# Fretboard Learning vs Axe

The clearest difference is price: Fretboard Learning at Free against Axe's $2.99. Fretboard Learning also leads on update cadence (every 3 days vs every 3 months). Axe's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 2) and review sentiment (100% vs 70%). On ads, chart position, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Fretboard Learning is free to download; Axe costs $2.99 up front. Fretboard Learning sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $1.49 per month. Axe asks for nothing beyond the download.

Fretboard Learning ships an update every 3 days, Axe every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on September 23, 2026 and September 21, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Fretboard Learning | Axe |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **Free** | $2.99 |
| Rating | **[4.7 (485 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fretboard-learning/id1554316449/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **485** | — |
| Positive reviews | 69.8% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 days** | Every 3 months |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Paid |
| Best chart rank | #129 | **#121** |
| Size | 38 MB | 59 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 14.2 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Mustapha AOUAS](https://appshunter.io/developer/1553171747) | [Takehito Furuyama](https://appshunter.io/developer/1660807941) |

## What reviewers say

### Fretboard Learning

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fretboard-learning/id1554316449)

**Currently charting:** #129 Top Grossing · Music (US App Store)

Master the guitar fretboard with interactive games and comprehensive learning tools. Practice your ear, learn hundreds of chords and scales, and customize your learning experience with various tunings and modes. Track your progress with detailed statistics and explore music harmony.

**Highlights:** Educational games for fretboard notes, Learn over 500 chords, Master all scales in different boxes, Customizable tunings, Left-handed mode, Interactive Circle of Fifths, Metronome

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| All Access Package | $1.49 | per month |
| All Access Package | $9.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to use and intuitive interface
- 🎮 Fun and engaging game mechanics
- 💰 Affordable one-time purchase ($10 lifetime)
- 🔒 Strong privacy policy and ethical practices
- ⚡ Effective fretboard learning tool

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Sound feature produces generic beep instead of guitar notes
- 🐛 Audio identify-by-sound feature frequently non-functional
- 💳 Confusing pricing model and subscription confusion
- 🔐 Left-handed mode locked behind paywall
- 📱 Vertical-only orientation doesn't match guitar playing position

**Reported bugs**

- Identify by sound produces no audio or disturbing beep sound
- Notes on lower half of fretboard not selectable
- Missing button for sharps/flats (D# not available when shown)
- Low E string gets stuck on D in custom tuning setup
- Broken links to Twitter and website in about section

**Requested features**

- Octave differentiation (C1, C2, C3, etc.)
- Support for different number of strings and instruments (bass)
- Actual guitar note sounds instead of generic beep
- Horizontal/landscape orientation support
- Ability to select specific frets and notes in all game modes


### Axe

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/axe-master/id1660807939)

**Currently charting:** #121 Top Paid · Music (US App Store)

This app transforms guitar learning into an arcade-style game. Navigate a fretboard maze by naming notes, mastering scales, and conquering triads. It's a fun, engaging way to complement traditional guitar lessons.

**Highlights:** Fretboard maze navigation, Note identification gameplay, Scale pattern practice, Triad mastery mini-games, Arcade-style challenges, Complements guitar lessons

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Fretboard Learning free?

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

### Is Axe free?

Axe costs $2.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Do Fretboard Learning or Axe have ads?

Neither Fretboard Learning nor Axe shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Fretboard Learning or Axe?

Fretboard Learning ships an update every 3 days, and Axe every 3 months. Most recently, Fretboard Learning was updated on September 23, 2026 and Axe on September 21, 2026.

### Which is more popular, Fretboard Learning or Axe?

Fretboard Learning currently peaks at #129 in the App Store charts, and Axe at #121. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

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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.*