Comparison
Reel vs 4TRACK
A free tape-style 4-track recorder app for iPhone.
Visit the 4TRACK site ↗The short answer
Reel and 4TRACK are both tape-style 4-track recorders for iPhone and both are good at catching ideas. Where they part ways is fidelity and hardware. Reel records 32-bit float at up to 96kHz, takes input from any class-compliant USB audio interface and pulls in hardware instruments and grooveboxes straight over USB, all around a jog-wheel scrubbing workflow. 4TRACK is free and handles quick sketches nicely. Reach for Reel when you want higher-resolution capture and the option to plug in real gear.
Feature comparison
| Feature | Reel | 4TRACK |
|---|---|---|
| Simultaneous tracks | 4 | 4 |
| Bit depth | 32-bit float | Not stated |
| Max sample rate | 96kHz | Not stated |
| Overdub | ||
| Punch-in recording | Not stated | |
| Looping | Not stated | |
| Variable-speed playback | ||
| Tactile transport (jog wheel or scrub) | ||
| Built-in microphones | iPhone mic | Device mic |
| XLR inputs with phantom power | ||
| Records from a USB audio interface | ||
| Works as a USB audio interface | ||
| Runs standalone, no phone or computer | ||
| Price | One-time purchase, no subscription | Free |
| Platform | iOS 18+ | iOS |
Every value is researched per product against manufacturer sources and may change over time. Verify current details with each maker.
Where Reel wins
- +32-bit float recording at up to 96kHz
- +Records from any class-compliant USB audio interface
- +Multitrack instrument capture over USB
- +Jog-wheel scrubbing with haptic feedback
Where 4TRACK wins
- +Free to download
- +Region editing, track EQ and built-in delay and reverb
- +Imports WAV, MP3 and M4A and bounces a stereo mixdown
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Reel and 4TRACK?
Both are tape-style 4-track recorders for iPhone. Reel focuses on higher-fidelity 32-bit float capture at up to 96kHz, USB audio interface support, hardware instrument and groovebox recording and a jog-wheel scrubbing workflow.
Which is the best 4-track recorder app for iPhone?
It depends on your needs. For free, quick sketches, 4TRACK is a solid pick. For higher-resolution 32-bit float recording, USB interface, instrument and groovebox support and a tactile hardware-inspired workflow, Reel is designed for that.
Try Reel on your iPhone
A portable 4-track recorder with 32-bit float audio and a hardware-inspired workflow.
Download on the App Store