# Tonic vs EarForge

The clearest difference is rating: EarForge at 4.6 against Tonic's 4.0. EarForge also leads on review sentiment (63% vs 39%). Tonic's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 2) and update cadence (weekly vs every 5 weeks). On price, ratings volume, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. EarForge sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. Tonic asks for nothing beyond the download.

EarForge holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 204 and 293 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 39% of Tonic's written reviews are positive against 63% of EarForge's.

Tonic ships an update weekly, EarForge every 5 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 21, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Tonic | EarForge |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.0 (204 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tonic-ar-chord-dictionary/id1427039232/reviews) | **[4.6 (293 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/earforge-learn-ear-training/id1429049063/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 204 | **293** |
| Positive reviews | 38.6% of reviews | **62.7% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Weekly** | Every 5 weeks |
| Monetization | **Free** | Freemium |
| Size | 13 MB | 93 MB |
| Requires iOS | **11.0** | 13.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Coda Labs Incorporated](https://appshunter.io/developer/1139019669) | [Patcharapon Phasukdee](https://appshunter.io/developer/1156091836) |

## What reviewers say

### Tonic

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tonic-ar-chord-dictionary/id1427039232)

This app uses augmented reality to display over 130 chords directly on your piano. It guides you on finger placement, making it easier to learn and play chords, especially for those who don't read traditional sheet music. Ideal for musicians of all levels.

**Highlights:** Augmented reality chord display, Over 130 chords, Finger placement guidance, Flat/sharp display modes, Works with various piano sizes, 3 octave options

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 💡 Cool idea for learning
- 👍 Great for beginners
- 🚀 Works well (for some)
- ✨ Amazing application of AR
- 😊 Helpful for learning chords

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Calibration issues
- 🐛 Alignment problems
- 🐛 Doesn't work on smaller keyboards
- 🐛 Limited chord selection
- 🐛 Second target doesn't appear

**Reported bugs**

- Calibration doesn't work
- Dots move perpendicular to what they should
- App thinks piano is rotated 90 degrees
- App won't pick up the piano
- Keys never show

**Requested features**

- Fix calibration tool
- Make YouTube video with instructions
- Add more chords (9ths, 11ths, 13ths, jazz chords)
- Add chord inversions
- Support for smaller keyboards


### EarForge

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/earforge-learn-ear-training/id1429049063)

This app offers a structured ear training program designed to improve your sense of pitch and ability to recognize musical notes and chords. It features progressive lessons, personalized quizzes, and detailed progress tracking. Advanced users can create custom training sessions for specific musical elements.

**Highlights:** 30-level note recognition program, Chord identification lessons, Customizable note and chord training, Progress tracking with profile statistics, Ad-free experience (PRO), Exclusive themes (PRO)

**Features:** Family Sharing, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly Subscription | $3.99 | per month |
| Yearly Subscription | $19.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Tonic free?

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

### Is EarForge free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Tonic or EarForge?

EarForge is rated higher. Tonic averages 4.0 out of 5 from 204 ratings, while EarForge averages 4.6 from 293 ratings.

### Do Tonic or EarForge have ads?

Neither Tonic nor EarForge shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Tonic or EarForge?

Tonic ships an update weekly, and EarForge every 5 weeks. Most recently, Tonic was updated on October 21, 2026 and EarForge on October 24, 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.*