bundled with expansions (ADpaks, MIDIpaks, Kitpiece Paks); it is not on XLN's Rent-to-Own list on 2026-10-07. - App Store: not on this store - Google Play: not on this store - Maker: https://www.xlnaudio.com/products/addictive_drums_2 - Sources: - E-kits plug and play: "Connect any e-drum kit for a natural, responsive drumming experience. Plug & play with zero setup hassle." (https://www.xlnaudio.com/products/addictive_drums_2) - Standalone app: "Standalone Application (Windows and macOS)" (https://www.xlnaudio.com/products/addictive_drums_2) - Plugin formats: "VST, AU, AAX (64-bit)" (https://www.xlnaudio.com/products/addictive_drums_2) - Map presets for e-kits: "Addictive Drums 2 includes Map Presets for over 60 e-drum kits." (https://support.xlnaudio.com/api/v2/help_center/en-us/articles/6623402926493.json) - USB connection: "If the drum module has a USB jack, you can simply use a regular USB cable." (https://support.xlnaudio.com/api/v2/help_center/en-us/articles/6623402926493.json) - Audio interface recommended: "we recommend that you get a dedicated audio interface for music production" (https://support.xlnaudio.com/api/v2/help_center/en-us/articles/6623402926493.json) - List of included maps: "These are the Map Presets included in Addictive Drums 2" (https://support.xlnaudio.com/api/v2/help_center/en-us/articles/27466261893917.json) - Records your playing: "The Record MIDI button can record straight from your e-drum kit, but also from the AD2 track in your DAW." (https://support.xlnaudio.com/api/v2/help_center/en-us/articles/16593258822429.json) - Free trial: "Try any of our plugins free for 10 days" (https://www.xlnaudio.com/trials) - Sold bundled with expansions: "Addictive Drums 2 with your choice of 9 expansions" (https://www.xlnaudio.com/products/addictive_drums_2) ### Steven Slate Drums 5.5 Steven Slate Drums. drum software, macOS, Windows, freemium. Free tier: SSD 5.5 Free: a never-expiring version with the Deluxe 2 kit, a processed Slate snare and three kit presets; the free version cannot use expansions. Steven Slate Drums 5.5 turns e-kit hits into Slate's processed, mix-ready drum sounds inside a DAW, with preinstalled e-kit maps, remappable notes and hi-hat pedal CC control, and its free version is a usable kit that never expires. Know before choosing: Slate sells it as a plugin, its support FAQ (last updated in 2020) says it requires a host DAW, and no current Slate page mentions a standalone app. - Best for: Real kit sounds, Free sounds - Not for: Drummers who want to play the kit without opening a recording program, or who want lessons or scoring. - Someone does it better: Addictive Drums 2 and EZdrummer 3 also run as standalone apps, so you can play the e-kit through them without opening a DAW. - Price (US, checked 2026-10-07): - SSD 5.5: $119.99 at Steven Slate Drums website (cart) (https://stevenslatedrums.com/ssd5) - Rent to Own: $9.99/mo at Steven Slate Drums website (https://stevenslatedrums.com/ssd5) - Note: SSD 5.5 Free costs nothing. The outright price appears in the site's cart after 'Buy Now' (read in a browser on 2026-10-07; the server HTML shows only the rent-to-own line). The number of rent-to-own payments for SSD 5.5 is not stated on the page. - App Store: not on this store - Google Play: not on this store - Maker: https://stevenslatedrums.com/ssd5 - Sources: - Plugin only, needs a DAW: "No, SSD5 is a plugin that requires a host DAW for setup and use." (https://support.stevenslatedrums.com/api/v2/help_center/en-us/articles/360033680113.json) - Plugin formats: "macOS Support in AAX/VST/AU Formats" (https://support.stevenslatedrums.com/api/v2/help_center/en-us/articles/360033795413.json) - Windows formats: "Windows Support in AAX/VST Formats" (https://support.stevenslatedrums.com/api/v2/help_center/en-us/articles/360033795413.json) - Preinstalled e-kit maps: "If you're using mapping for an E-Kit, make sure to check some preinstalled kit maps" (https://support.stevenslatedrums.com/api/v2/help_center/en-us/articles/360033680013.json) - Hi-hat pedal CC for e-kits: "Most E-Drum kits use this function to track Hi-Hat pedal position" (https://support.stevenslatedrums.com/api/v2/help_center/en-us/articles/360033680013.json) - Works with most e-kits: "It also works great with most electronic drum sets." (https://support.stevenslatedrums.com/api/v2/help_center/en-us/articles/360037439433.json) - Free version: "Get the fully-functioning, never-expiring SSD 5.5 demo with one incredible Deluxe 2 Kit" (https://stevenslatedrums.com/ssd5/free) - Included content is MIDI grooves: "Access over 2,400 professional MIDI grooves across all genres." (https://stevenslatedrums.com/ssd5) - Free version cannot use expansions: "The SSD5.5 expansions will NOT work with SSD5.5 FREE, only the full version." (https://support.stevenslatedrums.com/api/v2/help_center/en-us/articles/360043205013.json) - Installs as a plugin (current install guide): "This will install the SSD5.5 Plugin file, and the SSD library." (https://support.stevenslatedrums.com/api/v2/help_center/en-us/articles/360043323793.json) ### BFD Player inMusic (BFD Drums). drum software, macOS, Windows, freemium. Free tier: The full BFD Player program with the free Core Library kits, 340 grooves and the mixer; extra kits and grooves come as paid expansions. BFD Player is inMusic's free drum sound program for Mac and Windows, running on its own or inside a recording program, with keymaps for various Alesis and Roland kits so your e-kit triggers sampled acoustic drums drawn from BFD3. Know before choosing it that it needs an inMusic account and an internet connection to authorize, and its paid expansions do not work in BFD3 (nor BFD3 expansions in it). - Best for: Real kit sounds, Free sounds - Not for: Drummers who want lessons, scoring or play-along songs, or who want to play through a phone or tablet. - Someone does it better: GarageBand also runs on iPhone and iPad and records your playing in the same app, while BFD Player runs only on Mac and Windows. - Price (US, checked 2026-10-07): Not published - Note: Free. Optional paid BFD Player expansions exist, but the bfddrums.com store shows prices only through a browser script, so no US dollar price could be read today. - App Store: not on this store - Google Play: not on this store - Maker: https://www.bfddrums.com/bfd-player/ - Sources: - Free: "It’s completely FREE!" (https://www.bfddrums.com/bfd-player/) - Same kits and grooves heritage as BFD3: "BFD Player offers the same high quality drum kits, grooves and mixing options for songwriters and music producers." (https://www.bfddrums.com/bfd-player/) - Standalone or plugin, Windows and macOS: "BFD Player is a free drum program for Windows & macOS, available as a Standalone Application or Software Instrument in your favourite DAW." (https://support.bfddrums.com/en/support/solutions/articles/69000833836-bfd-player-installation-and-authorization) - E-kit keymaps by brand: "Options include various Alesis kits, Roland models, Superior Drummer, General MIDI, and many more." (https://support.bfddrums.com/en/support/solutions/articles/69000861866-bfd-player-how-to-load-a-keymap) - Not every e-kit has a keymap: "Unfortunately, not all E-kits will have a keymap available within BFD Player." (https://support.bfddrums.com/en/support/solutions/articles/69000861866-bfd-player-how-to-load-a-keymap) - Uses drum samples from BFD3: "BFD Player is a free Drum Software Instrument, utilising some of the iconic drum sounds/samples from BFD3." (https://support.bfddrums.com/en/support/solutions/articles/69000861866-bfd-player-how-to-load-a-keymap) - Kit connects to the computer over USB (inMusic sister brand Alesis): "Power on the drum module and connect it to your computer using a USB Type B > A or C cable" (https://support.alesis.com/en/support/solutions/articles/69000873431-alesis-how-to-redeem-bfd-player-included-with-my-alesis-drum-kit) - Kit enabled as BFD Player's MIDI input: "Ensure your Kit is listed, highlighted, & Checked to confirm it is enabled" (https://support.alesis.com/en/support/solutions/articles/69000873431-alesis-how-to-redeem-bfd-player-included-with-my-alesis-drum-kit) - Alesis kits add a free expansion: "BFD Player is a free software for everyone, but Alesis owners also receive a free expansion upon registration." (https://support.alesis.com/en/support/solutions/articles/69000873431-alesis-how-to-redeem-bfd-player-included-with-my-alesis-drum-kit) - Groove library: "BFD Player comes with 340 grooves created by top drummers that bring the kit to life." (https://www.bfddrums.com/bfd-player/) - Expansions not shared with BFD3: "utilizing BFD 3 expansions in BFD Player or vice versa is not possible" (https://support.bfddrums.com/en/support/solutions/articles/69000849102-bfd-are-bfd3-and-bfd-player-expansions-cross-compatible-) - Internet needed to authorize: "This software requires an internet connection to authorize" (https://www.bfddrums.com/bfd-player/) - inMusic account sign in: "Click Log In to profile to sign into your inMusic Brands Profile using your Internet browser." (https://cdn.inmusicbrands.com/BFD/BFD%20Player%20-%20User%20Guide%20-%20v1.2.0%20-%20RevC.pdf) - Mac requirement: "MacOS Ventura and later (Intel and Apple Silicon)" (https://www.bfddrums.com/bfd-player/) ### MT-PowerDrumKit 2 Manda Audio. drum software, macOS, Windows, free. Free tier: The full plugin with its drum kit, groove library and e-kit presets; an optional donation key only removes the start screen. MT-PowerDrumKit 2 is a free acoustic drum sampler plugin for Mac, Windows and Linux with pre-processed rock and pop sounds, a groove library and downloadable e-kit presets per model, so your kit can trigger it inside a recording program. Know before choosing it that it does not run on its own and does not support multiple pad zones, so a cymbal's bow and edge share one sound. - Best for: Real kit sounds, Free sounds - Not for: Drummers who want to play without opening a recording program, or who rely on multi-zone pads and cymbals. - Someone does it better: BFD Player also runs as a standalone program, so you can play your e-kit through it without opening a recording program. - Price (US, checked 2026-10-07): Free - Note: Free. A donation made on the donate page gets a key that removes the start screen; the page lists amounts to donate, not a price for the key. - App Store: not on this store - Google Play: not on this store - Maker: https://www.powerdrumkit.com/ - Sources: - Free acoustic drum sampler: "The MT Power Drum Kit is a free drum sampler offering the powerful, high-quality sounds of an acoustic, realistic drum kit." (https://www.powerdrumkit.com/) - Plugin formats, version 2: "Download the full version of MT-PowerDrumKit 2 VST/AU/AAX drum plugin for free." (https://www.powerdrumkit.com/download76187.php) - Runs in recording programs: "MT-PowerDrumKit will work in most hosts that support the VST, AAX or AU standards." (https://www.powerdrumkit.com/) - Runs as an instrument inside a recording program: "The plugin should now be available as a virtual instrument in your DAW." (https://www.powerdrumkit.com/help-faq-LoadFAQContentAjax.php?os=mac) - Linux build: "Ubuntu, Arch, Fedora, openSUSE" (https://www.powerdrumkit.com/) - E-kit presets: "If you use electronic drums, here you can find a preset for your particular E-Drum model" (https://www.powerdrumkit.com/presets.php) - Pick the preset for your kit model: "Download the preset from the list which is named as your drum set or a model which comes closest to yours." (https://www.powerdrumkit.com/presets_edrums.php?brand=Roland) - MIDI Learn for unmapped kits: "you can simply select a field and then just hit the corresponding drum on your kit to automatically assign the sent note" (https://www.powerdrumkit.com/presets_edrums.php?brand=Roland) - No multi-zone support: "If your module and your pads support multiple zones, (which this plugin doesn't support)" (https://www.powerdrumkit.com/presets_edrums.php?brand=Roland) - Groove library: "You can choose from thousands of assorted rhythms in the comprehensive Groove Library and compose your own drum accompaniment." (https://www.powerdrumkit.com/) - Start screen in the free version: "The free version has no sound until you click the START button in the bottom right of the plugin window." (https://www.powerdrumkit.com/help-faq-LoadFAQContentAjax.php?os=mac) - Donation key is optional: "By buying a key i.e. donating you can disable this start screen permanently and get instant sound at the beginning of your session." (https://www.powerdrumkit.com/help-faq-LoadFAQContentAjax.php?os=mac) ### GarageBand Apple. recording app, iOS, macOS, free. Free tier: Everything, including extra instruments, loops and sound packs from the Sound Library, which are free downloads. GarageBand is Apple's free recording app: on a Mac, Apple documents USB and MIDI connections for playing and recording its software instruments, and on iPhone or iPad a Bluetooth MIDI device can play its Touch Instruments, the drums included, while you record your takes. Know before choosing it that Apple names no e-kit maps and its graded lessons cover only piano and guitar. - Best for: Play along and record, Free sounds, Phone only - Not for: Windows or Android users, and drummers who want an app to grade their drumming. - Someone does it better: BFD Player ships keymaps for various Alesis and Roland kits, while Apple publishes no e-kit maps for GarageBand. - Price (US, checked 2026-10-07): Free - App Store: 4.1 (118k) (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/garageband/id408709785) - Google Play: not on this store - Maker: https://www.apple.com/mac/garageband/ - Sources: - A recording app, not a plugin: "GarageBand turns your iPad, and iPhone into a collection of Touch Instruments and a full-featured recording studio" (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/garageband/id408709785) - Records performances on iPhone and iPad: "Use a Touch Instrument, microphone, or a guitar to instantly record a performance, with support for up to 32 tracks." (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/garageband/id408709785) - Free extra sounds: "Use the Sound Library to download additional free instruments, loops, and sound packs" (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/garageband/id408709785) - USB or MIDI input on Mac: "You can connect a USB or MIDI music keyboard to your computer to play and record software instruments." (https://support.apple.com/guide/garageband/connect-a-music-keyboard-gbndfe7f6293/mac) - Bluetooth MIDI on iPhone: "You can connect a compatible Bluetooth® MIDI device to your iPhone, and use it to play and control Touch Instruments in GarageBand." (https://support.apple.com/guide/garageband-iphone/a-bluetooth-midi-device-touch-instruments-chse356a0321/ios) - Drums are a Touch Instrument: "Using the Drums Touch Instrument, you can play a drum kit simply by tapping the onscreen drums." (https://support.apple.com/guide/garageband-iphone/play-the-drums-chs392830c2/ios) - Virtual drummer on Mac: "GarageBand features Drummer, a virtual session drummer that takes your direction and plays along with your song." (https://www.apple.com/mac/garageband/) - Lessons are guitar and piano: "Get started with 40 Basic Lessons for guitar and piano covering classical, blues, rock, and pop" (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/garageband/id682658836?mt=12) - Lesson store has only guitar and piano: "Click Guitar Lessons or Piano Lessons, depending on which instrument you’re using." (https://support.apple.com/guide/garageband/get-additional-learn-to-play-lessons-gbnd0cb1af4a/mac) - Lesson grading: "GarageBand lessons include a How Did I Play feature that shows you which notes or chords you play correctly" (https://support.apple.com/guide/garageband/see-how-well-you-played-a-lesson-gbndb71d9eec/mac) ### DTX402 Touch Yamaha. kit maker app, iOS, Android, free. Free tier: The whole app; it needs a DTX402 series kit and a USB cable with a Lightning or OTG adapter. DTX402 Touch turns a phone or tablet, cabled to a Yamaha DTX402 series module, into a screen for the module's 10 training modes, a Challenge Mode that tests you on 10 practice songs, a recorder and kit editing with over 280 sounds. Know before choosing it that it works only with the DTX402K, DTX432K and DTX452K and needs a USB cable plus a Lightning or OTG adapter. - Best for: Kit settings, Learn with scoring, Phone only - Not for: Anyone without a Yamaha DTX402K, DTX432K or DTX452K kit. - Someone does it better: Clone Hero accepts any brand's MIDI kit through its built-in mapper and keeps an official song setlist with public leaderboards, while DTX402 Touch works only with DTX402 series kits. - Price (US, checked 2026-10-07): Free - App Store: 2.3 (20) (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/dtx402-touch/id1362988541) - Google Play: 3.6 (550) (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=jp.co.yamaha.emi.dtx402touch) - Maker: https://usa.yamaha.com/products/musical_instruments/drums/el_drums/apps/dtx402_touch/index.html - Sources: - Dedicated to DTX402 series: "DTX402 Touch is a dedicated iOS/Android app for Yamaha DTX402 series electronic drums." (https://usa.yamaha.com/products/musical_instruments/drums/el_drums/apps/dtx402_touch/index.html) - USB cable connection: "To use the app, you will need to connect your smart device to the DTX module using a USB cable" (https://usa.yamaha.com/products/musical_instruments/drums/el_drums/apps/dtx402_touch/index.html) - Built-in songs: "enjoy playing along to 10 diverse built-in songs" (https://usa.yamaha.com/products/musical_instruments/drums/el_drums/apps/dtx402_touch/index.html) - Compatible kits: "DTX402K, DTX432K, DTX452K" (https://usa.yamaha.com/products/musical_instruments/drums/el_drums/apps/dtx402_touch/specs.html) - Challenge Mode tests you: "“Challenge Mode” is a new function on the DTX402 Touch that tests your skill." (https://usa.yamaha.com/products/musical_instruments/drums/el_drums/apps/dtx402_touch/features.html) - Certificate for a mistake-free run: "If you can play all 10 practice songs without making a mistake, you will receive a" (https://usa.yamaha.com/products/musical_instruments/drums/el_drums/apps/dtx402_touch/features.html) - Recorder: "lets you record a drum solo or play along with a song to self-assess your performance" (https://usa.yamaha.com/products/musical_instruments/drums/el_drums/apps/dtx402_touch/features.html) - Training modes include notation reading: "The exercises are a fun way to learn to read drum music notation, play with dynamics and develop your sense of timing." (https://usa.yamaha.com/products/musical_instruments/drums/el_drums/apps/dtx402_touch/features.html) - Kit editing: "Personalize each of the 10 drum kits with over 280 drum and percussion sounds." (https://usa.yamaha.com/products/musical_instruments/drums/el_drums/apps/dtx402_touch/features.html) - Android needs OTG: "To use the app, you will need OTG compatible device and USB OTG cable is required." (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=jp.co.yamaha.emi.dtx402touch) - Latest iOS update adds MIDI song import: "Song data (MIDI) can now be imported from files stored on your device" (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/dtx402-touch/id1362988541) ### Rec'n'Share Yamaha. kit maker app, iOS, Android, free. Free tier: The whole app; recording needs a compatible Yamaha instrument and a USB cable with a Lightning or OTG adapter, and track separation uses are limited without one. Rec'n'Share records phone video together with a Yamaha kit's stereo digital audio over a USB cable and a backing track from your own music files, with tempo detection, A-B looping and AI track separation to turn down the original drummer. Know before choosing it that it is built around a compatible Yamaha drum kit (EAD10, DTX10, DTX8, DTX6 or DTX402 series), and Google Play users rate it poorly. - Best for: Play along and record, Phone only - Not for: Owners of other brands' kits, or drummers who want lessons or scoring. - Someone does it better: GarageBand records MIDI and audio from any brand's kit on a Mac, while Rec'n'Share is built to record from compatible Yamaha instruments. - Price (US, checked 2026-10-07): Free - App Store: 2.5 (162) (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/recnshare/id1162569825) - Google Play: 1.9 (1k) (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=jp.co.yamaha.emi.rec_n_share) - Maker: https://usa.yamaha.com/products/musical_instruments/drums/el_drums/apps/rec_n_share/index.html - Sources: - Records audio and video with songs: "Rec'n'Share allows you to record audio and video along with songs from your music library and then share your performances with the world." (https://usa.yamaha.com/products/musical_instruments/drums/el_drums/apps/rec_n_share/index.html) - USB cable to a Yamaha instrument: "To use the app, you will need to connect your smart device to a compatible Yamaha digital instrument using a USB cable" (https://usa.yamaha.com/products/musical_instruments/drums/el_drums/apps/rec_n_share/index.html) - Records camera video and the kit's digital audio: "record video from your phone’s camera, stereo digital audio from your Yamaha product and stereo backing tracks from your music library" (https://usa.yamaha.com/products/musical_instruments/drums/el_drums/apps/rec_n_share/index.html) - Compatible Yamaha drum products: "DTX10 Series DTX8 Series DTX6 Electronic Drum Kits DTX402 Series" (https://usa.yamaha.com/products/musical_instruments/drums/el_drums/apps/rec_n_share/index.html) - Tempo detection and section repeat: "the app’s tempo detection lets you add a click, change the tempo and select sections to repeat." (https://usa.yamaha.com/products/musical_instruments/drums/el_drums/apps/rec_n_share/index.html) - AI track separation: "AI-based Audio track separation function analyzes your favourite songs and allows you to split up to three tracks from each song" (https://usa.yamaha.com/products/musical_instruments/drums/el_drums/apps/rec_n_share/index.html) - Limited without a Yamaha instrument: "If the App is not connected to the compatible instrument, the number of times this function can be used is limited." (https://usa.yamaha.com/products/musical_instruments/drums/el_drums/apps/rec_n_share/index.html) - Your own music files only, no DRM: "Only music data that is not protected by DRM(Digital rights management) can be used with this App." (https://usa.yamaha.com/products/musical_instruments/drums/el_drums/apps/rec_n_share/index.html) - Android 13 caveat: "On devices with Android OS 13, it may be necessary to manually change the settings of the app or the instrument itself" (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=jp.co.yamaha.emi.rec_n_share) ### V-Drums Play Roland. kit maker app, iOS, Android, free. Free tier: The whole app; it needs a Roland V71, V51 or V31 module. V-Drums Play is Roland's current free phone app for V-Drums owners: paired over Bluetooth MIDI, it selects, renames and groups kits, sets the metronome and records your drumming on the module. Know before choosing it that it works only with the V71, V51 and V31 modules, so TD-02, TD-07 and TD-17 owners have no Roland phone app for their module; Roland's pages for those kits point to Melodics for V-Drums, a desktop app, instead. - Best for: Kit settings - Not for: Owners of a TD-02, TD-07, TD-17 or other older V-Drums module, and anyone wanting lessons, scoring or sound editing from a phone. - Someone does it better: DTX402 Touch lets Yamaha DTX402 owners edit kit sounds (tuning, volume, panning, reverb) from the phone, while V-Drums Play's kit tools stop at selecting, naming, coloring, grouping and adding a picture to kits. - Price (US, checked 2026-10-07): Free - App Store: 1.0 (3) (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/v-drums-play/id6752010319) - Google Play: no rating yet (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=jp.co.roland.vdrumsplay) - Maker: https://www.roland.com/us/products/v-drums_play/ - Sources: - What it is and which modules: "V-Drums Play is a free companion app that lets you control essential functions on the V71, V51 and V31 V-Drums modules from your smartphone" (https://www.roland.com/us/products/v-drums_play/) - Records your drumming: "Record your drumming to capture performances and check your progress" (https://www.roland.com/us/products/v-drums_play/) - Connects over Bluetooth MIDI: "Set the “Bluetooth MIDI” settings of your drum sound module to “ON”." (https://static.roland.com/manuals/v-drums_play/en-US/412573323419132043.html) - MIDI recording on the module: "configuring MIDI recording using your smartphone" (https://static.roland.com/manuals/v-drums_play/en-US/412572171419131531.html) - Store listing compatibility: "V-Drums Play is compatible with the V31, V51 and V71 V-Drums sound modules, as well as all V-Drums kits that include them." (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/v-drums-play/id6752010319) - Roland's drum apps page: "Control essential functions on the V51 and V31 V-Drums modules from your smartphone." (https://www.roland.com/us/categories/drums_percussion/apps/) - TD-17 owners are pointed to Melodics: "Develop playing and timing with free Melodics™ for V-Drums software for macOS and Windows" (https://www.roland.com/us/products/td-17kvx2/) - TD-07 owners are pointed to Melodics, a desktop app: "Melodics™ is a desktop app that connects to your V-Drums." (https://www.roland.com/us/products/td-07kv/) - Roland Cloud Connect also covers only V71, V51 and V31 among V-Drums: "Or you can install Instrument Expansions on the Wi-Fi-equipped V-Drums V71, V51 or V31." (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/roland-cloud-connect/id1574132629) - Newest iPhones not supported yet: "iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone Air are currently not supported." (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/v-drums-play/id6752010319) - Kit picture import: "You can import an image for the background of the kit screen (kit image) from the V-Drums Play app into the drum sound module." (https://static.roland.com/manuals/v-drums_play/en-US/412577931419134603.html) ### Clone Hero Clone Hero team. learning app, Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, free. Free tier: The whole game with its official setlist and online play; an account is needed only to submit scores to the public leaderboards. Clone Hero is a rhythm game that officially takes any MIDI drum kit over a USB or MIDI cable through its built-in mapper, scores every hit against falling note lanes, and adds an official setlist and public leaderboards. Know before choosing it that its charts are game lanes mapped to your pads rather than drum notation, and its developers ended feature work with V1.1 in 2026 to move to a new game, with bug fixes continuing. - Best for: Learn with scoring - Not for: Drummers who want to read real drum notation, follow structured lessons or record themselves. - Someone does it better: DTX402 Touch's training modes teach reading drum notation and timing, while Clone Hero scores you on game lanes; that app works only with Yamaha DTX402 series kits. - Price (US, checked 2026-10-07): Free - Note: Free: downloads from clonehero.net need no purchase and the site lists no price. - App Store: not on this store - Google Play: not on this store - Maker: https://clonehero.net/ - Sources: - Any MIDI drum kit: "It's playable with any 5 or 6 fret guitar controller, any midi drum kit, any game controller and even your keyboard!" (https://clonehero.net/) - Platforms: "Clone Hero is a classic instrument based rhythm game for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS." (https://clonehero.net/) - Built-in MIDI mapper: "Clone Hero has a built-in MIDI mapper for e-kits" (https://wiki.clonehero.net/books/guitars-drums-controllers/page/drum-mapping-guide) - Mapping detail: "It supports multiple MIDI notes per mapping, and individual MIDI note velocity thresholds." (https://wiki.clonehero.net/books/guitars-drums-controllers/page/drum-mapping-guide) - USB or MIDI cable: "Connect your e-kit with either a USB-B-to-USB-A (printer) cable, or a MIDI cable connected to the MIDI Out port of the kit" (https://wiki.clonehero.net/books/guitars-drums-controllers/page/drum-mapping-guide) - MIDI drum input added in v1.0: "Add midi input for drums" (https://clonehero.net/releases) - MIDI input on mobile builds: "MIDI input is also now fully supported on mobile, giving you even more options for how you want to play." (https://clonehero.net/2026/04/30/ch-v1.1-release.html) - Scores and leaderboards: "Leaderboards mode connects you to the CH Leaderboards servers, where every score you set is submitted, validated, and posted publicly" (https://clonehero.net/2026/04/30/ch-v1.1-release.html) - Local scores without an account: "Regular mode is your traditional Clone Hero experience; local scores, no account needed, exactly as you know it." (https://clonehero.net/2026/04/30/ch-v1.1-release.html) - Official setlist: "Clone Hero V1.1 expands the official setlist with 13 new songs from a wide range of genres" (https://clonehero.net/2026/04/30/ch-v1.1-release.html) - Development ended with V1.1: "This also marks the end of Clone Hero development, this time for good, to shift our focus on our next game, StrikeLine." (https://clonehero.net/2026/04/30/ch-v1.1-release.html) - Bug fixes continue: "Clone Hero will still receive bugfixes, especially after the launch of V1.1." (https://clonehero.net/2026/04/30/ch-v1.1-release.html) - iOS through TestFlight: "the game is available through Apple’s TestFlight app." (https://clonehero.net/2026/04/30/ch-v1.1-release.html) - Android as an .apk: "the build is available as usual an .apk download." (https://clonehero.net/2026/04/30/ch-v1.1-release.html) ## What we found ### Most kits have no app from their own maker Roland's V-Drums Play app works only with the V71, V51 and V31 modules, and Roland's own pages point TD-02, TD-07 and TD-17 owners to Melodics instead. Yamaha's two apps cover the DTX402 family and a handful of modules. For most electronic kits, the useful apps come from someone else, and nearly all of them accept any brand that sends MIDI. ### Better sounds still need a computer Every drum sound program here runs on a Mac or a Windows computer only, as a standalone program, a plugin or both, and three of them are free to start: Steven Slate Drums 5.5 Free, BFD Player and MT-PowerDrumKit 2. GarageBand is the only option in the table that also plays its own drum sounds on an iPhone or iPad. ### Scoring is rarer than it looks Melodics, Clone Hero, Yamaha's DTX402 Touch and our own Drum Coach say they score what you play over MIDI, and Drum Coach labels its e-kit scoring as beta, for exercises only. DTX402 Touch scores only Yamaha's DTX402 kits. Drumeo's app does not say it reads a kit at all. ## How we checked **Where the facts come from.** Every spec, feature tick and claim comes from the maker's own page, a store listing, a manual or a retailer's spec sheet, read on 2026-10-07, and the exact words relied on are kept with each row (open "Sources" on any card). Store ratings and review counts are the stores' own on that date, pulled through Sonar, an app-store analytics service. A feature is marked yes only when one of those sources says it; when none does, it is shown as unknown rather than as no. **How it was checked.** Every row was researched once and then handed to a second, independent pass whose only job was to break it: open the same pages, check every spec, every tick, every rating and every quote. Rows it could not confirm were corrected, marked unknown, or dropped before publishing. **What this page does not measure yet.** We have not put a drum recording through every app at half speed and compared how the hits survive. Time-stretching smears sharp attacks, and drums are all sharp attacks, so it matters; when we test it, the method will be here. **Prices.** Every price is in US dollars, read on 2026-10-07 on the store or page named next to it, with a link: Sweetwater, Musician's Friend or the maker's own store for gear and books, the US App Store's in-app purchase list or the maker's pricing page for apps. When a maker sells for less on its own website than in the app, both are shown. Prices change, so the date is part of the fact: check the store before you buy. Nothing on this page is an affiliate link. ## FAQ ### What app can I use with my electronic drum kit? To learn with scoring, Melodics or Clone Hero. For better sounds on a computer, EZdrummer 3, Superior Drummer 3, Addictive Drums 2, or a free program such as Steven Slate Drums 5.5 Free. To record yourself on an iPhone or iPad, GarageBand. Most of them work with any kit that sends MIDI over USB. ### Is there a Roland app for the TD-07 or TD-17? Not for the module itself. Roland's V-Drums Play app supports only the V71, V51 and V31 modules, and Roland's pages point TD-02, TD-07 and TD-17 owners to Melodics. ### Can I connect an electronic drum kit to a phone? Yes, with a USB cable and the right adapter, or over Bluetooth MIDI on modules that have it. Melodics, Drum Coach and GarageBand say they accept both; check which connections your module has first. ### What is the best free drum software for an electronic kit? Steven Slate Drums 5.5 Free, BFD Player and MT-PowerDrumKit 2 are free and come with presets for electronic kits. GarageBand is free on a Mac, iPhone and iPad. ## Related - [How to connect an electronic kit to a phone or tablet](https://upbeat.studio/drum-coach/support/how-to-connect-e-drums) - [Apps to learn drums compared](https://upbeat.studio/compare/drum-learning-apps) - [Quiet drum practice gear compared](https://upbeat.studio/compare/quiet-drum-practice)