# mTonal vs 5ths Machine

The clearest difference is update cadence: mTonal at fortnightly against 5ths Machine's every 24 months. 5ths Machine's advantage is price ($1.99 vs $4.99) and device support (3 vs 1). On ads, in-app purchases and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

mTonal costs $4.99 and 5ths Machine $1.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

mTonal ships an update fortnightly, 5ths Machine every 24 months. The most recent releases landed on October 14, 2026 and October 16, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | mTonal | 5ths Machine |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $4.99 | **$1.99** |
| Rating | — | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/5ths-machine/id1582877284/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **1** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Fortnightly** | Every 24 months |
| Monetization | — | Paid |
| Size | 7 MB | 18 MB |
| Requires iOS | 13.0 | **12.0** |
| Devices | iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Skeflect](https://appshunter.io/developer/1433790767) | [Lucy Hudson](https://appshunter.io/developer/1179157812) |

## What reviewers say

### mTonal

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mtonal/id1433790768)

**In-app purchases:** none


### 5ths Machine

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/5ths-machine/id1582877284)

Explore the theoretical intricacies of key signatures with an interactive quiz. Learn about the 12-position equal temperament system and discover how to identify keys with an unusual number of sharps. Understand music theory through a unique perspective.

**Highlights:** Key signature quiz, Equal temperament system explanation, Theoretical key signature exploration, Background information on music theory, Quiz tips and strategies, Chronology of music theory concepts

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is mTonal free?

mTonal costs $4.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is 5ths Machine free?

5ths Machine costs $1.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Do mTonal or 5ths Machine have ads?

Neither mTonal nor 5ths Machine shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, mTonal or 5ths Machine?

mTonal ships an update fortnightly, and 5ths Machine every 24 months. Most recently, mTonal was updated on October 14, 2026 and 5ths Machine on October 16, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*