# 8Strummer vs Fretref

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: 8Strummer at none against Fretref's 3. 8Strummer also leads on iOS requirement (7.0 vs 14.0). Fretref's advantage is update cadence (every 3 months vs every 26 months). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Fretref sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. 8Strummer asks for nothing beyond the download.

8Strummer ships an update every 26 months, Fretref every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on October 23, 2026 and October 12, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | 8Strummer | Fretref |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[3.6 (11 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/8strummer/id441799069/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **11** | — |
| Positive reviews | 66.7% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 26 months | **Every 3 months** |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Size | 38 MB | 102 MB |
| Requires iOS | **7.0** | 14.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Drew Milloy](https://appshunter.io/developer/328220392) | [Panña Creative Studios](https://appshunter.io/developer/1796769835) |

## What reviewers say

### 8Strummer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/8strummer/id441799069)

This app helps guitarists improve their rhythm and strumming skills. Practice complex patterns with a metronome and various chord shapes. It also serves as a tool for songwriters to find the perfect groove.

**Highlights:** Rhythm pattern practice, 27 chord shapes, Metronome accompaniment, Save favorite patterns, Randomize pattern, Muted and ringing chords

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### Fretref

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fretref-guitar-handbook/id6742094111)

**Features:** Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium - Monthly Subscription | $1.99 | per month |
| Premium - Yearly Subscription | $18.49 | per year |
| Premium Lifetime | $34.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is 8Strummer free?

8Strummer is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Fretref free?

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

### Do 8Strummer or Fretref have ads?

Neither 8Strummer nor Fretref shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, 8Strummer or Fretref?

8Strummer ships an update every 26 months, and Fretref every 3 months. Most recently, 8Strummer was updated on October 23, 2026 and Fretref on October 12, 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.*