# BOSS Effect Loader vs Guitar Tuner

The clearest difference is rating: Guitar Tuner at 4.8 against BOSS Effect Loader's 3.5. Guitar Tuner also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 8) and update cadence (monthly vs every 5 months). BOSS Effect Loader's advantage is iOS requirement (15.6 vs 17.0). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. BOSS Effect Loader sells 8 one-off in-app purchases. Guitar Tuner asks for nothing beyond the download.

Guitar Tuner holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 3.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Guitar Tuner has 61 ratings behind it against 8, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 42% of BOSS Effect Loader's written reviews are positive against 53% of Guitar Tuner's.

BOSS Effect Loader ships an update every 5 months, Guitar Tuner monthly. The most recent releases landed on November 4, 2026 and November 5, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | BOSS Effect Loader | Guitar Tuner |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.5 (8 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/boss-effect-loader/id6736950276/reviews) | **[4.8 (61 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/guitar-tuner-tunertuning-app/id6758326134/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 8 | **61** |
| Positive reviews | 41.7% of reviews | **53.3% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 5 months | **Monthly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Ad-supported** |
| Size | 3 MB | 98 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.6** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Roland Corporation](https://appshunter.io/developer/387333694) | [Yamaha Corporation](https://appshunter.io/developer/353469356) |

## What reviewers say

### BOSS Effect Loader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/boss-effect-loader/id6736950276)

This application allows users to load effects into the PX-1 Plugout FX device. It offers a selection of free effects and the option to purchase additional model passes within the app. An internet connection and Roland Account are required for full functionality.

**Highlights:** Load effects into PX-1 Plugout FX, 16 free effect models included, Purchase additional model passes, Bluetooth or USB connection, Requires Roland Account

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

**In-app purchases (8)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| PW-2 Power Driver | $9.99 | one-time |
| XT-2 Xtortion | $9.99 | one-time |
| CS-2 Compression Sustainer | $9.99 | one-time |
| DM-2 Delay | $9.99 | one-time |
| DC-2 Dimension C | $9.99 | one-time |
| OD-2 TURBO OverDrive | $9.99 | one-time |
| Bundle for PW-2/XT-2/CS-2 | $19.99 | one-time |
| Bundle for OD-2/DC-2/DM-2 | $19.99 | one-time |


### Guitar Tuner

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/guitar-tuner-tunertuning-app/id6758326134)

A straightforward tuning application designed for musicians of all levels. It offers both preset and chromatic tuning options with a clear, intuitive display for easy operation. Get ready to play with confidence with accurate, satisfying tuning.

**Highlights:** Preset tuner with preset notes, Chromatic tuner for any tuning, Easy-to-read color and shape display, Intuitive instrument imagery, Clear response for in-tune indication, Ready to use immediately upon download

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is BOSS Effect Loader free?

BOSS Effect Loader is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Guitar Tuner free?

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

### Which has better reviews, BOSS Effect Loader or Guitar Tuner?

Guitar Tuner is rated higher. BOSS Effect Loader averages 3.5 out of 5 from 8 ratings, while Guitar Tuner averages 4.8 from 61 ratings.

### Do BOSS Effect Loader or Guitar Tuner have ads?

Neither BOSS Effect Loader nor Guitar Tuner shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, BOSS Effect Loader or Guitar Tuner?

BOSS Effect Loader ships an update every 5 months, and Guitar Tuner monthly. Most recently, BOSS Effect Loader was updated on November 4, 2026 and Guitar Tuner on November 5, 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.*