Comparison

Giying vs Calliope Sim

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

Head to head
About

Giying

Experience the authentic sounds of a Balinese Gamelan Gong Kebyar on your iPhone or iPad. This app replicates the Ugal instrument, offering a realistic playing experience with high-quality audio and detailed visuals. Explore cipher notations and enjoy uninterrupted music creation.

Highlights
  • Authentic sound bank
  • Realistic playing experience
  • Low-latency audio playback
  • Zoomable instrument views
  • Customizable cipher notations
  • Ad-free experience
Features
Read full description

World's first iPhone/iPad implementation of the main instruments of a Balinese Gamelan Gong Kebyar! The Giying, also called Ugal, is a 10-key instrument of the gangsa metallophones in the Balinese Gamelan Gong Kebyar. It is usually used for playing an elaborated version of the main melody. ** Note that the instrument produces very low-pitched sounds and require a high-quality sound system for best sound reproduction. The use of a high-quality headphone or external amplifier with good bass response is recommended. ** * Authentic sound bank sampled directly from real instruments * User interaction designed to replicate true playing experience * Playing sound can be stopped --- essential for Gamelan! * High-quality photos showcasing real instruments * Optimized for ultra-low latency audio playback * Zoomable views for detailed instrument exploration * Customizable display of cipher notations to suit your preferences * Completely ad-free for uninterrupted enjoyment

About

Calliope Sim

Experience the nostalgic charm of traditional fairgrounds and circuses with this realistic calliope simulator. It offers authentic sounds and advanced features like microtonal tuning and reverb for expressive musical performances. Record and share your creations easily.

Highlights
  • Authentic calliope sound sample
  • Microtonal tuning
  • Transpose adjustment
  • Reverb effects
  • Chorus mode
  • Dynamic key sensitivity
  • Built-in recorder
  • Shareable performances
Features
Read full description

Step into the whimsical world of traditional fairgrounds, circuses, and vintage steam organs with Calliope Sim! This app captures the nostalgic charm and high-quality sound of the calliope, offering a realistic and immersive experience for musicians, learners, and enthusiasts alike. Featuring a carefully sampled single calliope sound, Calliope Sim delivers a playful yet powerful playing experience. With advanced features like microtonal tuning, transpose adjustment, reverb effects, chorus mode, and dynamic key sensitivity, Calliope Sim puts vibrant, expressive music right at your fingertips. About the Calliope The calliope is a unique and cheerful instrument, originally used in steamboats and circuses to draw attention with its bright, piercing tones. Its sound is created by steam or compressed air pushing through tuned whistles, producing a lively and unmistakable voice. From carnival fanfares to vintage melodies, the calliope evokes a sense of celebration and nostalgia. Why You’ll Love Calliope Sim Authentic Calliope Sound Features a real calliope sound sample, capturing the brilliant and festive character of the instrument. Advanced Features for Enhanced Playability Microtonal Tuning: Explore alternative scales and musical traditions with precision pitch adjustments. Transpose Adjustment: Quickly shift keys to match other instruments or suit your vocal range. Reverb Effects: Add atmosphere and space to your performance with customizable reverb. Chorus Mode: Enrich your sound with layered harmonics, enhancing the calliope’s natural brightness. Dynamic Key Sensitivity: Play expressively—light touches create soft whistles, while firm presses produce bold, resonant tones. Customizable Interface Tailor the layout and sensitivity to your style. Whether you're recreating carnival music or composing whimsical soundscapes, Calliope Sim adapts to your creative needs. Record Your Performances Effortlessly capture your music with the built-in recorder—ideal for composing, practicing, or sharing. Share Your Music Easily share your calliope performances with friends, family, or audiences around the world. What Makes Calliope Sim Unique? Authentic Sound: Every note reflects the joyful, dynamic tones of a real calliope. Innovative Controls: Microtonal tuning, reverb, transpose, and dynamic key sensitivity provide full musical freedom. Elegant Design: A sleek and intuitive interface makes the app enjoyable and accessible for everyone. Creative Possibilities: Perfect for circus music, nostalgic themes, experimental tracks, or cinematic scores. Download Calliope Sim today and let the joyful sound of the calliope brighten your musical journey!

Screenshots

Giying4 screens
Calliope Sim4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Calliope Sim at Free against Giying's $5.99. Calliope Sim also leads on rating (5.0 vs 1.0) and update cadence (every 3 months vs every 26 months). Giying's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and ads (none vs shown). On ratings volume 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

Calliope Sim is free to download; Giying costs $5.99 up front. Calliope Sim sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Giying asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Calliope Sim holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 1.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1 and 1 respectively.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Giying ships an update every 26 months, Calliope Sim every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on October 3, 2026 and October 1, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard7 real differences · 3 level
Giying versus Calliope Sim: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterGiyingCalliope Sim
Price$5.99Free — better
Rating1.0 (1 ratings)5.0 (1 ratings) — better
Positive reviews50.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings11
Update frequencyEvery 26 monthsEvery 3 months — better
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationPaidFree with in-app purchases — better
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS18.012.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size60 MB114 MB
Age rating4+4+
Developeremacsian Company LimitedAlper Kahriman

Customer experience

Giying

All ratings1 ratings
Positive0.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative100.0%
Written reviews2 reviews
Positive50.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative50.0%

Calliope Sim

All ratings1 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

None

Giying

No in-app purchases

1 purchases

Calliope Sim

One-time1
  • Get Premium$7.99

Questions

Is Giying free?
Giying costs $5.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is Calliope Sim free?
Calliope Sim is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Giying or Calliope Sim?
Calliope Sim is rated higher. Giying averages 1.0 out of 5 from 1 ratings, while Calliope Sim averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.
Do Giying or Calliope Sim have ads?
Calliope Sim shows ads; Giying does not.
Which is updated more often, Giying or Calliope Sim?
Giying ships an update every 26 months, and Calliope Sim every 3 months. Most recently, Giying was updated on October 3, 2026 and Calliope Sim on October 1, 2026.

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