--- title: "Rhythm Trainer Apps Compared for Drummers: Reading and Timing" description: "Rhythm and sight-reading trainer apps compared for drummers: drum staff or one line, tap, microphone or MIDI kit input, dictation, prices and ratings." author: "Raul Rodrigues" publishedAt: 2026-10-08 checkedOn: 2026-10-07 canonical: https://upbeat.studio/compare/rhythm-trainer-apps/ --- # Rhythm and sight-reading trainer apps, compared for drummers A rhythm trainer shows you a rhythm and checks whether you can read it and play it in time. Nearly all of them are built for every instrument, so they show a single rhythm line rather than a drum staff, and they hear you through taps on the screen; only a few take an electronic kit's MIDI or listen through the microphone. The table compares 12 trainers on what they show, how they hear you, whether they train dictation, and what they cost in the US today. > Upbeat Studio makes one of the tools in this table, the free Drum Notation Trainer. 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, and the picker never shortlists it. Where it does not fit, the page says so. Checked on 2026-10-07. 12 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 - **Drum staff.** I want to read real drum notation, kick and snare and cymbals, not one rhythm line. What decides it: a drum staff with several voices, and exercises written for a kit rather than for any instrument. - **Quick drills.** I want a few minutes of rhythm reading a day on my phone. What decides it: tap input with early or late feedback, endless new exercises, and levels that grow with you. - **On the kit.** I want it to hear what I play on my kit or pad. What decides it: MIDI input from an e-kit, or a microphone that can follow a drum, and timing feedback per note. - **Dictation.** I want to hear a rhythm and write it down. What decides it: a real dictation mode, with the answer checked note by note. - **Free, no account.** I want to start now, free, without signing up. What decides it: what the free version holds back, and whether it needs an account. - **For teachers.** I assign reading to students and want to see how they do. What decides it: classes, assignments and results a teacher can see. ## The table | Tool | Maker | Kind | Platforms | Price (US) | Shows multi-voice drum notation on a staff | Two independent rhythm lines or hands at once | You answer by tapping the screen or a key | Listens through the microphone to claps, taps or an instrument | Receives MIDI from a drum kit or controller | Shows early or late for each note | Generates new exercises without limit | Rhythm dictation: hear it, then notate it | Time signatures as the maker states them, for example 2/4 to 12/8 | Triplets or other tuplets | Classes, assignments or student tracking | App Store | Google Play | Best for | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Drum Notation Trainer (ours) | Upbeat Studio | web | Web | Free (free) | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | yes | no | Not stated on the page; the bars it generates are four beats long | no | no | not on this store | not on this store | Drum staff, Quick drills, Free, no account | | Rhythm Sight Reading Trainer | Rolfs Apps (Rolf Steenge) | app | iOS | $3.99 (one-time) | unknown | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | 2/2, 3/2, 4/2, 2/4, 3/4, 4/4, 5/4, 6/4, 7/4, 3/8, 5/8, 6/8, 7/8, 9/8 and 12/8 | yes | unknown | 4.8 (125) | not on this store | Quick drills, On the kit, Dictation | | Complete Rhythm Trainer | Binary Guilt Software | app | iOS, Android, Web, macOS, Windows | Free, or from $6.99 (freemium) | unknown | yes | yes | unknown | yes | unknown | yes | yes | Simple, compound and asymmetric time signatures, per the maker; the Android changelog adds 5/4, 7/4 and 8/4 in Free Practice | yes | yes | 4.7 (105) | 4.6 (5k) | Quick drills, Dictation, For teachers | | Music Rhythm Trainer | Guitar Tabs LLC | app | iOS, Android | Free, or $4.99/mo (freemium) | unknown | unknown | yes | unknown | unknown | unknown | unknown | yes | Not listed; the screenshots show 4/4 and 3/4 | yes | unknown | 4.8 (5k) | 4.6 (12k) | Quick drills, Dictation | | Rhythm: metronome tempo tutor | Alexey Ovod | app | iOS | Free (free with ads) | unknown | yes | yes | unknown | no | unknown | unknown | unknown | Simple, complex and irregular time signatures, per the maker | yes | unknown | 4.7 (338) | not on this store | Quick drills, Free, no account | | Rhythm Learning | Jumpei Adachi | app | iOS | Free, or $4.99 (freemium) | unknown | unknown | yes | unknown | yes | unknown | unknown | unknown | Not stated in the listing | unknown | unknown | 4.7 (325) | not on this store | Quick drills | | Rhythm Training | 金阳 游 | app | iOS | Free, or $4.99 (freemium) | unknown | yes | yes | unknown | unknown | unknown | yes | yes | 2/4, 3/4, 4/4, 3/8, 6/8 and more, listed with an open end; random time signatures added in version 3.2.1 | yes | unknown | 4.5 (50) | not on this store | Quick drills, Dictation | | Rhythm Trainer - Tap and Read | Deeryard LLC | app | iOS, Android | $3.99/mo or $39.99/yr (subscription) | unknown | yes | yes | unknown | unknown | yes | unknown | unknown | not stated by the maker | yes | unknown | 4.6 (11) | no rating yet | Quick drills | | Coryvo - Rhythm Trainer | Nitzan Ravhon | app | iOS, Android | Free, or from $9.99 (freemium) | unknown | unknown | unknown | unknown | unknown | unknown | yes | unknown | odd time signatures, cut time, 3/4 and 6/8; the App Store screenshots show odd meters in X/4, X/8 and X/16 | yes | unknown | 4.8 (92) | 4.6 (594) | none | | Perfect Ear: Music & Rhythm | Crazy Ootka Software AB | app | iOS, Android | Free, or from $0.99 (freemium) | unknown | unknown | yes | unknown | unknown | unknown | unknown | unknown | not stated by the maker | unknown | unknown | 4.7 (2k) | 4.6 (86k) | Quick drills | | Sight Reading Factory | Gracenotes, LLC | web | Web, iOS | $45/yr (subscription) | unknown | unknown | unknown | yes | unknown | yes | yes | unknown | a large variety of time signatures, including 5/8 and 7/8 since iOS app version 2.10 | yes | yes | 2.7 (391) | not on this store | For teachers | | The Rhythm Randomizer | Bob D'Errico | web | Web | Free (free) | no | no | no | no | no | no | yes | no | 2/4, 3/4, 4/4, 5/4, 6/4, 7/4, common time, 6/8, 9/8, 12/8, 2/2, 3/2, 4/2 and cut time | yes | no | not on this store | not on this store | Free, no account | Legend: yes = the store listing or the maker says so; no = not there; unknown = neither says. ## One by one ### Drum Notation Trainer (made by Upbeat Studio, disclosed) Upbeat Studio. web, Web, free. Free tier: Everything: three short reading games at Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced levels, played in the browser with no signup. Upbeat Studio's own free browser trainer (disclosed) teaches the drum staff itself: name the drum a note sits on, pick the written bar that matches one you hear, and tap a groove on two on-screen pads, one per drum, or the F and J keys, with every bar generated fresh. Know before choosing: it only reads short four-beat grooves in quarter, 8th and 16th notes, scores each tap run as a percentage with a star rating rather than showing early or late for each note, and takes no input from a kit, a pad or a microphone. - Best for: Drum staff, Quick drills, Free, no account - Not for: Drummers who want to answer on a real kit or pad, or to practice odd meters, triplets or writing rhythms down by ear. - Someone does it better: Rhythm Sight Reading Trainer takes taps from a MIDI drum kit or the microphone and covers meters from 2/2 to 12/8 with triplets and quintuplets, none of which this trainer offers. - Price (US, checked 2026-10-07): Free - App Store: not on this store - Google Play: not on this store - Maker: https://upbeat.studio/tools/drum-notation-trainer/ - Sources: - Three free games, played by level: "Three free reading games. Pick a level and play." (https://upbeat.studio/tools/drum-notation-trainer/) - No signup (page description): "No signup needed." (https://upbeat.studio/tools/drum-notation-trainer/) - Notes are read on a drum staff: "A note lights up on the staff. Tap the drum it belongs to." (https://upbeat.studio/tools/drum-notation-trainer/) - Advanced level uses the full kit (trainer level card): "The full kit, toms and cymbals included" (https://upbeat.studio/tools/drum-notation-trainer/) - Every bar is generated fresh: "every bar is generated fresh, so no two runs are the same" (https://upbeat.studio/tools/drum-notation-trainer/) - Hear and match is a pick-the-notation game, not written dictation: "A bar plays. Pick the notation that matches what you heard." (https://upbeat.studio/tools/drum-notation-trainer/) - Tap game with a count-in: "The click counts you in, then you play the bar. Your taps are the drums." (https://upbeat.studio/tools/drum-notation-trainer/) - Answers are taps on the screen or keyboard: "lets you answer by tapping your screen or keyboard" (https://upbeat.studio/tools/drum-notation-trainer/) - Beginner tap game uses two drums (trainer level card): "One bar, kick and snare" (https://upbeat.studio/tools/drum-notation-trainer/) - Intermediate tap game reaches 16th notes (trainer level card): "Two bars straight through, 16ths" (https://upbeat.studio/tools/drum-notation-trainer/) ### Rhythm Sight Reading Trainer Rolfs Apps (Rolf Steenge). app, iOS, one-time. Free tier: None: the app is sold up front on the App Store, with no free tier and no in-app purchases listed. Rhythm Sight Reading Trainer drills written rhythms from beginner to professional levels in 15 time signatures, with fixed and random exercises, and a drummer can answer on the screen, by clapping or playing into the microphone, or from a MIDI drum kit over USB, with every tap colored for timing. Know before choosing: it is an iPhone and iPad app only, and neither its listing nor its site mentions a drum kit staff with kick, snare and cymbals. - Best for: Quick drills, On the kit, Dictation - Not for: Android users, since the maker lists only the App Store, and anyone who wants to try it free before paying. - Someone does it better: Complete Rhythm Trainer also runs on Android, in a browser and on Mac and Windows, and lets a teacher assign programs to classes and track students, which Rhythm Sight Reading Trainer's listing does not mention. - Price (US, checked 2026-10-07): - Paid app: $3.99 at App Store (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/rhythm-sight-reading-trainer/id396302174) - App Store: 4.8 (125) (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/rhythm-sight-reading-trainer/id396302174) - Google Play: not on this store - Maker: https://sites.google.com/view/readrhythm-app - Sources: - Meters from 2/2 to 12/8: "Explore common and rare rhythms from 2 to 12 beats per bar" (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/rhythm-sight-reading-trainer/id396302174) - Tuplets up to quintuplets: "Challenge yourself with exercises involving rests, ties, syncopations, duplets, triplets, quadruplets and quintuplets." (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/rhythm-sight-reading-trainer/id396302174) - Random exercises: "Thousands of random exercises." (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/rhythm-sight-reading-trainer/id396302174) - Per-tap accuracy feedback: "Visual feedback instantly displays accuracy with each tap (color and position)." (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/rhythm-sight-reading-trainer/id396302174) - Early and late taps shown in color (App Store screenshot of the color settings): "The Prism set uses additional colors to show timing differences more precisely between early and late taps." (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/rhythm-sight-reading-trainer/id396302174) - Two hands at once: "Left- and right-hand independence: tap the beat and rhythm with two buttons." (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/rhythm-sight-reading-trainer/id396302174) - Rhythmic dictation: "Ear training function for rhythmic dictation." (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/rhythm-sight-reading-trainer/id396302174) - Microphone input: "Play rhythms with hand claps, finger-snaps, or an instrument." (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/rhythm-sight-reading-trainer/id396302174) - MIDI input from a drum kit: "Receive taps from a Midi device connected via Apple USB camera adapter or USB-C (e.g., keyboard, guitar, drum kit)." (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/rhythm-sight-reading-trainer/id396302174) - Maker lists only the App Store: "Available on the App Store for iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch." (https://sites.google.com/view/readrhythm-app) - MIDI input on the maker's site: "Support for receiving taps from a Midi device connected via USB camera adapter or USB-C (like keyboard, guitar, drum kit)." (https://sites.google.com/view/readrhythm-app) ### Complete Rhythm Trainer Binary Guilt Software. app, iOS, Android, Web, macOS, Windows, freemium. Free tier: The first chapters of the course: both store listings say the first two chapters, the maker's site says the first chapter of each mode, and the full version is a one-time unlock shared between Android and iOS. Complete Rhythm Trainer is a structured course of 252 drills in which a drummer imitates, reads, taps and writes rhythms, including two-voice reading and dictation drills, triplets, quintuplets and odd meters, with most drills randomly generated and class tools for teachers. Know before choosing: the drills are written for every instrument on one-line rhythm staves rather than a drum kit staff, and the web and desktop version is a separate purchase from the phone apps. - Best for: Quick drills, Dictation, For teachers - Not for: Drummers who want to read kit grooves with kick, snare and cymbals on one staff, since its screenshots show one-line rhythm staves only. - Someone does it better: Rhythm Sight Reading Trainer listens to claps or an instrument through the microphone, names drum kits among its MIDI inputs and colors every tap early or late, which Complete Rhythm Trainer's pages do not describe. - Price (US, checked 2026-10-07): - Full Version, in-app purchase: $6.99 at App Store (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/complete-rhythm-trainer/id1550799056) - Complete Rhythm Trainer full version for Android and iOS: $6.99 at Binary Guilt website (https://purchase.completemusictrainer.com/) - Complete Music Trainer web and desktop, lifetime (this trainer plus two others): $22.99 at Binary Guilt website (https://purchase.completemusictrainer.com/) - Note: The App Store also lists optional Cloud Sync and Web access purchases whose billing period the listing does not show; the maker's own subscription prices for the web version are published in euros. - App Store: 4.7 (105) (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/complete-rhythm-trainer/id1550799056) - Google Play: 4.6 (5k) (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.binaryguilt.completerhythmtrainer&hl=en&gl=us) - Maker: https://completerhythmtrainer.com - Sources: - Read, tap and write rhythms: "Learn to read, recognize, tap and write rhythms from simplest to most advanced." (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/complete-rhythm-trainer/id1550799056) - Drill types include dictation and two voices: "5 drill types: rhythm imitation drills, rhythm reading drills, rhythm dictations, two-voice reading drills and two-voice dictations" (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/complete-rhythm-trainer/id1550799056) - Randomly generated drills: "Most of the drills are randomly generated, enabling you to practice the studied rhythms as many times as needed" (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/complete-rhythm-trainer/id1550799056) - Meters and tuplets: "from simple time signatures to compound and asymmetric time signatures" (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/complete-rhythm-trainer/id1550799056) - Triplets and quintuplets: "thirty-second notes, triplets, swing eighths, double dotted notes, quintuplets" (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/complete-rhythm-trainer/id1550799056) - Teacher programs and student scores: "you can create custom programs for your students, add drills every week and view their scores on private leaderboards" (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/complete-rhythm-trainer/id1550799056) - Free chapters: "Download the app and try out the first two chapters for free" (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/complete-rhythm-trainer/id1550799056) - One-time unlock: "One-time in-app purchase to unlock the full version on all your devices" (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/complete-rhythm-trainer/id1550799056) - Classes for schools: "Group your students into classes to enable dedicated leaderboards for each class." (https://teacher.completemusictrainer.com) - MIDI input (Android): "MIDI support added" (https://completerhythmtrainer.com/changelog/android/) - Computer keyboard input (Android): "It is now possible to use a computer keyboard to input rhythms" (https://completerhythmtrainer.com/changelog/android/) - Web and desktop version: "but it can also be downloaded and used as a desktop app" (https://completemusictrainer.com) - Desktop downloads for Windows and Mac: "Download Complete Music Trainer.exe" (https://completemusictrainer.com) - Web and desktop is a separate license: "purchasing Complete Music Trainer doesn’t give you a license for the mobile apps" (https://binaryguilt.com/faq/) - Free tier on the maker's site: "Download the app and try out the first chapter of each mode for free." (https://completerhythmtrainer.com) ### Music Rhythm Trainer Guitar Tabs LLC. app, iOS, Android, freemium. Free tier: Limited daily practice: the Android listing says the paid version removes a 10 minutes per day cap, and the iOS listing does not say what stays free. Music Rhythm Trainer, from the company behind Songsterr, runs short daily sessions in which a drummer taps rhythms on the screen while counting aloud, sight-reads rhythm notation and picks out rhythms by ear, and its screenshots show triplet lessons and a lesson mode labeled 2 HANDS. Know before choosing: the iPhone version has not been updated since June 2024 while the Android version was updated in September 2026, and the iOS listing describes the paid tier as a monthly subscription. - Best for: Quick drills, Dictation - Not for: Drummers who prefer a one-time purchase to a monthly subscription, or who want MIDI or microphone input, which neither listing mentions. - Someone does it better: Complete Rhythm Trainer lists its meters and tuplets, adds MIDI input and teacher class tools, and sells a one-time unlock, where Music Rhythm Trainer's iOS listing describes a monthly subscription. - Price (US, checked 2026-10-07): - Full version, auto-renewing subscription (monthly, per the listing text): $4.99/mo at App Store (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/music-rhythm-trainer/id1319997438) - Note: The App Store's in-app purchase list shows one item, Full version, without a period; the listing text describes it as an auto-renewing monthly subscription. - App Store: 4.8 (5k) (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/music-rhythm-trainer/id1319997438) - Google Play: 4.6 (12k) (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=ru.demax.rhythmerr&hl=en&gl=us) - Maker: https://rhythmtest.online/terms - Sources: - Reading rhythm notation: "Sight-read rhythm notation." (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/music-rhythm-trainer/id1319997438) - Hearing rhythm errors by ear: "Hear mistakes in a rhythm by ear." (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/music-rhythm-trainer/id1319997438) - Short daily sessions: "Practice 15 minutes a day in an individual session." (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/music-rhythm-trainer/id1319997438) - Paid tier is a subscription on iOS: "The Rhythm Trainer offers an auto-renewing subscription" (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/music-rhythm-trainer/id1319997438) - Tap input (App Store screenshot caption): "TAP THE RHYTHM ON THE SCREEN AND COUNT OUT LOUD ALONG WITH THE APP" (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/music-rhythm-trainer/id1319997438) - A lesson mode labeled 2 HANDS on each lesson card (App Store screenshot of the lesson list; the listing does not say what it trains): "2 HANDS" (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/music-rhythm-trainer/id1319997438) - Hear a rhythm and enter it (App Store screenshot caption): "TAP NOTES THAT YOU HEAR" (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/music-rhythm-trainer/id1319997438) - Triplet lesson (App Store screenshot): "Quarter note triplet" (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/music-rhythm-trainer/id1319997438) - Same developer makes Songsterr: "Songsterr Tabs & Chords" (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/music-rhythm-trainer/id1319997438) - Last iOS release: "3.3.9 06/13/2024" (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/music-rhythm-trainer/id1319997438) - Free daily limit on Android: "In the paid version there is no limit of 10 minutes per day, you can use the app as much as you need." (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=ru.demax.rhythmerr&hl=en&gl=us) - Android developer is the same company: "GUITARTABS, LLC" (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=ru.demax.rhythmerr&hl=en&gl=us) - Terms name Guitar Tabs LLC: "refers to Guitar Tabs LLC, 901 Deming Way Suite 100 Madison, WI 53717." (https://rhythmtest.online/terms) ### Rhythm: metronome tempo tutor Alexey Ovod. app, iOS, free with ads. Free tier: The whole app with ads and no in-app purchases, with polyrhythm practice limited to the 3:2 ratio and five-minute sessions; MIDI input, the other ratios and ad removal come in the separate paid Rhythm MIDI app. Rhythm: metronome tempo tutor drills rhythm flash cards against a click at graded levels, tells you whether you rush or drag, and adds a two-hand polyrhythm mode with one tap zone per hand, all free with ads. Know before choosing: it shows rhythm cards rather than a drum staff, and playing into it from an electronic kit or pad over MIDI needs the separate paid Rhythm MIDI app. - Best for: Quick drills, Free, no account - Not for: Drummers who want to play into it from an electronic kit or pad, which needs the separate paid version. - Someone does it better: Complete Rhythm Trainer adds rhythm dictation, two-voice reading, teacher class tools and Android and web versions, none of which this app's listing describes. - Price (US, checked 2026-10-07): Free - Note: The app is free with ads and the listing shows no in-app purchases. The listing's 'What Rhythm Pro adds' extras (MIDI input, the polyrhythm ratios past 3:2, no session limit, no ads) are sold as Rhythm MIDI: tempo tutor, a separate paid App Store app, so its price is not a line for this row. - App Store: 4.7 (338) (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/rhythm-metronome-tempo-tutor/id1545372234) - Google Play: not on this store - Maker: https://alexovod.com/rhythm/ - Sources: - Flash-card rhythm drills: "Rhythm is an app that uses flash cards to develop a sense of rhythm." (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/rhythm-metronome-tempo-tutor/id1545372234) - Graded levels and meters: "Training sessions are graded from beginner to advanced levels in simple, complex, and irregular time signatures." (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/rhythm-metronome-tempo-tutor/id1545372234) - Two tap zones, one per hand: "Two tap zones, one for each hand. Every hand is scored on its own" (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/rhythm-metronome-tempo-tutor/id1545372234) - Rushing or dragging: "Are you rushing or are you dragging?" (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/rhythm-metronome-tempo-tutor/id1545372234) - Statistics on which side you miss: "the share you hit on target and one sentence about which side you miss on" (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/rhythm-metronome-tempo-tutor/id1545372234) - Early or late tendency (App Store screenshot): "You land early more often than late." (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/rhythm-metronome-tempo-tutor/id1545372234) - MIDI is a Pro addition: "External MIDI keyboards and drum pads over cable or Bluetooth." (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/rhythm-metronome-tempo-tutor/id1545372234) - Pro removes ads: "No ads, anywhere." (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/rhythm-metronome-tempo-tutor/id1545372234) - The paid app is the Pro version: "Every polyrhythm ratio, from 3:2 up to 7:5. The free app opens 3:2 only." (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/rhythm-midi-tempo-tutor/id1604438442) - Drum kit option in classes (maker site): "Classes with a metronome and a drum kit will help children and beginners learn complex musical drills." (https://alexovod.com/rhythm/) - Triplets: the 3 against 2 polyrhythm mode, which the App Store screenshots notate with a triplet bracket on the 3 side: "3 against 2 is open here" (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/rhythm-metronome-tempo-tutor/id1545372234) ### Rhythm Learning Jumpei Adachi. app, iOS, freemium. Free tier: Levels 5 and below, per the developer's release notes; the listing text still says you can practice 10 times for free. Rhythm Learning is a simple iPhone and iPad drill for reading rhythms from sheet music, answered by tapping the screen, with a long-press input mode, multi-bar questions and MIDI keyboard input added in recent versions. Know before choosing: its listing is two sentences long and does not say which meters, note values or modes it covers, so try the free levels before paying. - Best for: Quick drills - Not for: Drummers who want a documented feature list, dictation or a drum kit staff, none of which the listing mentions. - Someone does it better: Rhythm Sight Reading Trainer documents 15 time signatures, tuplets up to quintuplets, microphone input and MIDI drum kit taps, while Rhythm Learning's listing describes almost none of its content. - Price (US, checked 2026-10-07): - Paid Version, in-app purchase: $4.99 at App Store (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/rhythm-learning/id1516415316) - Note: The App Store lists Paid Version as an in-app purchase without a billing period; the listing carries no subscription terms, so 'once' is the reading, not a stated fact. - App Store: 4.7 (325) (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/rhythm-learning/id1516415316) - Google Play: not on this store - Maker: https://jumpei-adachi.web.app/ - Sources: - Reading rhythms from sheet music: "This is an app for practicing reading rhythms from sheet music." (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/rhythm-learning/id1516415316) - Listing text on the free tier: "You can practice 10 times for free." (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/rhythm-learning/id1516415316) - Newer free tier: "The trial period has been abolished, and only levels 5 or below have become available in the free version." (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/rhythm-learning/id1516415316) - MIDI keyboard input: "You can now use MIDI keyboards." (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/rhythm-learning/id1516415316) - Developer reply on MIDI input: "Since version 2.21, you can use MIDI keyboards to input." (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/rhythm-learning/id1516415316) - Tap input: "It has been changed so that tap sounds are not played by default when using Bluetooth." (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/rhythm-learning/id1516415316) - Long press input mode: "Added Long Press mode." (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/rhythm-learning/id1516415316) - Multi-bar questions: "Supported multi-bar questions." (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/rhythm-learning/id1516415316) ### Rhythm Training 金阳 游. app, iOS, freemium. Free tier: Free to download, and the release notes mark score export, the metronome beat unit setting and Save and Load in Notation Mode as free; the listing does not spell out what the Full Version unlock adds. Rhythm Training generates rhythm scores in one or two voices for sight reading, tapping along on an on-screen button and rhythm dictation, with tuplets such as triplets, 3 against 4 and 5 against 4, which suits a drummer working on reading and hand independence. Know before choosing it that it is built for all musicians, runs only on Apple devices, namely iPhone, iPad, Apple silicon Macs and Apple Vision, and its listing never says whether it scores the timing of your taps. - Best for: Quick drills, Dictation - Not for: Drummers who want kit notation with kick, snare and cymbals, since the listing only describes rhythm scores in one or two voices. - Someone does it better: Rhythm Trainer - Tap and Read shows a green or red timing bar for every note you tap, which Rhythm Training's listing does not describe. - Price (US, checked 2026-10-07): - Full Version: $4.99 at App Store (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/rhythm-training/id1613734367) - Note: The app is free to download; Full Version is the only in-app purchase listed. - App Store: 4.5 (50) (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/rhythm-training/id1613734367) - Google Play: not on this store - Maker: https://zxzdev.com/rhythm-training - Sources: - Practice modes: "It supports multiple practice modes, including rhythm dictation, rhythm sight-reading, notation, and playback." (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/rhythm-training/id1613734367) - Random generation: "Randomly generate rhythm scores and audio for dictation, sight-reading, or sight-singing practice." (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/rhythm-training/id1613734367) - One or two voices: "Voices: choose one or two voices" (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/rhythm-training/id1613734367) - Time signatures listed: "Time signature: 2/4, 3/4, 4/4, 3/8, 6/8" (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/rhythm-training/id1613734367) - Tuplets: "provides common tuplet types, including triplets, 3 against 4, 4 against 3, 5 against 4, and more" (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/rhythm-training/id1613734367) - Dictation mode: "Dictation Mode: enter notes according to the rhythm you hear, and check the answer at any time" (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/rhythm-training/id1613734367) - No subscription: "Focused functionality, a clean interface, and no subscription." (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/rhythm-training/id1613734367) - Free features in release notes: "New free feature: score export, available in all practice modes" (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/rhythm-training/id1613734367) - Save and Load free: "Save and Load in Notation Mode are now free to use" (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/rhythm-training/id1613734367) - Random time signatures added: "Added support for random time signatures" (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/rhythm-training/id1613734367) - Tap button in Reading Mode: "Tapping the beat: use the circular button at the bottom of Reading Mode in place of an instrument for sight-reading practice" (https://zxzdev.com/rhythm-training) - Two-voice rhythms: "Today, Rhythm Training covers everything from the most basic rhythms to complex two-voice rhythms and many tuplet variations." (https://zxzdev.com/rhythm-training) ### Rhythm Trainer - Tap and Read Deeryard LLC. app, iOS, Android, subscription. Free tier: Free to download; the listings do not say which sheets or courses work without Rhythm Premium Access. You tap along with a written rhythm and every note gets a green or red bar showing whether your timing was right, and the Two Hands courses have you tap two independent rhythms at once, which is close to hand independence on the kit. Know before choosing that the exercises come from a curated library of written sheets, the listings never mention generated exercises, and full access is sold as Rhythm Premium Access by subscription or a one-time purchase. - Best for: Quick drills - Not for: Drummers who want endless newly generated exercises or kit notation, since it works from a curated library of written sheets. - Someone does it better: Rhythm Training generates new one- or two-voice rhythm scores at random and adds a dictation mode, with a one-time unlock instead of a subscription. - Price (US, checked 2026-10-07): - Rhythm Premium Access Monthly: $3.99/mo at App Store (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/rhythm-trainer-tap-and-read/id6472973848) - Rhythm Premium Access - Yearly: $39.99/yr at App Store (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/rhythm-trainer-tap-and-read/id6472973848) - One-time Payment: $119.99 at App Store (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/rhythm-trainer-tap-and-read/id6472973848) - App Store: 4.6 (11) (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/rhythm-trainer-tap-and-read/id6472973848) - Google Play: no rating yet (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.deeryard.android.rhythmtrainer) - Maker: https://sightsinging.app/ - Sources: - Per-note tap timing feedback: "Analyze your tap timing for each note and receive instant feedback on its accuracy." (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/rhythm-trainer-tap-and-read/id6472973848) - Green and red feedback bar: "When you tap, a feedback bar will appear. Its color is green when the timing is correct." (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/rhythm-trainer-tap-and-read/id6472973848) - Two Hands courses: "Challenge Two Hands courses." (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/rhythm-trainer-tap-and-read/id6472973848) - Two independent rhythms with both hands: "challenging yourself to tap independent rhythms with both hands." (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.deeryard.android.rhythmtrainer) - Triplets: "Explore advanced musical elements like ties, dotted notes, and triplets." (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/rhythm-trainer-tap-and-read/id6472973848) - Curated library, not generated: "Challenge yourself with a carefully curated library of rhythmic exercises suited for any skill level." (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.deeryard.android.rhythmtrainer) - Record and compare taps: "Record your taps and play them back with the correct taps for comparison." (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/rhythm-trainer-tap-and-read/id6472973848) - Maker description: "tracks your exact timing and delivers instant visual feedback" (https://sightsinging.app/) ### Coryvo - Rhythm Trainer Nitzan Ravhon. app, iOS, Android, freemium. Free tier: The free version has the core features (randomized scores, playback, live cursor, saved scores) with a limited set of lesson presets; premium unlocks all presets and custom scores. Coryvo generates endless rhythm scores from quarter notes up to quintuplets, septuplets, 32nd notes, odd meters and polyrhythms, with playback, a moving cursor and a metronome, so a drummer always has fresh reading material for a pad or kit. Know before choosing that it plays the rhythm back to you but its listings describe no tapping, microphone or scoring of what you play. - Best for: no intent on this page - Not for: Anyone who wants the app to check their taps or playing, since the listings only describe generated scores with playback, a cursor and a metronome. - Someone does it better: Rhythm Trainer - Tap and Read checks each tap against the written note and shows a timing bar, while Coryvo's listings describe no input or scoring. - Price (US, checked 2026-10-07): - Premium Access: $14.99 at App Store (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/coryvo-rhythm-trainer/id1080310064) - Teachers' Premium: $9.99 at App Store (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/coryvo-rhythm-trainer/id1080310064) - Note: The App Store does not say whether these unlocks renew; the maker's site calls premium a one-time payment with lifetime access, and its pricing table shows a lower one-time premium price than the App Store's Premium Access line. The site does not sell the app directly. - App Store: 4.8 (92) (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/coryvo-rhythm-trainer/id1080310064) - Google Play: 4.6 (594) (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.coryvo.learn) - Maker: https://coryvo.com/ - Sources: - Randomized rhythms: "Coryvo's innovative algorithms generate randomized rhythms tailored to your chosen subject" (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/coryvo-rhythm-trainer/id1080310064) - Advanced tuplets, odd meters, polyrhythms: "Coryvo also covers complex rhythms such as quintuplets, sextuplets, septuplets, 32nd notes, odd time signatures, and a vast range of polyrhythms." (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/coryvo-rhythm-trainer/id1080310064) - Playback features: "Playback features diverse samples, a live cursor, loopable sections, and a metronome" (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/coryvo-rhythm-trainer/id1080310064) - For drummers among others: "Coryvo is the go-to tool for rhythm sight reading improvement, whether you play guitar, piano, bass, or drums." (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/coryvo-rhythm-trainer/id1080310064) - Premium unlocks presets and custom scores: "granting access to all app presets and the ability to create your own custom scores." (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/coryvo-rhythm-trainer/id1080310064) - Free tier is limited presets: "Limited lesson presets" (https://coryvo.com/) - One-time premium: "Start free and upgrade when you're ready. One-time payment, lifetime access." (https://coryvo.com/) - Apple and Android: "Coryvo is available for all device sized whether you use Apple or Android as well as Mac devices." (https://coryvo.com/) - Android listing: "Endless rhythm reading drills: subdivisions, odd meters & polyrhythms" (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.coryvo.learn) ### Perfect Ear: Music & Rhythm Crazy Ootka Software AB. app, iOS, Android, freemium. Free tier: Free to download, and the maker calls it a free app with hundreds of exercises; paid exercise packs, including a rhythm exercises pack, and Premium unlock more, but the listings do not say which rhythm exercises are free. Perfect Ear's rhythm section has you read, tap and imitate rhythms on the phone screen, and you can build your own rhythm patterns, inside a large ear training and music theory course. Know before choosing that rhythm is one module of a general musicianship app, the listings never mention drum notation, and its MIDI support is for a keyboard in the note sight reading trainer. - Best for: Quick drills - Not for: Drummers who only want rhythm work, since most of the app is interval, chord, scale, singing and pitch reading training. - Someone does it better: Complete Rhythm Trainer is built only around rhythm, with rhythm dictations, two-voice reading drills and a dedicated polyrhythm section named in its listing. - Price (US, checked 2026-10-07): - Perfect Ear Premium: $14.99 at App Store (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/perfect-ear-music-rhythm/id1440768353) - Full Exercise Pack: $4.99 at App Store (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/perfect-ear-music-rhythm/id1440768353) - Rhythm exercises pack.: $0.99 at App Store (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/perfect-ear-music-rhythm/id1440768353) - Note: The App Store lists these purchases without saying whether Perfect Ear Premium renews; the listing carries no subscription terms, so it is recorded as a one-time purchase. - App Store: 4.7 (2k) (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/perfect-ear-music-rhythm/id1440768353) - Google Play: 4.6 (86k) (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.evilduck.musiciankit) - Maker: https://www.perfectear.app/ - Sources: - Rhythm exercise types: "Rhythm exercises: reading, writing, and imitation" (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/perfect-ear-music-rhythm/id1440768353) - Tapping: "Exercises for improving your sense of rhythm: rhythm reading, tapping and imitation." (https://www.perfectear.app/) - Custom rhythm patterns: "You can even create custom rhythm patterns for your exercises" (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.evilduck.musiciankit) - MIDI keyboard for the sight reading trainer: "You can always plug-in your MIDI keyboard to practice with our Sight Reading trainer." (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.evilduck.musiciankit) - Free app: "Perfect Ear is a fun, free ear training app with hundreds of focused exercises and guided courses" (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/perfect-ear-music-rhythm/id1440768353) - Melodic dictation listed separately: "Melodic dictation exercises" (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/perfect-ear-music-rhythm/id1440768353) - Rival: Complete Rhythm Trainer drill types: "5 drill types: rhythm imitation drills, rhythm reading drills, rhythm dictations, two-voice reading drills and two-voice dictations" (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.binaryguilt.completerhythmtrainer) ### Sight Reading Factory Gracenotes, LLC. web, Web, iOS, subscription. Free tier: A free account lets you try it out; the site does not say how much is included before a paid yearly plan is needed. Sight Reading Factory composes unlimited new sight reading exercises in the browser or its iOS app, including snare drum and rhythm-only parts, and teachers can assign them, collect recordings and grade them. Know before choosing that its instrument list has snare drum and mallets but no drum set, and snare drum exercises can be neither customized nor graded by its microphone Auto Assessment. - Best for: For teachers - Not for: Drummers who want their playing graded or want kit notation, since snare drum is excluded from Auto Assessment and there is no drum set option. - Someone does it better: Coryvo generates rhythm-only reading with odd groupings and polyrhythms that you can customize, while Sight Reading Factory's snare drum exercises cannot be customized. - Price (US, checked 2026-10-07): - Individual Plan, yearly subscription: $45/yr at Sight Reading Factory website (https://www.sightreadingfactory.com/pricing) - Note: The iOS app lists no in-app purchases. Educator student accounts are quoted only as a starting per-student yearly price, so they are not recorded as a line. - App Store: 2.7 (391) (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/sight-reading-factory/id1046058520) - Google Play: not on this store - Maker: https://www.sightreadingfactory.com/ - Sources: - Unlimited generated exercises: "Generate brand new exercises that are composed instantly and on-demand every time you practice." (https://www.sightreadingfactory.com/) - Percussion instruments offered: "Percussion Snare Drum Mallets Rhythm-Only" (https://www.sightreadingfactory.com/) - Time signatures: "You can also choose from a large variety of time signatures and all major and minor key signatures." (https://www.sightreadingfactory.com/) - Triplets: "Maybe you want to focus on triplets or syncopated rhythms?" (https://www.sightreadingfactory.com/focus/customization) - Snare drum not customizable: "the customization feature is not yet available for piano, snare drum or multiple part ensembles." (https://www.sightreadingfactory.com/focus/customization) - Microphone recording: "select the red microphone button on the left side of the top toolbar." (https://www.sightreadingfactory.com/focus/autoAssessment) - Early and late errors: "a breakdown of correct notes, wrong/missing notes, early/late errors, and intonation errors." (https://www.sightreadingfactory.com/focus/autoAssessment) - Snare drum not auto-graded: "The following mediums are not currently able to be automatically graded with the Auto Assessment feature: snare drum, mallets, or ensembles." (https://www.sightreadingfactory.com/focus/assignmentsForEducators) - Classes and assignments: "Teachers can organize students into classes/groups and create assignments for them." (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/sight-reading-factory/id1046058520) - 5/8 and 7/8 added: "5/8 and 7/8 time signatures" (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/sight-reading-factory/id1046058520) - Free account to try: "Create an account to try it out for free" (https://www.sightreadingfactory.com/register) - Browser based: "SightReadingFactory.com is a 100% browser based application." (https://sightreadingfactory.freshdesk.com/support/solutions/articles/27000042169-what-are-the-system-requirements-) - Android via Chrome: "Our site and microphone technology is 100% compatible with Chrome on Android" (https://sightreadingfactory.freshdesk.com/support/solutions/articles/27000042169-what-are-the-system-requirements-) ### The Rhythm Randomizer Bob D'Errico. web, Web, free. Free tier: Everything: the whole site works in a browser with no sign-up or paid option. The Rhythm Randomizer is a free web page that builds a new single-line rhythm from the note values, rests, triplets, time signature and number of measures you pick, then plays it back with an optional metronome and count-off, handy fresh reading material for a pad or kit. Know before choosing that it has no tapping, scoring or drum staff, and the site and its code have not been updated since January 2022. - Best for: Free, no account - Not for: Anyone who wants feedback on their playing or kit notation, since it only generates, shows and plays back a single rhythm line. - Someone does it better: Coryvo generates the same kind of random reading on a phone, adds quintuplets, septuplets and polyrhythms, and is still being updated. - Price (US, checked 2026-10-07): Free - App Store: not on this store - Google Play: not on this store - Maker: https://www.rhythmrandomizer.com/ - Sources: - Generates random rhythms: "A music rhythm practice site that generates random rhythms" (https://www.rhythmrandomizer.com/) - Playback added: "Click the 'Play' button in the header navigation area to start playback." (https://www.rhythmrandomizer.com/static/media/release-notes.7cf2809c.md) - Single playback tone: "a new section for adjusting playback settings including both the tempo and the pitch of the playback tone." (https://www.rhythmrandomizer.com/static/media/release-notes.7cf2809c.md) - Compound meters: "At long last, 6/8, 9/8, and 12/8 time signatures have arrived!" (https://www.rhythmrandomizer.com/static/media/release-notes.7cf2809c.md) - 5/4, 6/4, 7/4 added: "Three new simple meter time signatures have been introduced in this version: 5/4, 6/4, and 7/4 time" (https://www.rhythmrandomizer.com/static/media/release-notes.7cf2809c.md) - Alla breve meters: "Included with the new time signatures are 2/2, 3/2, 4/2, and cut-time" (https://www.rhythmrandomizer.com/static/media/release-notes.7cf2809c.md) - Triplets in note selection: "an 8th note triplet" (https://www.rhythmrandomizer.com/locales/en-US/translation.json) - Interface options are generation, playback and metronome only: "Play metronome during playback" (https://www.rhythmrandomizer.com/locales/en-US/translation.json) - Development has slowed: "Life got very busy, and I unfortunately have not found much time to work on The Rhythm Randomizer." (https://www.rhythmrandomizer.com/static/media/release-notes.7cf2809c.md) - Built by a former music teacher: "I built the original version of The Rhythm Randomizer in 2014 while I was still teaching music." (https://www.rhythmrandomizer.com/static/media/release-notes.7cf2809c.md) - Owner: "Copyright Bob D'Errico." (https://github.com/bobderrico80/rhythm-randomizer-v2) ## What we found ### Almost none show a drum staff None of the eleven trainers not made by us says it shows a drum staff, with kick, snare and cymbals on their own lines. They train rhythm on one line, which is the core skill, but reading a drum part means reading a staff. The only drum staff in this table is our own free Drum Notation Trainer, which is why it is disclosed and the picker never offers it. Drum lesson apps such as Drumr and Chops also show drum notation in their exercises; see [apps to learn drums](/compare/drum-learning-apps/). ### Few hear a real drum Rhythm Sight Reading Trainer is the one app here that takes a drum kit's MIDI, listens through the microphone and marks each tap early or late. Complete Rhythm Trainer and Rhythm Learning also list MIDI input. Sight Reading Factory grades through the microphone, but its own help says snare drum cannot be graded automatically. Everything else listens to your finger on the glass. ### The biggest audiences train every instrument Perfect Ear and Music Rhythm Trainer have the most store ratings in this table by far, and both are general musicianship trainers. That is not a flaw: rhythm reading is the same skill on any instrument. It does mean the exercises are written for a melody player, so expect one-line rhythms, not grooves. ## 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 is the best app to practice reading rhythms? For quick daily drills on a phone, Rhythm Sight Reading Trainer and Complete Rhythm Trainer cover the most ground: endless new exercises, dictation and tuplets. If you want to play the rhythm on a kit, Rhythm Sight Reading Trainer also takes MIDI from an electronic kit. The three questions at the top of the page narrow it to your setup. ### Is there a rhythm trainer that shows drum notation? None of the rival trainers here says it shows a drum staff; they show one rhythm line. Our own free Drum Notation Trainer does, and drum lesson apps such as Drumr and Chops show drum notation in their exercises. ### Can a rhythm app hear my drums? Rhythm Sight Reading Trainer takes MIDI from an electronic kit and can listen through the microphone. Complete Rhythm Trainer and Rhythm Learning list MIDI input. Most others only take taps on the screen, and Sight Reading Factory says it cannot grade snare drum automatically. ### Are there free rhythm trainers? Rhythm Randomizer and our Drum Notation Trainer are free in the browser with no account, and Rhythm: metronome tempo tutor is free with ads. Most of the others have a free part and a paid unlock. ## Related - [Drum Notation Trainer (free, in the browser)](https://upbeat.studio/tools/drum-notation-trainer) - [How to read drum notation](https://upbeat.studio/learn/drum-notation) - [Drum notation apps compared](https://upbeat.studio/compare/drum-notation-apps)