MagicBPM

MagicBPM measures music tempo in real time through a microphone and includes a metronome and song identification. Its BPM display updates as music plays and provides a confidence indicator as the reading settles; a scrolling tempogram shows tempo changes over time. The metronome supports tempos up to 300 BPM, eight time signatures, accented downbeats, and eighth-note, triplet, and sixteenth-note subdivisions. It can listen while music plays aloud from services such as Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, and Deezer. Tempo analysis takes place on-device, and microphone audio is not recorded or uploaded. Song identification sends an acoustic fingerprint to Apple’s Shazam service and requires an internet connection. The app does not import audio files: users measure sound captured by the microphone or tap the beat. MagicBPM is listed for Mac, iPhone, iPad, and Android, with an Apple Watch metronome. The core app is free; iPhone and Android versions show ads, while the Mac app is ad-free.

MagicBPM pairs microphone-based tempo detection with a configurable metronome and song identification. Note that it measures captured sound or tapped beats rather than importing audio files.

MagicBPM suits musicians or listeners who want to check tempo from sound playing nearby or tap a beat. Its metronome controls may also suit users who need subdivisions and accented downbeats.

Overview

MagicBPM is a tempo-finding and practice tool for musicians who want to measure music playing nearby, then work against a matching beat. Its live readout, tempo history and adjustable metronome make it a useful fit for practice and quick song analysis, but not for inspecting audio files directly.

The BPM display changes as music plays and includes a confidence indicator as the reading settles. A scrolling tempogram adds context when tempo varies over time. Since the app listens through a microphone—or accepts a tapped beat—it cannot analyze an imported track.

Tempo analysis stays on-device; microphone audio is neither recorded nor uploaded. Song identification is different: it needs internet access and sends an acoustic fingerprint to Apple’s Shazam service. Identification is unavailable on CarPlay and Bluetooth hands-free routes. The free app uses Google AdMob, while its privacy policy says it has no proprietary servers and uses no analytics or crash-reporting tools.

Key features

• Live tempo detection: A changing BPM reading and confidence indicator help distinguish an unsettled estimate from one that has stabilized.
• Metronome: It reaches 300 BPM, offers eight time signatures, accented downbeats, and eighth-note, triplet and sixteenth-note subdivisions. Custom time signatures are not supported.
• Tempo visualization: The scrolling tempogram shows how pace changes over time, adding useful context beyond a single number.
• Tap tempo: Users can tap a beat when microphone-based detection is not suitable.
• Music services and identification: MagicBPM can listen while Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, Deezer and other services play aloud. Song history can link to Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, Deezer, TIDAL or SoundCloud.
• Developer SDK: A licensable SDK offers on-device, offline tempo detection for iOS and Android. It is tuned for steady rhythmic material; developers needing broad offline analysis across jazz, classical or solo acoustic music may be better served by general-purpose libraries.

Pricing

The Free plan costs nothing and includes the core app. The iPhone and Android apps show ads, while the Mac app is ad-free. It is the sensible starting point for users who need tempo measurement and metronome controls without song-history features.

MagicBPM Pro is a one-time purchase with custom pricing. It adds automatic song identification, song history and 12 additional metronome sounds, and removes ads on iPhone and Android. The upgrade suits regular users who want those additions; the free tier gives up identification and history and retains mobile advertising. No seat limits or quotas are specified.

Platforms

MagicBPM is available on Android, iOS, macOS and the web. Device support includes Mac, iPhone, iPad and Android phones, with an Apple Watch metronome. Minimum requirements are macOS 15, iOS 18, iPadOS 18, watchOS 11 and Android 9, so older devices may not qualify.

Who it's for

Choose MagicBPM if you want to find the tempo of music playing aloud, see how it shifts, or practice with a configurable metronome. It is also a practical option for developers seeking a licensable mobile tempo-detection SDK for steady rhythmic material. Look elsewhere if your workflow depends on importing audio files, custom time signatures or offline song identification.

Pros and cons

• Pro: Live BPM detection, a confidence indicator and a scrolling tempogram make it more informative than a bare tempo display.
• Pro: Metronome subdivisions, downbeat accents and eight time signatures support varied practice needs, with a ceiling of 300 BPM.
• Pro: On-device tempo analysis keeps microphone audio from being recorded or uploaded.
• Con: There is no audio-file import, limiting direct analysis of saved recordings.
• Con: Song identification requires an internet connection, sends a fingerprint to Shazam, and is disabled on CarPlay and Bluetooth hands-free routes.
• Con: Mobile users on the free plan see ads, and Pro's price is custom rather than a published amount.
• Con: No custom time signatures are available.

Alternatives

For a broader comparison, browse Metronome Apps.

• MetroGnome is an iOS freemium alternative with a rhythm pattern editor and tuner; its one-time $4.99 Remove Ads Forever purchase fits users who want those tools without ads.
• Metronome Beats covers Android, iOS, macOS and web, like MagicBPM, and offers a free ad-supported app with in-app purchases. Consider it if a metronome-focused alternative across those platforms is preferable.
• PolyMetronome offers a free Simple Mode and a Pro tier with Poly, Alphabet and Score modes, a practice log, advanced settings and full web access. It suits users who want those modes rather than MagicBPM’s microphone tempo detection.
• Pro Metronome has an ad-free free version and paid monthly, one-time and annual plans. Choose it if an ad-free basic metronome is the priority.
• The Metronome by Soundbrenner offers core app features free and runs on Android, iOS and macOS; consider it as another cross-platform metronome.
• True Metronome includes 20–400 BPM and all time signatures in its free plan, making it a fit for users who need a wider tempo range or broader signature selection.
• Metronome Time is free on Android, iOS and web, with all current features included; consider it if a free metronome on those platforms is enough.
• Chronal is a free, ad-free Android app funded by donations; it is an alternative for Android users who want to avoid ads.

Verdict

MagicBPM is best for musicians who want a live tempo reading and a capable metronome in one app, especially when tempo changes matter. Its on-device analysis and cross-platform reach are compelling reasons to choose it. Look elsewhere for direct audio-file analysis, custom time signatures or song identification without an internet connection.