# SmartScales vs aiMetronome

The clearest difference is price: SmartScales at Free against aiMetronome's $2.99. SmartScales also leads on iOS requirement (15 vs 18.0). aiMetronome's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 17) and update cadence (every 6 days vs every 5 months). On ads and device support there is nothing between them.

SmartScales is free to download; aiMetronome costs $2.99 up front. SmartScales sells 17 one-off in-app purchases. aiMetronome asks for nothing beyond the download.

SmartScales ships an update every 5 months, aiMetronome every 6 days. The most recent releases landed on October 26, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | SmartScales | aiMetronome |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **Free** | $2.99 |
| Rating | **[4.2 (38 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smartscales-backing-tracks/id1024503103/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **38** | — |
| Positive reviews | 66.7% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 5 months | **Every 6 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 13 MB | 4 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15** | 18.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Greater Heights Media Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/1024503102) | [AINARS SABLOVSKIS](https://appshunter.io/developer/1885391520) |

## 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


### aiMetronome

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/aimetronome/id6760623449)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is SmartScales free?

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

### Is aiMetronome free?

aiMetronome costs $2.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Do SmartScales or aiMetronome have ads?

Neither SmartScales nor aiMetronome shows ads.

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

SmartScales ships an update every 5 months, and aiMetronome every 6 days. Most recently, SmartScales was updated on October 26, 2026 and aiMetronome on October 25, 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.*