# Tones vs LE05

The clearest difference is rating: LE05 at 4.1 against Tones's 3.5. LE05 also leads on update cadence (every 6 weeks vs every 12 months) and ratings volume (139 vs 4). Tones's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 4). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. LE05 sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per 7 days. Tones asks for nothing beyond the download.

LE05 holds the better App Store score, 4.1 against 3.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: LE05 has 139 ratings behind it against 4, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 40% of Tones's written reviews are positive against 55% of LE05's.

Tones ships an update every 12 months, LE05 every 6 weeks. Both last shipped on November 7, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Tones | LE05 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.5 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tones/id458315373/reviews) | **[4.1 (139 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/le05-digitalism-2000-plus-auv3/id1547016343/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 4 | **139** |
| Positive reviews | 40.0% of reviews | **54.9% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 12 months | **Every 6 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Ad-supported** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 81 MB | 209 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **13.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Ben Walker](https://appshunter.io/developer/385443776) | [Audiobus Pty Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/672585101) |

## What reviewers say

### Tones

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tones/id458315373)

Create music easily with simple tap controls. This app offers a range of high-quality sounds and tempo adjustments, making it accessible for all ages and musical experience levels. Shake your device to clear the sound pads.

**Highlights:** Tap to create music, High-quality sound selection, Adjustable tempo, Add columns for longer tunes, Shake to clear sound pads

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### LE05

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/le05-digitalism-2000-plus-auv3/id1547016343)

Explore a vast collection of vintage synth sounds inspired by early 2000s digital music. This app offers over 1,000 samples and 60+ PCM sound sources, with over 100 presets for immediate inspiration. It functions as a standalone instrument or an AUv3 plugin for popular DAWs.

**Highlights:** Vintage digital synth sounds, Over 1,000 individual samples, 60+ multi-sampled PCM sound sources, Over 100 inspiring presets, Standalone and AUv3 modes, AUv3 automation

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly premium | $2.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly premium | $2.99 | per 7 days |
| Yearly premium | $9.99 | per year |
| Yearly premium | $9.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 🎶 Amazing sounds and presets
- 👍 Easy to use interface
- 💡 Innovative sound design
- 💰 Great value for price
- ✨ High-quality audio output

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💸 Unacceptable subscription model
- ❌ No longer recognized in GarageBand
- 🐛 Crashes frequently
- 💾 State-saving issues
- 🚫 Audio not saving

**Reported bugs**

- GarageBand crashes when opening songs with the Audio Unit
- Digitalism not recognized in GarageBand
- No sound when playing MIDI tracks in GarageBand
- State-saving doesn't hold Audio Unit patch settings and parameters
- App crashes at the point of entering the song editor

**Requested features**

- Undo/redo button
- Release for computer (Logic Pro)
- Add Audiobus connection
- More 80s, Synthwave, Funky, Italo disco sounds
- Add a record button


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Tones free?

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

### Is LE05 free?

LE05 is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Tones or LE05?

LE05 is rated higher. Tones averages 3.5 out of 5 from 4 ratings, while LE05 averages 4.1 from 139 ratings.

### Do Tones or LE05 have ads?

Both Tones and LE05 show ads.

### Which is updated more often, Tones or LE05?

Tones ships an update every 12 months, and LE05 every 6 weeks. Most recently, Tones was updated on November 7, 2026 and LE05 on November 7, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*