Koala Sampler review

Koala Sampler is the cheapest paid app here and the fastest way to turn found sounds into a beat. It costs $4.99 once on the US App Store. You record up to 64 samples with the mic or load your own, pick from 250 built-in sounds, and sequence them with a high-resolution sequencer that supports quantize, swing and note repeat. Sixteen DJ mix effects, from bit-crusher to tape-style dub, can be applied to the whole mix, and you can resample the output back into a new sample. An AI tool splits samples into drums, bass, vocals and other. Finished loops export as WAV or straight to an Ableton Live Set, and the app includes a free copy of Ableton Live Lite. It also runs as an AUv3 plug-in inside GarageBand, Logic and Cubasis. Deeper tools cost extra: the Samurai Edition ($3.99) adds timestretch and a piano roll, and the Mixer ($4.99) adds a 4-channel mixer and AUv3 hosting.

Who it is for

beatmakers who sample on a budget

Price

$4.99 one-time on the US App Store; optional Samurai Edition ($3.99) and Mixer ($4.99) add-ons.

Your Pocket Beat Machine $4.99
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 14, 2026.

Key features

• Records up to 64 samples with the microphone
• 16 built-in DJ mix effects and 8 microphone effects
• AI separation of samples into drums, bass, vocals and other
• Direct export to an Ableton Live Set, plus WAV export
• AUv3 compatible for use inside GarageBand, Logic and Cubasis

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Costs $4.99 once
• Strength: Includes a free copy of Ableton Live Lite
• Strength: Ableton Link sync over WiFi
• Weakness: Piano roll and timestretch need the $3.99 Samurai Edition
• Weakness: The 4-channel mixer and AUv3 hosting are a $4.99 add-on
• Weakness: Focused on sampling, not multitrack audio recording

Key facts

• Price: $4.99 one-time
• Samples: Up to 64 per project
• Built-in sounds: 250
• Effects: 16 DJ mix FX, 8 mic FX

Where it ranks

Koala Sampler is No. 3 in our Best Music Production Apps for iPad verdict.