# Mandolin Chords Compass vs Strum Machine

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Strum Machine at 89% against Mandolin Chords Compass's 17%. Strum Machine also leads on price (Free vs $4.99) and rating (4.7 vs 3.8). Mandolin Chords Compass's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1). On ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Strum Machine is free to download; Mandolin Chords Compass costs $4.99 up front. Strum Machine sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $4.99 per month. Mandolin Chords Compass asks for nothing beyond the download.

Strum Machine holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 3.8. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 31 and 118 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 17% of Mandolin Chords Compass's written reviews are positive against 89% of Strum Machine's.

Mandolin Chords Compass ships an update every 64 months, Strum Machine fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on September 26, 2026 and September 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Mandolin Chords Compass | Strum Machine |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $4.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | [3.8 (31 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mandolin-chords-compass/id1001868385/reviews) | **[4.7 (118 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/strum-machine-backing-tracks/id1509158553/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 31 | **118** |
| Positive reviews | 16.7% of reviews | **88.5% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 64 months | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Best chart rank | — | **#164** |
| Size | 24 MB | 77 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 15.4 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac** | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Max Schlee](https://appshunter.io/developer/429770420) | [Luke Abbott LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1509158552) |

## What reviewers say

### Mandolin Chords Compass

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mandolin-chords-compass/id1001868385)

Access a vast library of mandolin chords with a virtual fretboard and authentic sound. Perfect for beginners and experienced players, it offers offline functionality and supports multiple mandolin family instruments. Master any song with this comprehensive practice and composition tool.

**Highlights:** Massive chord library, Virtual fretboard visualization, Authentic chord sound playback, Supports Mandolin, Mandola, Mandocello, Offline functionality, Left-handed mode, One-time purchase

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


### Strum Machine

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/strum-machine-backing-tracks/id1509158553)

**Currently charting:** #164 Top Grossing · Music (US App Store)

Generate realistic backing tracks for practice with real instrument audio. Customize chord progressions, keys, and tempo. Features a large song library, song editor, and band customization options. Works offline and syncs across devices.

**Highlights:** Realistic instrument audio backing tracks, Customizable chord progressions, keys, and tempo, Extensive song library, Simple song editor, Band and instrument customization, Cross-platform syncing and offline mode

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly Subscription | $4.99 | per month |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Mandolin Chords Compass free?

Mandolin Chords Compass costs $4.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Strum Machine free?

Strum Machine is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Mandolin Chords Compass or Strum Machine?

Strum Machine is rated higher. Mandolin Chords Compass averages 3.8 out of 5 from 31 ratings, while Strum Machine averages 4.7 from 118 ratings.

### Do Mandolin Chords Compass or Strum Machine have ads?

Neither Mandolin Chords Compass nor Strum Machine shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Mandolin Chords Compass or Strum Machine?

Mandolin Chords Compass ships an update every 64 months, and Strum Machine fortnightly. Most recently, Mandolin Chords Compass was updated on September 26, 2026 and Strum Machine on September 24, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*