# BOSS Tuner vs Spark

The clearest difference is rating: Spark at 4.8 against BOSS Tuner's 3.7. Spark also leads on update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 17 months) and ratings volume (25K vs 118). BOSS Tuner's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and iOS requirement (8.0 vs 15.0). On price, review sentiment, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Spark sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. BOSS Tuner asks for nothing beyond the download.

Spark holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 3.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Spark has 25K ratings behind it against 118, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 60% of BOSS Tuner's written reviews are positive against 55% of Spark's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

BOSS Tuner ships an update every 17 months, Spark every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 6, 2026 and November 10, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | BOSS Tuner | Spark |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.7 (118 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/boss-tuner/id1113473319/reviews) | **[4.8 (25K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spark-chords-backing-tracks/id1457653921/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 118 | **25K** |
| Positive reviews | **59.6% of reviews** | 55.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 17 months | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 7 MB | 562 MB |
| Requires iOS | **8.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Roland Corporation](https://appshunter.io/developer/387333694) | [Positive Grid Inc](https://appshunter.io/developer/751979910) |

## What reviewers say

### BOSS Tuner

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/boss-tuner/id1113473319)

This app offers world-renowned chromatic tuning technology for iOS devices, replicating the look and feel of a popular pedal tuner. It uses your device's microphone to tune a wide range of instruments, from guitars and basses to strings and brass. An audible reference pitch function and enlarged meter view enhance the tuning experience.

**Highlights:** Hands-free chromatic tuning, Audible reference pitch, Horizontal screen for enlarged meter, Wide instrument compatibility, Newsfeed for BOSS updates

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- ✅ Works as expected
- 🆓 Free to use
- 🎶 Covers alternate tunings
- 👍 Simple and focused tuner
- 💯 Highly recommended

**What reviewers complain about**

- ✉️ Excessive notifications
- 🚫 Spam push notifications
- ❓ News tab empty
- 🎛️ Buttons don't function
- 😵 Random needle movement

**Reported bugs**

- Sends spam (marketing) push notifications without consent
- News tab is empty
- Too many notifications
- Needle moves randomly
- Shows wrong notes

**Requested features**

- Bring back other Boss products as apps
- Add strobe mode
- Ability to change tuning fork note
- Move notifications icon to settings
- Option to disable ads


### Spark

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spark-chords-backing-tracks/id1457653921)

This intelligent amp and app combination creates a virtual band that learns your playing style to generate accompanying bass and drums. Access millions of songs with auto-displayed chords, over 10,000 tones, and voice command functionality. It's designed to enhance your practice and performance experience.

**Highlights:** Auto chord display for millions of songs, Smart Jam with AI-generated bass and drums, Voice command control, BIAS tone engine with 10,000+ presets, Tempo control and looping for practice, Realistic virtual tube amps and effects

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Experience Jimi Hendrix™ | $19.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Versatile, powerful, and full of features
- 👍 Great sound quality and tone options
- 🎨 Impressive amp and effects modeling
- 💡 Useful smart jam and play-along features
- 🎸 Excellent for practice and jamming

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Connectivity and pairing issues with app
- 🐛 Buggy app with crashes and glitches
- 🔍 Difficult to organize and find saved tones
- 🔊 Muddy or harsh tones at times
- 🔋 Battery life could be better

**Reported bugs**

- App frequently disconnects from amp
- Tone selection issues and inconsistencies
- Sudden loud noises or feedback from amp
- Firmware update process is cumbersome
- Spotify integration not working as advertised

**Requested features**

- Add looping functionality
- Improve auto-chord detection and playback
- Allow more customization of signal chain and effects
- Integrate with more music services beyond Spotify
- Add EQ controls for Bluetooth speaker mode


## Frequently asked questions

### Is BOSS Tuner free?

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

### Is Spark free?

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

### Which has better reviews, BOSS Tuner or Spark?

Spark is rated higher. BOSS Tuner averages 3.7 out of 5 from 118 ratings, while Spark averages 4.8 from 25K ratings.

### Do BOSS Tuner or Spark have ads?

Neither BOSS Tuner nor Spark shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, BOSS Tuner or Spark?

BOSS Tuner ships an update every 17 months, and Spark every 2 weeks. Most recently, BOSS Tuner was updated on November 6, 2026 and Spark on November 10, 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.*