Ranking updated
Metronome apps: keep time when you practise
A metronome on the phone is always with you. The Metronome by Soundbrenner adds a tuner and a practice tracker, Metronome Beats has tap tempo and a speed trainer and also works for running cadence, Pro Metronome offers 13 sounds and dynamics, and Tempo Lite keeps playing when the screen is locked.
How we chose: free metronome apps from registered music app companies, with features taken from each app’s store description.
The Metronome by Soundbrenner
The Metronome by Soundbrenner combines a metronome, a practice tracker and a tuner. Set the time signature and subdivision, accent beats, choose from more than 20 sounds, save rhythms and build setlists. The tracker sets daily or weekly goals, keeps a streak, counts hours for each instrument and sends practice reminders. The tuner has chromatic mode, more than 100 tuning profiles and an adjustable reference from 440 Hz.
Metronome Beats
Metronome Beats by Stonekick is a metronome, speed trainer and drum machine. It goes from 1 to 900 beats per minute, splits a beat into up to 16 clicks, finds the tempo when you tap it and stops after a set number of bars. It can keep playing in the background next to other apps, shows Italian tempo markings and, besides music, keeps time for running, dancing and golf putting practice.
Pro Metronome and Tempo Lite
Pro Metronome by Polybeat has 13 tones, including a voice, and lets you change accents and the dynamics of each beat. Subdivisions and polyrhythms come with the Pro version. Tempo Lite by Frozen Ape is the free version of Tempo. It keeps playing with the device locked, which helps live drummers, offers 8 time signatures and rhythm patterns, and tracks the bars or time you have played.
Which one to choose
A metronome, tuner and practice log in one app, The Metronome by Soundbrenner. Building speed or keeping a running cadence, Metronome Beats. Many sounds and dynamics on iPhone, Pro Metronome. A simple metronome that keeps going on a locked iPhone, Tempo Lite. To tune before you start, see guitar tuner apps, and for songs to play along to, guitar chords and songbook apps.
| App | Platform | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| The Metronome by SoundbrennerApp StoreGoogle Play | iPhone and Android | time signatures, subdivisions, accents, 20+ sounds, setlists, practice tracker, tuner |
| Metronome BeatsApp StoreGoogle Play | iPhone and Android | 1 to 900 BPM, up to 16 clicks per beat, tap tempo, tempo trainer, stop after bars |
| Pro MetronomeApp Store | iPhone | 13 tones including a voice, accents and dynamics, more in the Pro version |
| Tempo LiteApp Store | iPhone | runs on a locked screen, 8 time signatures, rhythm patterns, bar and time tracker |
Frequently asked questions
Is there a free metronome app for Android?
The Metronome by Soundbrenner and Metronome Beats are both free on Google Play.
Can a metronome app help with running?
The Metronome Beats listing names running alongside dancing and golf putting practice.
Which metronome has a tuner too?
The Metronome by Soundbrenner includes a tuner with chromatic mode and more than 100 tuning profiles.