# AmpliTube CS vs Playback

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Playback at 66% against AmpliTube CS's 31%. Playback also leads on update cadence (monthly vs every 4 months) and device support (4 vs 1). 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 Playback 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, Playback monthly. Both last shipped on October 15, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | AmpliTube CS | Playback |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[4.8 (4.3K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/playback/id751755884/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **4.3K** |
| Positive reviews | 30.9% of reviews | **66.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Monthly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 753 MB | 132 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | **15.6** |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [IK Multimedia US, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/323694278) | [MultiTracks.com](https://appshunter.io/developer/751755887) |

## 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


### Playback

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/playback/id751755884)

This app transforms your device into a powerful multi-track player for worship teams. It integrates with other worship production tools, offers advanced features like automation and MIDI control, and provides an intuitive interface for volunteers.

**Highlights:** Multi-track audio playback, Integration with worship production tools, Automation and MIDI control, Custom song arrangements, Setlist management, Ambient pad player

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pro | $4.99 | per month |
| Pro | $8.99 | per month |
| Premium | $14.99 | per month |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Easy to use
- 👍 Powerful features
- 🚀 Seamless playback
- 🚀 Intuitive interface
- 👍 Great for small churches

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional crashes and glitches
- 💰 Expensive subscription model
- 🔒 Difficult to use on multiple devices
- 🔒 Lack of free trial or demo
- 🐛 Inconsistent behavior after updates

**Reported bugs**

- Click track and guide audio issues
- Playback freezing or crashing on certain devices
- Syncing problems between multiple devices
- Rental tracks not loading properly

**Requested features**

- Ability to create and save custom setlists
- More advanced editing capabilities for individual tracks
- Tempo and key change options during live performance
- Improved MIDI integration for lyrics and lighting control
- Standalone version without subscription requirement


## Frequently asked questions

### Is AmpliTube CS free?

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

### Is Playback free?

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

### Do AmpliTube CS or Playback have ads?

Neither AmpliTube CS nor Playback shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, AmpliTube CS or Playback?

AmpliTube CS ships an update every 4 months, and Playback monthly. Most recently, AmpliTube CS was updated on October 15, 2026 and Playback on October 15, 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.*