# Tone generator vs Tone Generator EX

The clearest difference is rating: Tone Generator EX at 4.8 against Tone generator's 4.0. Tone Generator EX also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 3) and update cadence (every 9 days vs every 5 months). On price, ratings volume, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Tone generator sells 3 one-off in-app purchases. Tone Generator EX asks for nothing beyond the download.

Tone Generator EX holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 152 and 439 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 67% of Tone generator's written reviews are positive against 91% of Tone Generator EX's.

Tone generator ships an update every 5 months, Tone Generator EX every 9 days. The most recent releases landed on October 19, 2026 and October 15, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Tone generator | Tone Generator EX |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.0 (152 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tone-generator/id457003837/reviews) | **[4.8 (439 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tone-generator-ex/id1462601423/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 152 | **439** |
| Positive reviews | 67.1% of reviews | **90.7% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 5 months | **Every 9 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Ad-supported** |
| Size | 27 MB | 29 MB |
| Requires iOS | 12.0 | **10.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [michael heinz](https://appshunter.io/developer/292745639) | [An-Che Lee](https://appshunter.io/developer/1314851569) |

## What reviewers say

### Tone generator

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tone-generator/id457003837)

Create various periodic signals with adjustable frequency and amplitude for testing electronic circuits or tuning instruments. Features include a metronome, a real-time tuner, and options for generating different noise types and tone sequences. It also offers unique features for hearing tests and party games.

**Highlights:** Generate periodic signals, Adjustable frequency and amplitude, Integrated instrument tuner, Metronome for practice, Hearing ability tests, Generate white/pink noise, Create tone sequences

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Extra-Feature 1 | $1.99 | one-time |
| No advertising | $1.99 | one-time |
| Upgrade to full version | $3.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Works every time!
- 🚀 Awesome application for generating tones and studying sound
- 👍 Very useful
- 👍 Genius
- 👍 Great app to make your tones

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Doesn't go lower than 10hz
- 🔍 Ruined by ads
- 🔍 Way too many ads
- 🔍 Crashes before I can export even though I paid for the feature
- 🔍 Fake app. Buying the upgrade doesn't do anything. There is no support. You can't export like it says you can. It's a scam.

**Reported bugs**

- Doesn't go lower than 10hz
- Crashes before I can export even though I paid for the feature
- Fake app. Buying the upgrade doesn't do anything. There is no support. You can't export like it says you can. It's a scam.
- app is modified
- No tone

**Requested features**

- Wish I had a manual  that explains a couple functions
- More precise way to select the frequency
- Playing of multiple tomes
- Manually enter a frequency
- More than one voice


### Tone Generator EX

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tone-generator-ex/id1462601423)

Generate a wide range of audio tones with adjustable frequencies and waveforms. Control playback in the background, from your notification drawer, or lock screen. The app automatically pauses for calls and alarms, and allows you to save custom presets.

**Highlights:** Frequency range 15Hz to 22KHz, Sine, Square, Sawtooth, Triangle waveforms, Auto-off timer, Background playback, Notification drawer control, Create custom presets, Set frequency by music note

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Clean, intuitive, and elegant interface design
- 🎵 Precise frequency control with decimal accuracy
- 💰 Completely free with no ads or subscriptions
- ⚙️ Customizable A440 tuning standard adjustment
- 💾 Preset saving and loading functionality

**What reviewers complain about**

- 📉 Limited frequency range (minimum 15Hz, maximum needs extension)
- 🚫 No direct frequency input via typing
- ⏸️ No export functionality for generated tones
- 🔇 Clicking sounds during frequency adjustments
- 📱 No stereo output capability

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes and won't play after initial use
- Requires unnecessary credit card information
- Potential compatibility issues with newer iOS versions

**Requested features**

- Extend frequency range to 10Hz or lower (0-12Hz requested)
- Extend upper frequency range to support .4-12Hz adjustments
- Direct frequency input by typing instead of dial adjustment
- VST3/AUv3/desktop plugin version for DAW integration
- Frequency sweep functionality with adjustable speed


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Tone generator free?

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

### Is Tone Generator EX free?

Tone Generator EX is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Tone generator or Tone Generator EX?

Tone Generator EX is rated higher. Tone generator averages 4.0 out of 5 from 152 ratings, while Tone Generator EX averages 4.8 from 439 ratings.

### Do Tone generator or Tone Generator EX have ads?

Both Tone generator and Tone Generator EX show ads.

### Which is updated more often, Tone generator or Tone Generator EX?

Tone generator ships an update every 5 months, and Tone Generator EX every 9 days. Most recently, Tone generator was updated on October 19, 2026 and Tone Generator EX on October 15, 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.*