# Banjo Tuner vs Polar Scope Align

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Polar Scope Align at 91% against Banjo Tuner's 53%. Polar Scope Align also leads on update cadence (every 6 weeks vs every 15 months) and rating (4.7 vs 4.4). Banjo Tuner's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 3). On price, ratings volume, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Polar Scope Align sells 3 one-off in-app purchases. Banjo Tuner asks for nothing beyond the download.

Polar Scope Align holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.4. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 394 and 173 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 53% of Banjo Tuner's written reviews are positive against 91% of Polar Scope Align's.

Banjo Tuner ships an update every 15 months, Polar Scope Align every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 1, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Banjo Tuner | Polar Scope Align |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.4 (394 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/banjo-tuner/id341018597/reviews) | **[4.7 (173 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/polar-scope-align/id970157965/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **394** | 173 |
| Positive reviews | 53.3% of reviews | **91.4% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 15 months | **Every 6 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Ad-supported** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 14 MB | 24 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **13.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Alvin Yu](https://appshunter.io/developer/310457194) | [Dimitrios Kechagias](https://appshunter.io/developer/970157964) |

## What reviewers say

### Banjo Tuner

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/banjo-tuner/id341018597)

This application provides standard tuning notes for the 5-string banjo. It's a simple tool designed to help banjo players achieve accurate tuning.

**Highlights:** Standard tuning notes, 5-string banjo support, Accurate tuning reference

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

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Simple and easy to use interface
- 🎵 Plays correct tuning notes accurately
- 💰 Free app with no cost
- ⚡ Quick and lightweight download
- 🎧 Blind-friendly and accessible with VoiceOver

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 App frequently doesn't work or produce sound
- ⏱️ Notes cut off too quickly to adjust tuning
- 📢 Excessive ads cluttering the interface
- 🎚️ Only supports standard tuning, no alternatives
- 👂 Requires good ear training to use effectively

**Reported bugs**

- No sound output despite app being enabled
- Buttons do not respond when pressed
- Audio cuts off mid-note
- Multiple notes playing simultaneously
- Pitch notes are flat or inaccurate

**Requested features**

- Add microphone input to detect instrument pitch
- Support for alternate tunings (tenor, Irish tenor, etc.)
- Continuous note playback instead of single play
- Visual feedback for tuning accuracy
- Ability to customize tunings per string


### Polar Scope Align

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/polar-scope-align/id970157965)

This app calculates the precise position of celestial poles in your telescope's polar scope reticle for accurate alignment. It supports a wide range of reticles and corrects for atmospheric refraction, offering precision even at lower latitudes. Features include night mode, moon phase, and astronomical databases.

**Highlights:** Polaris/Sigma Octantis position calculation, Atmospheric refraction correction, Reticle centering error correction, Supports numerous reticle types, Red-color night mode, Moon phase and astronomical databases

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Tip 1x | $0.99 | one-time |
| Tip 4x | $3.99 | one-time |
| Tip 10x | $9.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🎯 Extensive reticle options for various telescope mounts
- 👍 User-friendly and intuitive interface
- 🆓 Powerful free version with no popup ads
- 🔴 Red night vision mode preserves dark adaptation
- 📍 Accurate GPS-based location detection

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Inconsistent accuracy with metal mounts/tripods
- 📱 Font size too small for comfortable reading
- 🎯 Center dot in reticle obscures precise alignment
- 📍 Limited effectiveness for southern hemisphere (Sigma Octantis is dim)
- ❓ Steep learning curve for beginners without proper guidance

**Reported bugs**

- Date and time dial do not match correctly
- GMT and LST times appear to be switched
- App crashes or fails to initialize for some users
- Alignment accuracy varies inconsistently between sessions
- Location detection issues with cell tower vs GPS

**Requested features**

- Online video tutorials demonstrating all features
- Remove or reduce center dot size in reticle
- Larger, bolder font options for better readability
- Brighter star options for southern hemisphere alignment
- Smaller ad button or ad customization


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Banjo Tuner free?

Banjo Tuner is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Polar Scope Align free?

Polar Scope Align is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Banjo Tuner or Polar Scope Align?

Polar Scope Align is rated higher. Banjo Tuner averages 4.4 out of 5 from 394 ratings, while Polar Scope Align averages 4.7 from 173 ratings.

### Do Banjo Tuner or Polar Scope Align have ads?

Both Banjo Tuner and Polar Scope Align show ads.

### Which is updated more often, Banjo Tuner or Polar Scope Align?

Banjo Tuner ships an update every 15 months, and Polar Scope Align every 6 weeks. Most recently, Banjo Tuner was updated on November 1, 2026 and Polar Scope Align on October 24, 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.*