# PixelWave vs Music Theory Chords

The clearest difference is rating: PixelWave at 4.8 against Music Theory Chords's 3.3. PixelWave also leads on update cadence (every 4 months vs every 36 months) and ratings volume (19 vs 3). Music Theory Chords's advantage is review sentiment (100% vs 89%). On ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

PixelWave costs $0.99 and Music Theory Chords $1.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

PixelWave holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 3.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: PixelWave has 19 ratings behind it against 3, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 89% of PixelWave's written reviews are positive against 100% of Music Theory Chords's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

PixelWave ships an update every 4 months, Music Theory Chords every 36 months. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 29, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | PixelWave | Music Theory Chords |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **$0.99** | $1.99 |
| Rating | **[4.8 (19 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pixelwave/id447318771/reviews)** | [3.3 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/music-theory-chords/id1017427229/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **19** | 3 |
| Positive reviews | 89.3% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 4 months** | Every 36 months |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Size | 2 MB | 42 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 26.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Alexander Zolotov](https://appshunter.io/developer/324462547) | [Patrick Q. Kelly](https://appshunter.io/developer/310068987) |

## What reviewers say

### PixelWave

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pixelwave/id447318771)

Create unique sounds with an experimental wavetable synthesizer featuring a retro pixel interface. Draw custom waveforms, choose from presets, and adjust octaves. Export your creations and integrate with other music apps.

**Highlights:** Draw custom waveforms, Export to WAV, Nine predefined waveforms, Changeable octaves (2-6), MIDI keyboard support, Audiobus and IAA support

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 💡 Innovative sound design tool
- 🎨 Great for drawing waveforms
- 🎶 Produces unique and interesting sounds
- 🤩 Fun and engaging to use
- 💰 Good value for the price

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🤔 Limited functionality for some
- 🐛 Occasional bugs and crashes
- 🎛️ Some effects difficult to control/disable
- 🔊 Loud beating sound with multi-touch
- ⏳ Memory issues reported

**Reported bugs**

- AudioCopy not utilized
- Unable to access tools or change parameters
- Memory issue with iOS7 claiming large amounts of storage
- Not visible in Audiobus
- Tone and Waveform text fading in and out

**Requested features**

- Updated export options
- Screen recording functionality
- Basic reverb effect
- Further functionality (sequencer, LFOs, filters)
- Ability to adjust arpeggiation rate/BPM


### Music Theory Chords

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/music-theory-chords/id1017427229)

This app helps musicians test their knowledge of triads and seventh chords through ear training and notation analysis. It offers customizable modes, clef support, and a printable grade book for tracking progress.

**Highlights:** Triad and seventh chord testing, Ear training mode, Notation analysis mode, Customizable chord playback, Grade book with printable results, Multiple clef support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is PixelWave free?

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

### Is Music Theory Chords free?

Music Theory Chords costs $1.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, PixelWave or Music Theory Chords?

PixelWave is rated higher. PixelWave averages 4.8 out of 5 from 19 ratings, while Music Theory Chords averages 3.3 from 3 ratings.

### Do PixelWave or Music Theory Chords have ads?

Neither PixelWave nor Music Theory Chords shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, PixelWave or Music Theory Chords?

PixelWave ships an update every 4 months, and Music Theory Chords every 36 months. Most recently, PixelWave was updated on October 24, 2026 and Music Theory Chords on October 29, 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.*