# NoteGrid vs Shape Rhythm

The clearest difference is ads: NoteGrid at none against Shape Rhythm's shown. NoteGrid also leads on rating (4.7 vs 4.2) and update cadence (weekly vs every 7 months). Shape Rhythm's advantage is iOS requirement (12.0 vs 14.0). On price, ratings volume, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. NoteGrid sells 17 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month and Shape Rhythm sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

NoteGrid holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.2. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 585 and 205 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 76% of NoteGrid's written reviews are positive against 48% of Shape Rhythm's.

NoteGrid ships an update weekly, Shape Rhythm every 7 months. Both last shipped on October 27, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | NoteGrid | Shape Rhythm |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (585 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/notegrid-play-music-by-ear/id6452839894/reviews)** | [4.2 (205 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shape-rhythm/id6478543498/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **585** | 205 |
| Positive reviews | **76.1% of reviews** | 48.4% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Weekly** | Every 7 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | **#146** | — |
| Size | 170 MB | 206 MB |
| Requires iOS | 14.0 | **12.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 9+ |
| Developer | [Wimbo Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1630555351) | [Lam Dao Thi Thanh](https://appshunter.io/developer/1341395414) |

## What reviewers say

### NoteGrid

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/notegrid-play-music-by-ear/id6452839894)

**Currently charting:** #146 Top Free · Music (US App Store)

This music game challenges you to recreate melodies and beats by listening and using a simple grid sequencer. It's designed for beginners to develop their musical ear and create their own music without prior knowledge of theory or instruments. Daily challenges offer fun ways to practice and earn rewards.

**Highlights:** Recreate melodies and beats by ear, Simple grid sequencer for beginners, Daily musical puzzles and challenges, Develop musical ear and skills, Create original beats and melodies, Unlock new instruments

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

**In-app purchases (17)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Wimbo Pro Subscription | $4.99 | per month |
| +200 Coins | $0.99 | one-time |
| Octave Selector | $1.99 | one-time |
| 3rd Percussion Row | $1.99 | one-time |
| Note Selector | $2.99 | one-time |
| Music Box | $2.99 | one-time |
| Square Lead | $2.99 | one-time |
| Acoustic Bass | $2.99 | one-time |
| Harp | $2.99 | one-time |
| Xmas Levels Pack | $3.99 | one-time |
| +500 Coins | $4.99 | one-time |
| Remove Ads | $5.99 | one-time |
| +1500 Coins | $9.99 | one-time |
| +3000 Coins | $16.99 | one-time |
| Pro Pass | $19.99 | one-time |
| +5000 Coins | $25.99 | one-time |
| +10,000 Coins | $34.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to use
- 🎉 Fun and engaging
- 🎵 Great for music creation
- 💡 Innovative features
- 🎨 Customizable options

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Expensive upgrades
- 🤔 Confusing UI elements
- 🐛 Occasional bugs and glitches
- 🔒 Limited access without subscription
- 🤖 AI-generated profile pictures

**Reported bugs**

- Coin collection button disappearing
- Levels with no sound or incorrect notes
- Crashes and login issues
- Deleted accounts and lost progress

**Requested features**

- Add ability to record and import audio
- Expand free content and features
- Improve coin earning system
- Implement search function in jukebox
- Allow disabling of comments


### Shape Rhythm

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shape-rhythm/id6478543498)

Experience a unique co-op musical bullet hell game. Dance through chaotic scenarios, avoiding dynamic shapes while grooving to catchy beats. Play solo or team up with friends for an exhilarating rhythm and mayhem fusion.

**Highlights:** Cooperative musical bullet hell, Rhythm game fusion, Intense and accessible gameplay, Cooperative story mode, Challenge runs, Mesmerizing soundtrack and visuals, Online and split-screen co-op

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Remove Ads | $1.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🎶 Great music and beats
- 🎮 Fun gameplay
- 📱 Good mobile port of JSAB
- 👍 Well-made and entertaining
- ✨ Cool graphics

**What reviewers complain about**

-  광고 Excessive ads
- 📉 Poorly made
- ⚠️ Unpredictable attacks
- 😵 Annoying ads during gameplay
- 🗑️ Bootleg/Rip-off game

**Reported bugs**

- Keeps crashing
- Game crashes occasionally
- Game freezes after ad
- Ad turns off all sounds
- Game bugs and doesn't let you play

**Requested features**

- Add more songs
- Add story mode and bosses
- Extend 'together forever'
- Make it a bit easier
- Show which is the boss and which is normal


## Frequently asked questions

### Is NoteGrid free?

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

### Is Shape Rhythm free?

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

### Which has better reviews, NoteGrid or Shape Rhythm?

NoteGrid is rated higher. NoteGrid averages 4.7 out of 5 from 585 ratings, while Shape Rhythm averages 4.2 from 205 ratings.

### Do NoteGrid or Shape Rhythm have ads?

Shape Rhythm shows ads; NoteGrid does not.

### Which is updated more often, NoteGrid or Shape Rhythm?

NoteGrid ships an update weekly, and Shape Rhythm every 7 months. Most recently, NoteGrid was updated on October 27, 2026 and Shape Rhythm on October 27, 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.*