# Active Ear vs MIDIculous Learning Software

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Active Ear at 94% against MIDIculous Learning Software's 50%. Active Ear also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 2) and update cadence (monthly vs every 7 months). MIDIculous Learning Software's advantage is iOS requirement (11.0 vs 15.1). On price and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. MIDIculous Learning Software sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. Active Ear asks for nothing beyond the download.

Active Ear ships an update monthly, MIDIculous Learning Software every 7 months. The most recent releases landed on June 10, 2026 and July 13, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Active Ear | MIDIculous Learning Software |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (50 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/active-ear-ear-trainer/id1541508221/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **50** | — |
| Positive reviews | **93.8% of reviews** | 50.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Monthly** | Every 7 months |
| Monetization | **Free** | Freemium |
| Size | 23 MB | 314 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.1 | **11.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [MCPHERSON'S MUSIC LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1541508223) | [MIDIculous LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/579058990) |

## What reviewers say

### Active Ear

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/active-ear-ear-trainer/id1541508221)

Develop your musical ear with a comprehensive ear training app. It offers various exercises to help musicians identify pitches, intervals, chords, and progressions. Customize your learning with practice modes and test your knowledge with quizzes.

**Highlights:** Pitch Recognition, Interval Training, Chord Quality Identification, Bassline Training, Progression Training, Chord Inversions, Customizable Practice Mode, Quiz Mode

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### MIDIculous Learning Software

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/midiculous-learning-software/id1558680919)

This music learning software allows users to play MIDI files with high-quality virtual instruments. It offers features to manipulate pitch, key, and tempo for various media, and enables teachers to create synchronized learning files for students.

**Highlights:** High-quality MIDI file player, Load and manipulate MIDI, Audio, and Video files, Create and share proprietary LMS/LMV learning files, Virtual instrument display with animated colorization, VST/AU/AAX plugin support, Resizable interface and detachable widgets

**Features:** Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| MiDIculous Signature Keys | $9.99 | one-time |
| Pro Expansion | $12.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Active Ear free?

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

### Is MIDIculous Learning Software free?

MIDIculous Learning Software is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Do Active Ear or MIDIculous Learning Software have ads?

Neither Active Ear nor MIDIculous Learning Software shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Active Ear or MIDIculous Learning Software?

Active Ear ships an update monthly, and MIDIculous Learning Software every 7 months. Most recently, Active Ear was updated on June 10, 2026 and MIDIculous Learning Software on July 13, 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.*