# Oscilloscope vs Soundbeam

The clearest difference is price: Soundbeam at $0.99 against Oscilloscope's $19.99. Soundbeam also leads on rating (4.5 vs 4.1) and review sentiment (89% vs 72%). On update cadence, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Oscilloscope costs $19.99 and Soundbeam $0.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Soundbeam holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 4.1. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 19 and 74 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 72% of Oscilloscope's written reviews are positive against 89% of Soundbeam's.

Oscilloscope ships an update every 8 months, Soundbeam every 9 months. Both last shipped on October 23, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Oscilloscope | Soundbeam |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $19.99 | **$0.99** |
| Rating | [4.1 (19 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/oscilloscope/id388636804/reviews) | **[4.5 (74 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/soundbeam/id494982357/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 19 | **74** |
| Positive reviews | 71.7% of reviews | **88.7% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 8 months** | Every 9 months |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free** |
| Size | 8 MB | 7 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16 | **11.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [ONYX Apps](https://appshunter.io/developer/356553882) | [PZ Mobile Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/1780374779) |

## What reviewers say

### Oscilloscope

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/oscilloscope/id388636804)

Analyze audio and analog signals with a portable oscilloscope. Features include waveform display, triggering controls, and a built-in signal generator for various waveforms. Supports external input for more advanced measurements.

**Highlights:** Real-time waveform display, Triggering modes, Signal measurement cursors, Built-in signal generator, Dual channel input support, Reference signal calibration, Export traces as text file

**In-app purchases:** none


### Soundbeam

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/soundbeam/id494982357)

Visualize sound in real-time with this audio analyzer. It displays sound as a classic oscilloscope and offers spectral visualization using Fourier transform. Connect instruments or use the built-in mic to explore audio frequencies and intensity.

**Highlights:** Spectrum and waveform views, Real-time audio analysis, High-resolution Fourier transform, Recording functionality, Gesture controls for adjustments, Connect external audio devices

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Intuitive and user-friendly interface
- 🎨 Beautiful, elegant skeumorphic design
- ⚡ Smooth performance with no lag or crashes
- 🔬 Effective oscilloscope and spectrum analyzer functionality
- 💰 Excellent value for price (under $1)

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔊 Audio blocking issue when app is running
- 📈 No timebase control for oscilloscope mode
- ⏱️ Limited recording duration (14-15 seconds)
- 🎚️ Difficult intensity knob adjustment
- 📱 Poor support for newer iPhone/iPad screen sizes

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes on iPhone 5 with no waveform display
- Waveform display not appearing despite controls working
- Quarter-second latency between audio and display
- Moving waveform displayed even when music is paused
- iPhone reset during app usage

**Requested features**

- Longer recording capability (with IAP option)
- Horizontal zoom in waveform mode with time scale display
- X/Y function for advanced analysis
- Timebase adjustment controls
- Trigger functionality


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Oscilloscope free?

Oscilloscope costs $19.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Soundbeam free?

Soundbeam costs $0.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Oscilloscope or Soundbeam?

Soundbeam is rated higher. Oscilloscope averages 4.1 out of 5 from 19 ratings, while Soundbeam averages 4.5 from 74 ratings.

### Do Oscilloscope or Soundbeam have ads?

Neither Oscilloscope nor Soundbeam shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Oscilloscope or Soundbeam?

Oscilloscope ships an update every 8 months, and Soundbeam every 9 months. Most recently, Oscilloscope was updated on October 23, 2026 and Soundbeam on October 23, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*