Comparison

Kalimba! vs Kalimba Sim

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Kalimba!

Experience the soothing sounds of an African thumb piano on your device. This app simulates a 7-prong kalimba, allowing for single notes or strumming. Customize your sound with different tunings.

Highlights
  • African thumb piano simulation
  • 7-prong instrument
  • Single note and strumming
  • C Major tuning
  • G Major tuning
  • Landscape mode
Features
Read full description

Kalimba is an old African instrument, also known as the African Thumb Piano in the west. Other names for Kalimba are mbira, ikembe, likembe, sanza, sansa, marimba, marimbula, while in the west it is also known as a finger harp or gourd piano. The app runs in landscape mode (either side) and the instrument has 7 prongs, allows for multiple prongs to be pressed at the same time and also allows you to strum. You can also change the tuning between C Major and G Major from the main screen.

About

Kalimba Sim

Features
Read full description

Immerse yourself in the calming world of the kalimba with Kalimba Sim! This app brings the authentic sound of the traditional thumb piano to your fingertips, offering a realistic and immersive experience for musicians, learners, and relaxation seekers. Featuring a high-quality sampled kalimba sound, Kalimba Sim provides a pure and natural playing experience. With advanced features like sensitive play mode, transpose adjustment, echo and chorus effects, and built-in recording, this is the ultimate virtual kalimba experience. About the Kalimba The kalimba, also known as the thumb piano, is a traditional African instrument known for its gentle, melodic tones. With its simple yet expressive nature, the kalimba is widely used for relaxation, meditation, folk music, and contemporary compositions. Its unique timbre makes it a favorite for solo performances and ambient soundscapes. Why You’ll Love Kalimba Sim Authentic Kalimba Sound Features a real kalimba sound sample, delivering a natural and warm tone that replicates the traditional instrument perfectly. Advanced Features for a Complete Experience Echo and Chorus Effects: Add depth and dimension to your kalimba melodies. Sensitive Play Mode: Dynamically control volume, low touches create a quieter tone, while higher taps produce a louder sound. Transpose Function: Easily shift keys to match your musical needs. Multiple Play Modes Endless Play Mode: Sustain notes for a flowing and immersive musical experience. Single Note Mode: Focus on individual notes to refine your technique and articulation. Multi-Play Mode: Combine notes for harmonic and rhythmic layering. Record and Share Your Music Capture your kalimba performances effortlessly with the built-in recorder. Perfect for revisiting practice sessions, composing new pieces, or sharing your creations. Beautiful and Realistic Design Kalimba Sim features an elegant and easy-to-use interface, replicating the natural look and feel of a real kalimba. What Makes Kalimba Sim Unique? Authentic Sound: High-quality sampled kalimba sound, delivering a true-to-life playing experience. Feature-Rich Playability: Dynamic effects, touch-sensitive volume, and tuning options provide unmatched versatility. Minimalist and Elegant Design: A clean, intuitive interface ensures a seamless and enjoyable experience for all users. Creative Freedom: Whether playing for relaxation, meditation, or musical exploration, Kalimba Sim offers endless possibilities. Download Kalimba Sim today and let the soothing tones of the kalimba inspire your music!

Screenshots

Kalimba!3 screens
Kalimba Sim4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Kalimba Sim at none against Kalimba!'s 3. Kalimba!'s advantage is update cadence (every 4 months vs every 8 months). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Kalimba! sells 3 one-off in-app purchases. Kalimba Sim asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Kalimba! ships an update every 4 months, Kalimba Sim every 8 months. The most recent releases landed on October 3, 2026 and October 7, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
Kalimba! versus Kalimba Sim: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterKalimba!Kalimba Sim
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.4 (132 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews49.5% of reviews—
Number of ratings132 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 4 months — betterEvery 8 months
AdsYesYes
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS11.0 — better12.0
Further details — not scored
Size12 MB121 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperDiscovolosAlper Kahriman

In-app purchases

3 purchases

Kalimba!

One-time3
  • Remove Ads$0.99
  • Remove Ads$1.99
  • Remove Ads$2.99
None

Kalimba Sim

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Kalimba! free?
Kalimba! is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Kalimba Sim free?
Kalimba Sim is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Kalimba! or Kalimba Sim have ads?
Both Kalimba! and Kalimba Sim show ads.
Which is updated more often, Kalimba! or Kalimba Sim?
Kalimba! ships an update every 4 months, and Kalimba Sim every 8 months. Most recently, Kalimba! was updated on October 3, 2026 and Kalimba Sim on October 7, 2026.

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