# iStroboSoft vs PolyTune

The clearest difference is rating: iStroboSoft at 4.3 against PolyTune's 2.8. iStroboSoft also leads on update cadence (fortnightly vs every 40 months) and chart position (#14 vs unranked). PolyTune's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 11) and price ($4.99 vs $9.99). On ads and device support there is nothing between them.

iStroboSoft costs $9.99 and PolyTune $4.99 up front. iStroboSoft sells 11 one-off in-app purchases. PolyTune asks for nothing beyond the download.

iStroboSoft holds the better App Store score, 4.3 against 2.8. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 298 and 79 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 76% of iStroboSoft's written reviews are positive against 66% of PolyTune's.

iStroboSoft ships an update fortnightly, PolyTune every 40 months. The most recent releases landed on September 28, 2026 and September 30, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | iStroboSoft | PolyTune |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $9.99 | **$4.99** |
| Rating | **[4.3 (298 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/istrobosoft/id308296029/reviews)** | [2.8 (79 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/polytune/id364009203/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **298** | 79 |
| Positive reviews | **76.0% of reviews** | 65.7% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Fortnightly** | Every 40 months |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Paid |
| Best chart rank | **#14** | — |
| Size | 5 MB | 45 MB |
| Requires iOS | 12.0 | **9.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Peterson Tuners](https://appshunter.io/developer/308296032) | [TC Electronic](https://appshunter.io/developer/364009206) |

## What reviewers say

### iStroboSoft

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/istrobosoft/id308296029)

**Currently charting:** #14 Top Paid · Music (US App Store)

This application provides highly accurate tuning for musical instruments, offering professional-grade precision with a real-time strobe display. It supports various tuning modes, temperaments, and input methods, making it suitable for both acoustic and electric instruments.

**Highlights:** 1/10th cent accuracy, Real-time strobe display, Guided Mode Tuning, 12 Temperaments with adjustable root, Assisted Low Note Detection, Drop/Capo mode, Adjustable Concert A

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (11)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Extended Frequency Modes | $4.99 | one-time |
| Bluegrass Sweeteners | $5.99 | one-time |
| Buzz Feiten Pack | $5.99 | one-time |
| Guitar & Bass Sweeteners | $5.99 | one-time |
| Orchestral Sweeteners | $5.99 | one-time |
| World Sweetener Pack | $9.99 | one-time |
| Tuning Tools | $9.99 | one-time |
| Steel Guitar Sweeteners | $14.99 | one-time |
| Harmonic Tuning | $19.99 | one-time |
| Keyboard Sweeteners | $19.99 | one-time |
| Full Discounted Upgrade Pack | $59.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Extremely accurate
- 🔒 Reliable and stable
- 👍 Fantastic for instrument setup and intonation
- 👍 Portable and convenient
- 👍 Excellent value for the price

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Compatibility issues with iOS updates
- 💰 Expensive in-app purchases for additional features
- 🐛 Inconsistent performance, jumps between notes
- 🐛 Struggles with low and high notes
- 🐛 Microphone input not always reliable

**Reported bugs**

- App freezes or crashes on certain iOS versions
- Incorrect note detection on some instruments
- Display issues with newer iPhone/iPad models

**Requested features**

- Add support for more sweetened tunings and temperaments
- Improve display visibility and layout for newer devices
- Integrate with audio apps and allow routing through other apps
- Add Apple Watch app for quick tuning access
- Improve noise filtering and input sensitivity


### PolyTune

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/polytune/id364009203)

This application provides a powerful and accurate tuning tool for musicians. It allows for simultaneous tuning of all strings, supports various guitar and bass modes, and offers drop tunings. Its technology is based on a highly-regarded pedal tuner used by professionals.

**Highlights:** Tune all strings at once, Guitar/bass mode, Drop tunings support, Award-winning pedal technology, Chromatic tuning modes, High accuracy

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🩵 Works really well
- 💯 Accurate and precise
- 🔢 Polyphonic tuning mode
- 🎨 Customizable display colors
- 🔌 Works with electric and acoustic guitars

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Crashes or freezes on newer iOS versions
- 🔇 Struggles to pick up low strings or in noisy environments
- ⏱️ Screen dims during use
- 🚫 No support for alternate/custom tunings
- 💤 Drains battery quickly when running in background

**Reported bugs**

- Crashes on launch
- Unable to detect or tune certain strings
- Inaccurate tuning readings

**Requested features**

- Add support for 432Hz tuning
- Implement custom tuning options
- Improve compatibility with external audio interfaces
- Add a dedicated on/off switch


## Frequently asked questions

### Is iStroboSoft free?

iStroboSoft costs $9.99, and also offers in-app purchases.

### Is PolyTune free?

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

### Which has better reviews, iStroboSoft or PolyTune?

iStroboSoft is rated higher. iStroboSoft averages 4.3 out of 5 from 298 ratings, while PolyTune averages 2.8 from 79 ratings.

### Do iStroboSoft or PolyTune have ads?

Neither iStroboSoft nor PolyTune shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, iStroboSoft or PolyTune?

iStroboSoft ships an update fortnightly, and PolyTune every 40 months. Most recently, iStroboSoft was updated on September 28, 2026 and PolyTune on September 30, 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.*