Comparison

Tuning Note vs Instrument Tuner

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

Head to head
About

Tuning Note

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
Read full description

Tuning Note plays a sustained reference tone for any chromatic pitch from G3 to A5—the full range of the violin, with headroom above and below. Select a pitch, tap Play, and tune by ear. The tone updates in real time as you navigate, so you can move between notes without stopping and restarting. Features: • Swipe, tap, or use navigation arrows to move between pitches • Configurable A4 reference frequency (415, 440, 442, 444 Hz, or custom) • Tap navigation by half steps or a fixed interval—default is a fifth • Light, dark, and system appearance modes

About

Instrument Tuner

Features
Read full description

SimpliTuner is a fast, accurate chromatic tuner for any instrument: guitar, ukulele, banjo, mandolin, violin, and more. Play a note and SimpliTuner listens through the microphone and shows you the nearest pitch in real time, with a clean dial that tells you at a glance whether to tune up or down. FEATURES • Chromatic pitch detection works with any instrument, not just guitar • Precision and Practice dial modes: switch between a fine, precise reading and a wider, easier-to-read gauge for quick tuning • Adjustable A4 reference pitch (400–480 Hz) for orchestras, alternate tunings, or personal preference — saved automatically • Light and dark mode • Full VoiceOver accessibility support • No setup, no accounts, no sign-in — open the app and start tuning PRIVACY FIRST All pitch detection happens entirely on your device. Microphone audio is never recorded, stored, or sent anywhere. SimpliTuner has no analytics and no third-party SDKs. Nothing about you or your playing ever leaves your phone. Whether you're warming up before a gig or tuning your first guitar, SimpliTuner keeps it simple: open the app, play a note, get in tune.

Screenshots

Tuning Note4 screens
Instrument Tuner3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is iOS requirement: Instrument Tuner at 16.4 against Tuning Note's 26.2. 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. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Scorecard1 real difference · 8 level
Tuning Note versus Instrument Tuner: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterTuning NoteInstrument Tuner
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (1 ratings) — better—
Number of ratings1 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 8 days—
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhoneiPhone, iPad — better
Requires iOS26.216.4 — better
Further details — not scored
Size1 MB48 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperNATHANIEL GRANITTO SMITHColin Hermack

In-app purchases

None

Tuning Note

No in-app purchases

None

Instrument Tuner

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Tuning Note free?
Tuning Note is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Instrument Tuner free?
Instrument Tuner is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Tuning Note or Instrument Tuner have ads?
Neither Tuning Note nor Instrument Tuner shows ads.

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