Comparison

Oscilloscope vs OctaveScope

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Oscilloscope

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
Read full description

"I use this for analog, and audio measurements. Attach an Apple USB adapter and a $40 stereo A-D converter available online, and my iPad is like a $300 O'Scope." -thymeout- Oscilloscope app is great for analyzing audio range signals, or learning oscilloscope measurement basics. The interface includes many standard oscilloscope controls, such as: triggering, time and voltage per division, signal measurement cursors, and more. The app incorporates a signal (function) generator capable of generating sine, square, triangle, and sawtooth waveforms of up to 22 KHz. Calibration to an external reference signal is supported, guaranteeing the accuracy of measurements. Input can be acquired via the built-in microphone or an external mic/probe connected to the headset connector. For best results, use an external audio interface connected to your device dock. This allows for standard audio equipment to be connected, as well as for dual channel input. Oscilloscope probes also be connected (using a BNC connector). When feeding external signals via probes, you should take care not to exceed 1V AC voltage. Currently iDevices support only AC input. For up-to-date information on feeding signals and currently supported audio interfaces, please visit http://oa.onyx3.com Feature Highlights: ● Real-time waveform display (60 FPS) ● Triggering modes: Normal, Auto, Single ● Set trigger level and pre-trigger time ● Dual channel signal generator ● Reference signal calibration ● Pause function to get a screen capture ● Export traces as text file for further analysis ● Measure signal data using cursors ● Use "finger pinch" on screen to set voltage and time base ● Double tap screen to enter Black Panel mode ● Three color themes to choose from ● XY mode for viewing Lissajous figures ● Frequency range 20Hz-22KHz ● iPhone X ready

About

OctaveScope

Features
Read full description

OctaveScope – Visualize Piano Inharmonicity The OctaveScope Real-Time Audio Analyzer turns your iPhone or iPad into a powerful real-time oscilloscope and spectrum analyzer for music, acoustics, and tuning. Designed for musicians, piano tuners and technicians and the simply curious; it gives you a clear view of sound in both the time and frequency domains. Features • Live Microphone Capture – View incoming audio instantly with low-latency processing. • Waveform Oscilloscope – Inspect raw waveforms and filtered harmonics in real time. • FFT Deconvolution – Analyze fundamental tones and harmonic overtones with precision. • Octave Sizing – Widths from 2:1 to 10:5. • Harmonic Tracking – See multiples of the fundamental frequency (2×, 3×, 4×, etc.) with dedicated filters. • Dark Mode – Clear high-contrast visuals. • Educational & Practical – Great for music practice, instrument tuning, and exploring the science of sound. • Flat-Sharp indicators to visualize intonation. With OctaveScope, you can watch sound unfold — from raw waveforms to harmonic structure — right in your hand. Unlock the beauty of an accurately tuned piano scale with OctaveScope.

Screenshots

Oscilloscope4 screens
OctaveScope3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Oscilloscope at $19.99 against OctaveScope's $24.99. Oscilloscope also leads on iOS requirement (16 vs 18.5). On update cadence, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Oscilloscope costs $19.99 and OctaveScope $24.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Oscilloscope ships an update every 8 months, OctaveScope every 10 months. The most recent releases landed on October 20, 2026 and September 29, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
Oscilloscope versus OctaveScope: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterOscilloscopeOctaveScope
Price$19.99 — better$24.99
Rating4.1 (19 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews71.7% of reviews—
Number of ratings19 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 8 months — betterEvery 10 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaid—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS16 — better18.5
Further details — not scored
Size8 MB11 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperONYX AppsRichard Barber

In-app purchases

None

Oscilloscope

No in-app purchases

None

OctaveScope

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Oscilloscope free?
Oscilloscope costs $19.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is OctaveScope free?
OctaveScope costs $24.99, with no in-app purchases.
Do Oscilloscope or OctaveScope have ads?
Neither Oscilloscope nor OctaveScope shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Oscilloscope or OctaveScope?
Oscilloscope ships an update every 8 months, and OctaveScope every 10 months. Most recently, Oscilloscope was updated on October 20, 2026 and OctaveScope on September 29, 2026.

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