# AmpliTube CS vs Tone Trace

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Tone Trace at 100% against AmpliTube CS's 31%. Tone Trace also leads on update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 4 months). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. AmpliTube CS sells 17 one-off in-app purchases and Tone Trace sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

AmpliTube CS ships an update every 4 months, Tone Trace every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 17, 2026 and October 10, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | AmpliTube CS | Tone Trace |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tone-trace-rig-analyzer/id6761615059/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **2** |
| Positive reviews | 30.9% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Freemium |
| Size | 753 MB | 65 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.0** | 16.4 |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPad** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [IK Multimedia US, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/323694278) | [Remnant Workshop, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1885670197) |

## What reviewers say

### AmpliTube CS

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/amplitube-cs/id373309342)

This app provides a mobile guitar and bass tone studio with a vast collection of virtual gear. Users can build custom rigs, practice, play, and record with professional-sounding tones anytime, anywhere. It offers expandable libraries of amps and effects for a personalized experience.

**Highlights:** Virtual guitar and bass rig builder, Extensive library of amps and effects, Live Mode for stage performance, 2-track recorder (expandable), Loop drummer module, Speed trainer, metronome, and tuner

**In-app purchases (17)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Distortion | $2.99 | one-time |
| Chorus | $3.99 | one-time |
| Wah | $3.99 | one-time |
| Overdrive | $3.99 | one-time |
| Reverb | $3.99 | one-time |
| Metal Distortion | $3.99 | one-time |
| Flanger | $3.99 | one-time |
| Octave | $3.99 | one-time |
| Envelope | $3.99 | one-time |
| Phazer | $3.99 | one-time |
| Fuzz | $3.99 | one-time |
| Clean amp | $4.99 | one-time |
| Metal amp | $4.99 | one-time |
| Bass amp | $4.99 | one-time |
| Crunch amp | $4.99 | one-time |
| Recorder + Master FX | $19.99 | one-time |
| Fender Collection 1 | $24.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Great for practice and recording
- 👍 Excellent amp and effect modeling
- 🎨 Vast selection of amps and pedals
- 🎛️ Intuitive and easy-to-use interface
- 💰 Good value for money

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Crashes and stability issues
- 🔇 Poor sound quality and latency
- 💰 Expensive in-app purchases
- 🔒 Purchases not transferable across devices
- 🤯 Confusing and cluttered UI

**Reported bugs**

- Compatibility issues with iOS 16
- Distorted and sped-up audio playback
- Metronome and tempo controls not working
- Purchases not restoring after reinstall
- Frequent crashes and freezes

**Requested features**

- Ability to import songs from music library
- Improved recording and looping capabilities
- More bass-focused amp and effect options
- Better integration with other music apps
- Grandfathered access to all purchases


### Tone Trace

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tone-trace-rig-analyzer/id6761615059)

This app helps guitarists and bassists optimize their pedalboard signal flow. It audits pedal order, buffer placement, and more, providing a real-time chain score and a troubleshoot wizard to fix issues like hum and tone suck. It's designed for musicians with multiple pedals who want their rig to sound its best.

**Highlights:** Drag-and-drop pedal chain builder, Real-time signal flow scoring, Symptom-driven troubleshoot wizard, Signal map for documentation, FX loop routing awareness, Clone artist rigs, Set list creation and sharing

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| ToneTrace PRO Monthly | $4.99 | per month |
| ToneTrace PRO Yearly | $49.99 | per year |
| Unlock PRO forever | $0.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is AmpliTube CS free?

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

### Is Tone Trace free?

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

### Do AmpliTube CS or Tone Trace have ads?

Neither AmpliTube CS nor Tone Trace shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, AmpliTube CS or Tone Trace?

AmpliTube CS ships an update every 4 months, and Tone Trace every 2 weeks. Most recently, AmpliTube CS was updated on October 17, 2026 and Tone Trace on October 10, 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.*