Comparison

ListenAid vs OctaveScope

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

Head to head
About

ListenAid

Features
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ListenAid - intuitive & clean realtime audio spectrum analysis. ListenAid is an acoustic visualization tool optimized for live sound engineering and system tuning (leveraging transfer functions and multi-resolution processing), delivering maximum performance through Metal and Accelerate hardware acceleration. Audio Engine & Core DSP β€’ Lock-Free Processing (RingBuffer): non-blocking, zero-dropout audio. β€’ Low-Level Math (vDSP): minimal CPU load β€’ Real-Time Transfer Function: Live reference vs. live channel division: instantly shows frequency responses differences 5 different Analysis models: β€’ STFT: Standard Short-Time Fourier Transform. β€’ CWT: Continuous Wavelet Transform for high-frequency time resolution; optimized via integral images. β€’ CQT: Constant-Q Transform with variable smoothing. β€’ QTAM: Amplitude demodulation in the frequency domain. β€’ Multi-Resolution: Concurrent Low, Mid, and High FFT windows for low-end frequency and high-end time resolution. Metal GPU Rendering β€’ Spectrogram is GPU-offloaded; maintains 60 FPS even at massive bin sizes β€’ Phase Reassignment: Analyzes frame phase differences, shifts energy to exact sub-bin frequencies to sharpen visual traces β€’ Simultaneous FFT Traces: Concurrently plots Live, Reference, and Secondary traces with customizable colors and opacities β€’ Dynamic Viewport (ViewportMath): Continuous pan and zoom Analytical Tools & Precision β€’ Sub-Bin Peak Detection: Calculates precise peak frequencies using FFT phase correction or logarithmic-parabolic interpolation β€’ Pitch Conversion (FrequencyConverter): translates frequency peaks to notes, showing cent deviations (with adjustable concert pitch) β€’ Weighting & Tilt: A- and C-Weighting filters; adjustable display tilt β€’ Smoothing & Averaging: Exponential, RMS, LUFS, Leq or Peak Hold averaging; psychoacoustic fractional octave smoothing (1/96 to 1 full octave). System Tests & Signal Generation β€’ Sine Generator: Artifact-free oscillator with amplitude fade envelopes; outputs up to the Nyquist frequency β€’ Channel Control (SystemTestManager): Routes the generator or loop player via Normal, Solo L/R, or Phase Invert β€’ Loop Playback: Imports and loops custom audio files to test spaces using known reference tracks Workflow & Connectivity β€’ Multipeer Control (MultipeerManager): fully remote-control another instance at the mixing desk (volume, mute, generator, playback) β€’ Smart Routing: AudioEngine safely intercepts hardware changes and manages BT profiles β€’ Preset System: Instantly save and recall all DSP and UI configurations via slots A, B, and Y.

About

OctaveScope

Features
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OctaveScope – Visualize Piano Inharmonicity The OctaveScope Real-Time Audio Analyzer turns your iPhone or iPad into a powerful real-time oscilloscope and spectrum analyzer for music, acoustics, and tuning. Designed for musicians, piano tuners and technicians and the simply curious; it gives you a clear view of sound in both the time and frequency domains. Features β€’ Live Microphone Capture – View incoming audio instantly with low-latency processing. β€’ Waveform Oscilloscope – Inspect raw waveforms and filtered harmonics in real time. β€’ FFT Deconvolution – Analyze fundamental tones and harmonic overtones with precision. β€’ Octave Sizing – Widths from 2:1 to 10:5. β€’ Harmonic Tracking – See multiples of the fundamental frequency (2Γ—, 3Γ—, 4Γ—, etc.) with dedicated filters. β€’ Dark Mode – Clear high-contrast visuals. β€’ Educational & Practical – Great for music practice, instrument tuning, and exploring the science of sound. β€’ Flat-Sharp indicators to visualize intonation. With OctaveScope, you can watch sound unfold β€” from raw waveforms to harmonic structure β€” right in your hand. Unlock the beauty of an accurately tuned piano scale with OctaveScope.

Screenshots

ListenAid4 screens
OctaveScope3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: ListenAid at $3.99 against OctaveScope's $24.99. ListenAid also leads on update cadence (every 5 days vs every 10 months). On ads, in-app purchases, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

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

CostPrice Β· In-app purchases Β· Ads Β· Monetization

ListenAid costs $3.99 and OctaveScope $24.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

ListenAid ships an update every 5 days, OctaveScope every 10 months. Both last shipped on October 30, 2026.

Scorecard2 real differences Β· 4 level
ListenAid versus OctaveScope: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterListenAidOctaveScope
Price$3.99 β€” better$24.99
Update frequencyEvery 5 days β€” betterEvery 10 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
DevicesiPhone, iPad, Mac β€” betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS17.6 β€” better18.5
Further details β€” not scored
Size5 MB11 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperMichael ReisiglRichard Barber

In-app purchases

None

ListenAid

No in-app purchases

None

OctaveScope

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is ListenAid free?
ListenAid costs $3.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is OctaveScope free?
OctaveScope costs $24.99, with no in-app purchases.
Do ListenAid or OctaveScope have ads?
Neither ListenAid nor OctaveScope shows ads.
Which is updated more often, ListenAid or OctaveScope?
ListenAid ships an update every 5 days, and OctaveScope every 10 months. Most recently, ListenAid was updated on October 30, 2026 and OctaveScope on October 30, 2026.

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