Comparison

Fretref vs StrumLab Jam

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Fretref

Features
Read full description

Enhance your guitar knowledge and practice routine with the FretRef app Features: - An intuitive Guitar fretboard simulation with box shape pattern visualisations, auto-play feature and an exhaustive library of scales and chords - Numerous custom tunings for multiple number of strings - Realistic guitar tone generated in realtime, no sample downloads required - Includes a harmonisation tool with scale-chord compatibility chart computation for all chords and scales as a handy feature for song-writers, composers - Includes a virtual jam buddy for your guitar practice with the AutoStrum feature - Create & record backing tracks using numerous chords with variable tempo & rhythms and a plethora of drumloops, or just practice along your lead guitar skills - Custom options include 5, 6, 7 & 8 strings - Right and left-handed orientation - Musical scales include: Major scale with the modes- Dorian, Phrygian, Lydian, Mixolydian, Aeolian & Locrian, Melodic Minor scale with its modes, Symmetrical scales, Harmonic scales, Pentatonic scales and many more - Chords includes 5th, Major, Minor, 7th, 9th, 13th and many more along with inversions and slash chord and omit notes option for extended chords - Custom tunings include Standard, DADGAD, Open, Crossnote, Modal, Major seconds, Minor thirds, Major thirds and many more - International notations include English, German, Spanish, Indian, Japanese, Japanese (Romanji), Korean, Korean (Romanji), Cyrillic and French - Premium features include full library unlock, progression & strumming pattern save, and the ability to record backing tracks from the AutoStrum feature (with subscription as well as one time full purchase options) Terms and Conditions (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

About

StrumLab Jam

Enhance your guitar practice with a vast library of YouTube backing tracks. Visualize your fretboard in real-time, filter by genre and key, and receive practice reminders. Unlock over 1000 tracks and advanced features with a premium subscription.

Highlights
  • 100+ free backing tracks
  • 1000+ premium tracks
  • Real-time fretboard visualization
  • Genre, key, and scale filtering
  • Scheduled practice reminders
  • Full fretboard view (0-12 frets)
Features
Read full description

StrumLab Jam turns practice into a full-band experience. Jam along with over 100 free backing tracks, or unlock 1,000+ with Premium. Filter by style, mode and key, so you're always playing exactly what you want to play. Premium also lets you jam over generated songs. A full band plays a fresh chord progression in your chosen key, scale and genre, and each chord lights up as it plays. WHAT'S INSIDE • 1,000+ jam tracks across rock, funk, blues and more • Filter by style, from Rock and Funk to Blues and beyond • Filter by mode, from Major and Minor to Dorian and beyond • Filter by key • Generated songs with a full band, swing feels and slash chords • A scale fretboard showing the notes that fit, with root notes highlighted • Play the scale or a pentatonic run, and jump between positions • Choose your fret range, from open position to the 24th fret • Left-handed fretboard and a choice of wood finishes • Streaks and badges to track your progress • Practice reminders to keep you consistent Whether you're working on scales, learning a new mode, or just want to play instead of practising alone, StrumLab Jam gives you a band that's always ready, and the visual feedback to build real improvisational confidence. This is where skills become music. Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Privacy Policy: https://www.strumlab.app/privacy-policy

Screenshots

Fretref4 screens
StrumLab Jam4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: StrumLab Jam at fortnightly against Fretref's every 3 months. Fretref's advantage is iOS requirement (14.0 vs 16.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Fretref sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month and StrumLab Jam sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per year. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Fretref ships an update every 3 months, StrumLab Jam fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 12, 2026 and October 22, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
Fretref versus StrumLab Jam: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterFretrefStrumLab Jam
PriceFreeFree
Rating—1.0 (2 ratings) — better
Positive reviews—0.0% of reviews
Number of ratings—2 — better
Update frequencyEvery 3 monthsFortnightly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
Monetization—Freemium
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS14.0 — better16.0
Further details — not scored
Size102 MB24 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperPanña Creative StudiosGary Harkness

In-app purchases

3 purchases

Fretref

Subscriptions2
  • Premium - Monthly Subscription7 Days trial$1.991 Month
  • Premium - Yearly Subscription7 Days trial$18.491 Year
One-time1
  • Premium Lifetime$34.99
3 purchases

StrumLab Jam

Subscriptions3
  • Pro Plan7 Days trial$2.991 Year
  • StrumLab Jam Pro1 Year trial$24.991 Year
  • StrumLab All Access1 Year trial$49.991 Year

Questions

Is Fretref free?
Fretref is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is StrumLab Jam free?
StrumLab Jam is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Fretref or StrumLab Jam have ads?
Neither Fretref nor StrumLab Jam shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Fretref or StrumLab Jam?
Fretref ships an update every 3 months, and StrumLab Jam fortnightly. Most recently, Fretref was updated on October 12, 2026 and StrumLab Jam on October 22, 2026.

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