# The Cipher vs Sound Amplifier

The clearest difference is rating: Sound Amplifier at 4.6 against The Cipher's 2.8. Sound Amplifier also leads on ratings volume (1.2K vs 6). The Cipher's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 6) and iOS requirement (12.2 vs 15.0). On price, review sentiment, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Sound Amplifier sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. The Cipher asks for nothing beyond the download.

Sound Amplifier holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 2.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Sound Amplifier has 1.2K ratings behind it against 6, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 29% of The Cipher's written reviews are positive against 34% of Sound Amplifier's.

The Cipher ships an update fortnightly, Sound Amplifier every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 2, 2026 and October 14, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | The Cipher | Sound Amplifier |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [2.8 (6 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-cipher/id1297082268/reviews) | **[4.6 (1.2K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sound-amplifier/id1615079093/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 6 | **1.2K** |
| Positive reviews | 28.6% of reviews | **34.5% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Fortnightly | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 42 MB | 23 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.2** | 15.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | +4 |
| Developer | [Logan Richards](https://appshunter.io/developer/1439094062) | [Mighty Fine Apps LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/973529494) |

## What reviewers say

### The Cipher

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-cipher/id1297082268)

This app allows users to encrypt and decrypt messages using a variety of classic ciphers. It also includes tools for cryptoanalysis to help understand encrypted text and a mod calculator.

**Highlights:** Multiple classic ciphers (Rail Fence, Caesar, Vigenere, Enigma, etc.), Cryptoanalysis tools (Letter Frequency, N-Gram Frequency), Mod Calculator, Random Generator, Encrypt and decrypt messages

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Sound Amplifier

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sound-amplifier/id1615079093)

Transform your phone into a powerful hearing aid. This app amplifies sound up to 100x, enhances voice clarity, and reduces background noise. Protect your hearing while easily listening to conversations, lectures, or TV with connected headphones.

**Highlights:** Volume amplification up to 100x, Voice isolation for clearer conversations, Hearing protection features, Background app operation, Simple one-tap amplification, Bluetooth headphone support

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Full Access | $9.99 | per month |
| Full Access | $49.99 | per year |
| Full Access | $59.99 | per year |
| Full Access | $99.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- ⭐ Excellent sound quality
- 🔊 Effective amplification
- 🎧 Works well with wireless headphones

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Expensive subscription model
- 🔒 Locked behind paywall
- 🔁 Delayed audio playback
- 🚫 Doesn't work with built-in phone speakers

**Reported bugs**

- Subscription charges even after cancellation
- Inability to cancel free trial
- Compatibility issues with certain devices

**Requested features**

- Free trial option without payment info
- Ability to use without subscription
- Integration with iOS accessibility features


## Frequently asked questions

### Is The Cipher free?

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

### Is Sound Amplifier free?

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

### Which has better reviews, The Cipher or Sound Amplifier?

Sound Amplifier is rated higher. The Cipher averages 2.8 out of 5 from 6 ratings, while Sound Amplifier averages 4.6 from 1.2K ratings.

### Do The Cipher or Sound Amplifier have ads?

Neither The Cipher nor Sound Amplifier shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, The Cipher or Sound Amplifier?

The Cipher ships an update fortnightly, and Sound Amplifier every 2 weeks. Most recently, The Cipher was updated on October 2, 2026 and Sound Amplifier on October 14, 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.*