# SmartScales vs Format 3

The clearest difference is rating: Format 3 at 4.7 against SmartScales's 4.2. Format 3 also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 17) and review sentiment (100% vs 67%). SmartScales's advantage is ratings volume (38 vs 3). On price, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. SmartScales sells 17 one-off in-app purchases. Format 3 asks for nothing beyond the download.

Format 3 holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.2. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: SmartScales has 38 ratings behind it against 3, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 67% of SmartScales's written reviews are positive against 100% of Format 3's.

SmartScales ships an update every 5 months, Format 3 every 4 months. The most recent releases landed on October 9, 2026 and October 3, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | SmartScales | Format 3 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.2 (38 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smartscales-backing-tracks/id1024503103/reviews) | **[4.7 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/format-3/id1243788689/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **38** | 3 |
| Positive reviews | 66.7% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 5 months | **Every 4 months** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 13 MB | 39 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15 | **13.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Greater Heights Media Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/1024503102) | [Aaron Sutula](https://appshunter.io/developer/889438328) |

## What reviewers say

### SmartScales

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smartscales-backing-tracks/id1024503103)

This app transforms scale and arpeggio practice into an engaging experience with specially composed backing tracks. It closely aligns with the ABRSM syllabus, offering interactive scores, adjustable tempos, and a built-in metronome. Explore various music styles and practice with looping exercises for instruments like piano, violin, viola, cello, and double bass.

**Highlights:** Interactive scale and arpeggio practice, ABRSM syllabus alignment, Specially composed backing tracks, Adjustable tempo control, Looping exercises, Built-in metronome, Toggleable audio tracks

**Features:** Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (17)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Cello Grade 1 | $0.99 | one-time |
| Violin Grade 1 | $0.99 | one-time |
| Piano Grade 1 | $0.99 | one-time |
| Piano Grade 2 | $1.99 | one-time |
| Double Bass Grade 3 | $1.99 | one-time |
| Violin Grade 5 | $2.99 | one-time |
| Viola Grade 5 | $2.99 | one-time |
| Violin Grade 7 | $3.99 | one-time |
| Cello Grades 1 to 4 | $4.99 | one-time |
| Violin Grades 1 to 4 | $4.99 | one-time |
| Piano Grades 1 to 4 | $4.99 | one-time |
| Double Bass Grade 8 | $4.99 | one-time |
| Cello Grades 5 to 8 | $9.99 | one-time |
| Violin Grades 5 to 8 | $9.99 | one-time |
| Cello Grades 1 to 8 | $12.99 | one-time |
| Violin Grades 1 to 8 | $12.99 | one-time |
| Viola Grades 1 to 8 | $12.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Makes practicing scales fun
- 💡 Invaluable for beginners
- 🚀 Useful for all levels
- ✅ Great for developing ear and intonation
- ✨ Engaging and enjoyable practice

**What reviewers complain about**

- 👎 Sound quality is dire
- 😕 Backing tracks not to taste
- ❌ Difficult to find specific scales
- 📉 Scales played too slow
- 🚫 No MIDI support

**Reported bugs**

- Cannot delete app from iPad
- In-app purchase server connection issues
- App crashes after purchase
- App crashes after opening
- Unable to locate in-app purchases

**Requested features**

- Add ABRSM clarinet options
- Add ABRSM piano syllabus updates
- Pro version for school use with all grades enabled
- Search for key signature and browse octaves
- Add MIDI support


### Format 3

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/format-3/id1243788689)

Experience art through augmented reality, blending physical installations with virtual elements and sound. This app allows you to engage with immersive audio-visual art wherever its visuals are present.

**Highlights:** Interactive augmented reality, Combines physical artwork with virtual objects, Immersive audio-visual experience, Works with Format 3 visuals, Sound integration

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is SmartScales free?

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

### Is Format 3 free?

Format 3 is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, SmartScales or Format 3?

Format 3 is rated higher. SmartScales averages 4.2 out of 5 from 38 ratings, while Format 3 averages 4.7 from 3 ratings.

### Do SmartScales or Format 3 have ads?

Neither SmartScales nor Format 3 shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, SmartScales or Format 3?

SmartScales ships an update every 5 months, and Format 3 every 4 months. Most recently, SmartScales was updated on October 9, 2026 and Format 3 on October 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.*