# Tuning Note vs PocketTone

The clearest difference is rating: Tuning Note at 5.0 against PocketTone's 2.0. Tuning Note also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 1) and update cadence (every 8 days vs every 2 months). PocketTone's advantage is iOS requirement (17.0 vs 26.2). On price, ratings volume, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. PocketTone sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Tuning Note asks for nothing beyond the download.

Tuning Note holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 2.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 2 and 1 respectively.

Tuning Note ships an update every 8 days, PocketTone every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 19, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Tuning Note | PocketTone |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tuning-note/id6762552482/reviews)** | [2.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pockettone-retro-synth/id6777734137/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **2** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | — | 0.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 8 days** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 1 MB | 2 MB |
| Requires iOS | 26.2 | **17.0** |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPad** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [NATHANIEL GRANITTO SMITH](https://appshunter.io/developer/1890266205) | [Chih Han Lin](https://appshunter.io/developer/1800248325) |

## What reviewers say

### Tuning Note

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tuning-note/id6762552482)

This app provides a sustained reference tone for a wide range of chromatic pitches, ideal for tuning string instruments by ear. Easily navigate between notes and adjust the reference frequency for precise tuning.

**Highlights:** Sustained reference tones, Chromatic pitch selection, Real-time tone updates, Configurable A4 frequency, Navigation by half steps or intervals, Light, dark, and system modes

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### PocketTone

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pockettone-retro-synth/id6777734137)

This app recreates the experience of a hand-drawn, retro pocket synthesizer. It features a vintage LCD display, slide switches, and chunky buttons, allowing users to play various retro voices, program custom sounds, and jam along to built-in rhythms. Users can also record and share their musical creations.

**Highlights:** Five retro voices (Piano, Flute, Violin, Fantasy, Guitar), Program custom synth voices, Ten built-in rhythms, Sound shaping controls (octave, volume, balance), Tape-style Delay and lo-fi Crush effects, Record and share audio, Melody memory (Auto-Play, One-Key play)

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| PocketTone Pro | $3.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Tuning Note free?

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

### Is PocketTone free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Tuning Note or PocketTone?

Tuning Note is rated higher. Tuning Note averages 5.0 out of 5 from 2 ratings, while PocketTone averages 2.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do Tuning Note or PocketTone have ads?

Neither Tuning Note nor PocketTone shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Tuning Note or PocketTone?

Tuning Note ships an update every 8 days, and PocketTone every 2 months. Most recently, Tuning Note was updated on October 24, 2026 and PocketTone on October 19, 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.*