GarageBand vs Koala Sampler
GarageBand
apple.com
Koala Sampler
koalasampler.comSide by side
| Figure | GarageBand | Koala Sampler |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | — | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | — | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 2 | 11 |
| Spec score · Audio Editing Software | 8.4 (#22) | 9.0 (#8) |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Integrations | Logic Remote on iPad can control GarageBand on Mac, play software instruments, adjust Smart Controls, and control recording. | iOS AUv3 operation works in hosts including AUM, GarageBand and Logic Pro, and Ableton Link enables Wi-Fi jamming. |
| Privacy | The Mac App Store listing says the app may collect a user ID for app functionality and that this data is not linked to the user. | The maker says iOS and Android apps do not require an account and do not send projects or audio to the maker; microphone, file, and photo permissions stay on the device. |
| Purpose | GarageBand is a music creation studio for playing, recording, editing, mixing, and sharing music. | Koala records sounds with a device microphone or imports sounds for making beats, adding effects, and creating tracks. |
| Support | Apple offers support by phone or chat and provides online answers through Apple Support. | The help center provides knowledge-base articles, bug-report guidance, crash-log instructions and a contact route. |
Plans
Koala Sampler
- DesktopPrice not published
- Desktop Koala SamplerFree
- Desktop plugin trialFree
- Koala Sampler desktop plugin trialFree
- Koala Sampler (Mac, Windows, Linux, Raspberry Pi)Free
- Sample packs$2.99, paid once
- Samurai Edition$3.99, paid once
- Koala Sampler for Android$4.99, paid once
- Koala Sampler for iOS$4.99, paid once
- Koala Sampler (iOS)$4.99, paid once
In their own words
GarageBand
GarageBand is a music creation studio for playing, recording, editing, mixing, and sharing music on Mac, iPhone, and iPad. The Mac version includes a sound library of instruments, guitar and voice presets, and session drummers and percussionists. It offers 28 drummers and three percussionists across six genres, and can create and mix up to 255 audio tracks. Recording tools include Flex Time, Groove Track, multi-take recording, audio effect plug-ins, compression, and visual EQ. Guitar and piano lessons cover 40 genres and provide real-time feedback. On iPad, Logic Remote can control GarageBand on Mac, play software instruments, adjust Smart Controls, and manage recording. iCloud can bring tracks and song ideas between iOS devices and Mac. The iOS version supports up to 32 tracks and Audio Unit Extensions for compatible third-party instruments and effects. Sharing options include email and social networks; iOS also supports AirDrop, while Mac users can save tracks as ringtones or export them to the Music app library. GarageBand is free: free.
Koala Sampler
Koala Sampler records sounds through a device microphone or imports audio for making beats and tracks. It can capture up to 64 samples and includes a high-resolution sequencer, keyboard mode, quantization, swing, and effects. Projects can be exported as WAV loops or tracks; the iOS version can also export Ableton Live Sets. MIDI control and Ableton Link support external control and Wi-Fi jamming. Optional in-app purchases add more tools: Samurai includes time-stretch algorithms, a piano roll, auto-chop, a three-band EQ, a polyphonic synth, and MIDI output. Mixer adds four channels, a main bus, and five effect slots per channel; its external plugin hosting is available on iOS, Mac, and Windows, but not Android. Koala Sampler is listed for Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, and Windows. Desktop builds for Mac, Windows, Linux, and Raspberry Pi are free for now, although the Windows build is in beta. The iOS app costs $4.99, paid once, with in-app purchases sold separately. The maker says mobile apps do not require an account and keep projects and audio on the device.