# SmartScales vs Jam

The clearest difference is rating: Jam at 4.8 against SmartScales's 4.2. Jam also leads on update cadence (every 2 months vs every 5 months). SmartScales's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and ratings volume (38 vs 6). On price, in-app purchases, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. SmartScales sells 17 one-off in-app purchases and Jam sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Jam holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.2. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: SmartScales has 38 ratings behind it against 6, so its average is the more settled of the two.

SmartScales ships an update every 5 months, Jam every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on September 23, 2026 and September 9, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | SmartScales | Jam |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.2 (38 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smartscales-backing-tracks/id1024503103/reviews) | **[4.8 (6 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/jam-master/id6443654772/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **38** | 6 |
| Positive reviews | 66.7% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 5 months | **Every 2 months** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 13 MB | 22 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15 | **14.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Greater Heights Media Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/1024503102) | [群 丁](https://appshunter.io/developer/555222254) |

## 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


### Jam

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/jam-master/id6443654772)

Practice and play along with original backing tracks for guitar, piano, bass, and ukulele. Visualize chord progressions and musical scales on interactive fretboards and keyboards. Adjust tempo and key, and loop sections for focused practice.

**Highlights:** Original backing tracks, Visual chord progressions, Fretboard and keyboard display, Adjustable tempo and key, Looping practice sections, 31 musical scales, 140+ chords

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Subscribe Weekly | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Subscribe Monthly | $17.99 | per month |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is SmartScales free?

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

### Is Jam free?

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

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

Jam is rated higher. SmartScales averages 4.2 out of 5 from 38 ratings, while Jam averages 4.8 from 6 ratings.

### Do SmartScales or Jam have ads?

Jam shows ads; SmartScales does not.

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

SmartScales ships an update every 5 months, and Jam every 2 months. Most recently, SmartScales was updated on September 23, 2026 and Jam on September 9, 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.*