# iStroboSoft vs Bagpipe Tuner

The clearest difference is rating: iStroboSoft at 4.3 against Bagpipe Tuner's 3.6. iStroboSoft also leads on update cadence (fortnightly vs every 7 months) and ratings volume (298 vs 14). Bagpipe Tuner's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 11) and review sentiment (84% vs 76%). On ads and device support there is nothing between them.

iStroboSoft costs $9.99 and Bagpipe Tuner $11.99 up front. iStroboSoft sells 11 one-off in-app purchases. Bagpipe Tuner asks for nothing beyond the download.

iStroboSoft holds the better App Store score, 4.3 against 3.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: iStroboSoft has 298 ratings behind it against 14, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 76% of iStroboSoft's written reviews are positive against 84% of Bagpipe Tuner's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

iStroboSoft ships an update fortnightly, Bagpipe Tuner every 7 months. The most recent releases landed on October 1, 2026 and September 30, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | iStroboSoft | Bagpipe Tuner |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **$9.99** | $11.99 |
| Rating | **[4.3 (298 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/istrobosoft/id308296029/reviews)** | [3.6 (14 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bagpipe-tuner/id480445177/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **298** | 14 |
| Positive reviews | 76.0% of reviews | **84.4% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Fortnightly** | Every 7 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Best chart rank | **#25** | — |
| Size | 5 MB | 23 MB |
| Requires iOS | 12.0 | **8.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Peterson Tuners](https://appshunter.io/developer/308296032) | [Murray Blair](https://appshunter.io/developer/480445180) |

## What reviewers say

### iStroboSoft

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

**Currently charting:** #25 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


### Bagpipe Tuner

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bagpipe-tuner/id480445177)

This application provides precise tuning for Highland bagpipes. It accurately detects chanter notes and drones, displaying their frequency and pitch position. Ideal for pipers and those assisting with tuning, it simplifies the complex process of achieving good tone.

**Highlights:** Auto note and drone detection, Frequency and pitch display, Analog and digital meters, Waveform input monitor, External microphone support, Large horizontal display

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

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to use
- 🎯 Accurate tuning
- 💰 Good value for money
- 🎶 Great for band tuning
- 📱 Convenient mobile app

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Crashing on latest iOS
- 🐛 Won't open on devices
- 🐛 Not working on iPhone X
- 🐛 Crashing with tuning clip
- 🐛 Expensive for basic features

**Reported bugs**

- App won't open
- App crashes on launch
- App crashes when using tuning clip
- App not working on latest iOS versions
- App not working on iPhone X

**Requested features**

- Add documentation/help file
- Implement manual calibration option
- Improve learn mode functionality
- Add watch app support
- Allow manual pitch setting within app


## Frequently asked questions

### Is iStroboSoft free?

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

### Is Bagpipe Tuner free?

Bagpipe Tuner costs $11.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, iStroboSoft or Bagpipe Tuner?

iStroboSoft is rated higher. iStroboSoft averages 4.3 out of 5 from 298 ratings, while Bagpipe Tuner averages 3.6 from 14 ratings.

### Do iStroboSoft or Bagpipe Tuner have ads?

Neither iStroboSoft nor Bagpipe Tuner shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, iStroboSoft or Bagpipe Tuner?

iStroboSoft ships an update fortnightly, and Bagpipe Tuner every 7 months. Most recently, iStroboSoft was updated on October 1, 2026 and Bagpipe Tuner 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.*