Koala Sampler Alternative — Free in Your Browser
Love the Koala workflow but want it free and in your browser? Meet Padwolf.
What Koala Sampler Does Well
Koala Sampler is a great app. It popularized mobile sampling with its simple interface: record or load sounds, assign them to pads, and make beats. It's fun, fast, and creative. But it costs money, requires an app install, and only runs on iOS and Android.
What Padwolf Offers Instead
Padwolf takes a similar approach — focused beat making on pads — and adds: • Runs in any browser (no install, no app store) • 100% free (no premium, no in-app purchases) • Step sequencer with A/B patterns • MPC-style swing (1/16 and 1/8 resolution) • Mute groups (for hi-hat choke behavior) • USB MIDI controller support with velocity • Export as MP3, WAV, FLAC, or OGG • Works on desktop AND mobile
Feature Comparison
Both apps offer: • Pad-based sample loading • Per-pad pitch and volume • Loop mode • Start/end point editing • Multiple export formats Padwolf adds: • Step sequencer (Koala uses a different recording approach) • MPC-style swing control • Mute groups • MIDI controller support • Browser-based (works on any device with a browser) • Free
When to Use Which
Use Koala if: you want the native app experience with deep iOS integration and audio recording from the device microphone. Use Padwolf if: you want a free alternative that runs anywhere, with a step sequencer and MPC-style features. Especially good if you work on desktop or want MIDI controller support.
Frequently Asked Questions
They're different tools with overlapping features. Padwolf has a step sequencer, MPC swing, and mute groups that Koala doesn't. Koala has recording features and effects that Padwolf doesn't (yet). Both are excellent for making beats.
The workflow is similar — load sounds on pads, make beats. Your samples can be loaded into both. The main difference is the step sequencer in Padwolf vs. the performance recording in Koala.