# Music Theory Basics vs 5ths Machine

The clearest difference is rating: 5ths Machine at 5.0 against Music Theory Basics's 4.3. 5ths Machine also leads on price ($1.99 vs $3.99) and device support (3 vs 1). Music Theory Basics's advantage is ratings volume (6 vs 1). On update cadence, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Music Theory Basics costs $3.99 and 5ths Machine $1.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

5ths Machine holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Music Theory Basics has 6 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Music Theory Basics ships an update every 34 months, 5ths Machine every 24 months. The most recent releases landed on November 1, 2026 and November 3, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Music Theory Basics | 5ths Machine |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $3.99 | **$1.99** |
| Rating | [4.3 (6 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/music-theory-basics/id1017426545/reviews) | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/5ths-machine/id1582877284/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **6** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 0.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 34 months | **Every 24 months** |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Size | 48 MB | 18 MB |
| Requires iOS | 26.0 | **12.0** |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Patrick Q. Kelly](https://appshunter.io/developer/310068987) | [Lucy Hudson](https://appshunter.io/developer/1179157812) |

## What reviewers say

### Music Theory Basics

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/music-theory-basics/id1017426545)

Learn and test your knowledge of music theory concepts including notes, key signatures, intervals, chords, and rhythms. Save and print your quiz results with a built-in grade book.

**Highlights:** Tests notes, key signatures, intervals, chords, and rhythms, Supports multiple clefs (Treble, Alto, Tenor, Bass), Customizable quiz options, Detailed grade book for saved results, Printable and shareable results

**In-app purchases:** none


### 5ths Machine

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/5ths-machine/id1582877284)

Explore the theoretical intricacies of key signatures with an interactive quiz. Learn about the 12-position equal temperament system and discover how to identify keys with an unusual number of sharps. Understand music theory through a unique perspective.

**Highlights:** Key signature quiz, Equal temperament system explanation, Theoretical key signature exploration, Background information on music theory, Quiz tips and strategies, Chronology of music theory concepts

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Music Theory Basics free?

Music Theory Basics costs $3.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is 5ths Machine free?

5ths Machine costs $1.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Music Theory Basics or 5ths Machine?

5ths Machine is rated higher. Music Theory Basics averages 4.3 out of 5 from 6 ratings, while 5ths Machine averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do Music Theory Basics or 5ths Machine have ads?

Neither Music Theory Basics nor 5ths Machine shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Music Theory Basics or 5ths Machine?

Music Theory Basics ships an update every 34 months, and 5ths Machine every 24 months. Most recently, Music Theory Basics was updated on November 1, 2026 and 5ths Machine on November 3, 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.*