# Koto Tuner vs Koto Sim

The clearest difference is rating: Koto Sim at 5.0 against Koto Tuner's 3.0. Koto Sim also leads on ratings volume (4 vs 1). Koto Tuner's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and iOS requirement (10.0 vs 12.0). On price, update cadence, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Koto Tuner sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Koto Sim sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Koto Sim holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 3.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1 and 4 respectively.

Koto Tuner ships an update every 5 weeks, Koto Sim every 4 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 3, 2026 and October 30, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Koto Tuner | Koto Sim |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/koto-tuner/id1295474780/reviews) | **[5.0 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/koto-sim/id6740201723/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 1 | **4** |
| Positive reviews | 20.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 5 weeks | **Every 4 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 49 MB | 125 MB |
| Requires iOS | **10.0** | 12.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Hsing-Fu Hsueh](https://appshunter.io/developer/1103119781) | [Alper Kahriman](https://appshunter.io/developer/1054578352) |

## What reviewers say

### Koto Tuner

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/koto-tuner/id1295474780)

Easily tune your 13-string koto with a simple interface and noise filtering. Visual indicators show pitch accuracy for each string, guiding you to precise tuning. Supports multiple tuning modes and adjustable A4 frequency.

**Highlights:** Noise filtering for accurate tuning, Visual pitch indicators, Calibrate piano sound, A4 frequency adjustment, 18 tuning modes, Precision tuning scale

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| All Function&No Ad | $1.99 | one-time |


### Koto Sim

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/koto-sim/id6740201723)

Experience the authentic sound and feel of Japan's national string instrument. This app offers realistic koto tones, customizable interfaces, and multiple play modes for musicians and enthusiasts. Record and share your creations within an immersive simulation.

**Highlights:** Authentic koto sounds, Customizable interface and tuning, Three dynamic play modes, Built-in recorder, Screen recording for sharing, Immersive simulation environment

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Get Premium | $8.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Koto Tuner free?

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

### Is Koto Sim free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Koto Tuner or Koto Sim?

Koto Sim is rated higher. Koto Tuner averages 3.0 out of 5 from 1 ratings, while Koto Sim averages 5.0 from 4 ratings.

### Do Koto Tuner or Koto Sim have ads?

Koto Sim shows ads; Koto Tuner does not.

### Which is updated more often, Koto Tuner or Koto Sim?

Koto Tuner ships an update every 5 weeks, and Koto Sim every 4 weeks. Most recently, Koto Tuner was updated on November 3, 2026 and Koto Sim on October 30, 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.*