# Music Theory 101 vs Notaforte

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Music Theory 101 at none against Notaforte's 3. Music Theory 101 also leads on update cadence (every 5 days vs every 3 weeks) and iOS requirement (15.0 vs 17.0). Notaforte's advantage is ratings volume (512 vs 71). On price, rating, review sentiment and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Notaforte sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $17.99 per 3 months. Music Theory 101 asks for nothing beyond the download.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.8 for Music Theory 101 against 4.9 for Notaforte. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Notaforte has 512 ratings behind it against 71, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 83% of Music Theory 101's written reviews are positive against 89% of Notaforte's.

Music Theory 101 ships an update every 5 days, Notaforte every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 30, 2026 and October 28, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Music Theory 101 | Notaforte |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.8 (71 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/music-theory-101-study-course/id1629995579/reviews) | **[4.9 (512 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/notaforte-sight-reading-tutor/id6741677964/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 71 | **512** |
| Positive reviews | 82.9% of reviews | **88.9% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 5 days** | Every 3 weeks |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 78 MB | 134 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Poesie Inc](https://appshunter.io/developer/1505664474) | [Bravenbird](https://appshunter.io/developer/1794974058) |

## What reviewers say

### Music Theory 101

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/music-theory-101-study-course/id1629995579)

An interactive music theory training app covering classical fundamentals. It features 19 units with audio, exercises, and definitions, mirroring AP Music Theory exam curriculum. Practice skills with over 90 exercise types.

**Highlights:** Interactive music theory course, 19 comprehensive units, Audio samples and key definitions, Skill practice exercises, AP Music Theory exam curriculum, Over 90 exercise types, Aural recognition and dictation

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### Notaforte

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/notaforte-sight-reading-tutor/id6741677964)

This app helps you learn to read music notes quickly and easily through an intuitive and fun experience. It uses a unique visual approach and interactive exercises to build your sight-reading skills, making music reading second nature.

**Highlights:** Illustrated, animated lessons, Visual training methods, Gradual acquisition of reading reflexes, 100+ chapters covering main clefs, 6 unlimited training modes, Customizable exercise sessions, Instant feedback

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 3-Month Subscription | $17.99 | per 3 months |
| 12-Month Subscription | $35.99 | per year |
| One-Time Purchase | $74.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Music Theory 101 free?

Music Theory 101 is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Notaforte free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Music Theory 101 or Notaforte?

Notaforte is rated higher. Music Theory 101 averages 4.8 out of 5 from 71 ratings, while Notaforte averages 4.9 from 512 ratings.

### Do Music Theory 101 or Notaforte have ads?

Neither Music Theory 101 nor Notaforte shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Music Theory 101 or Notaforte?

Music Theory 101 ships an update every 5 days, and Notaforte every 3 weeks. Most recently, Music Theory 101 was updated on October 30, 2026 and Notaforte on October 28, 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.*