# SmartScales vs AltoClef

The clearest difference is rating: AltoClef at 5.0 against SmartScales's 4.2. AltoClef also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 17) and review sentiment (100% vs 67%). SmartScales's advantage is ratings volume (38 vs 5). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

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

AltoClef holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.2. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: SmartScales has 38 ratings behind it against 5, 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 AltoClef's.

SmartScales ships an update every 5 months, AltoClef daily. The most recent releases landed on October 22, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | SmartScales | AltoClef |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.2 (38 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smartscales-backing-tracks/id1024503103/reviews) | **[5.0 (5 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/altoclef/id1627977451/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **38** | 5 |
| Positive reviews | 66.7% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 5 months | **Daily** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 13 MB | 1 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15 | **13.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Greater Heights Media Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/1024503102) | [Khaleel Jamal Annajjar](https://appshunter.io/developer/1419755574) |

## 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


### AltoClef

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/altoclef/id1627977451)

A game designed to help viola players improve their sight-reading speed. It offers a focused learning experience for musicians looking to master alto clef notation.

**Highlights:** Sight-reading practice, Alto clef focus, Viola player learning, Basic gameplay, Future updates planned

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is SmartScales free?

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

### Is AltoClef free?

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

### Which has better reviews, SmartScales or AltoClef?

AltoClef is rated higher. SmartScales averages 4.2 out of 5 from 38 ratings, while AltoClef averages 5.0 from 5 ratings.

### Do SmartScales or AltoClef have ads?

Neither SmartScales nor AltoClef shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, SmartScales or AltoClef?

SmartScales ships an update every 5 months, and AltoClef daily. Most recently, SmartScales was updated on October 22, 2026 and AltoClef on October 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.*