MetroBeat Free for iOS

MetroBeat Free is a very straightforward app that does one thing, but it does it very well and provides a much-needed tool for musicians and singers, alike. Because so many music apps, whether training tools or just instrumental supplements, are loaded with features to the point of being unwieldy, MetroBeat Free is a fantastic tool in that it provides something you'll almost certainly need in a basic package.

Open MetroBeat and you'll find a black screen with a number of white buttons and text on it. At the top you can set the beat--4, 8, 12, or 16--and below you can set the number of notes, starting at 100 and going as high as 200. Buttons below this allow you to adjust the number of notes up or down by one to five, and then you can press start. That's it. No recording, sharing, or customization beyond those basic functions. But it is accurate, easy to use, and accessible, which makes it as effective as it needs to be for anyone that needs a beat-keeping app for their phone.

MetroBeat Free is a great tool because it doesn't try to do too much. It keeps things easy, it works exactly as intended, it isn't loaded down with ads or pop-ups asking for you to upgrade, and it is easy to use. If you need an app that will keep time or help you determine the right beat or meter for your next composition, this is a great app to have on your phone.