Comparison

BMA Spectrum Analyzer vs Tone Scope Lab

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

Head to head
About

BMA Spectrum Analyzer

Features
Read full description

BMA Spectrum Analyzer turns your iPhone or iPad into a professional real-time audio spectrum analyzer. Built around a precision FFT engine with a retro instrument aesthetic, it delivers instant visual feedback on any sound source - from mixing and mastering to live events and room acoustics. HOW IT WORKS Point the microphone at any audio source and watch the frequency spectrum come alive across the full 31.5 Hz – 20 kHz range. The METER panel tracks AVG, PEAK, CREST and MAX levels with frequency readout in real time. FREE • Real-time spectrum display • 2 band configurations: 7 and 11 bands • 2 visual themes • Live METER with AVG, PEAK, CREST and MAX • Tap-to-read frequency and level PRO - ONE-TIME PURCHASE • Full controls: fall rate, hold time and compression • All 5 band configurations: 7, 11, 14, 21 and 31 bands • All 11 visual themes • Peak hold display, brightness mode and linear scale • Spectral envelope (ENV) average curve overlay • FFT resolution selector • High-precision dual 4096-point FFT for low frequencies • SPL calibration offset for live sound measurement SPL CALIBRATION Installing sound for a live event or venue? Calibrate against a reference SPL meter and the app displays calibrated dB SPL readings in the METER panel - useful for system checks, venue tuning and compliance measurements. DESIGNED FOR Musicians - Audio Engineers - Live Sound Technicians - Studio Producers - Educators - Audiophiles PRIVACY All audio processing runs entirely on-device. Microphone audio is never stored or transmitted. No account required.

About

Tone Scope Lab

Features
Read full description

Tone Scope Lab is a real-time tuner and spectrum analysis tool designed for musicians who want to see pitch, not just read a number. At the center of Tone Scope Lab is its infinite circular pitch ruler, which provides a continuous visual view of pitch movement while you play. Real-time spectrum visualization lets you see the frequency components of your instrument’s sound, providing another visual perspective alongside the pitch ruler. The Transpose Ruler provides a quick visual reference for transposing instruments, helping you relate written and sounding pitches at a glance. Choose from three generations of analysis and display systems: • Gen-1 — a simple and direct tuning view • Gen-2 — enhanced analysis and visualization • Gen-3 — the latest generation, combining multiple stages of analysis for more focused pitch detection Tone Scope Lab also supports instrument presets. The built-in General preset provides flexible, all-purpose tuning, while additional instrument presets can be downloaded for more focused analysis ranges. Features: • Real-time pitch detection • Infinite circular pitch ruler • Real-time spectrum visualization • Transpose Ruler for transposing instruments • Frequency display • Three generations of analysis and display • Instrument presets • Downloadable additional presets • Adjustable spectrum display modes • Designed for instrument practice, tuning, and sound observation Tone Scope Lab is designed to make pitch behavior visible — from a simple tuning reference to a deeper view of how your instrument’s sound behaves.

Screenshots

BMA Spectrum Analyzer4 screens
Tone Scope Lab4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Tone Scope Lab at none against BMA Spectrum Analyzer's 1. Tone Scope Lab also leads on update cadence (every 5 days vs every 6 weeks). BMA Spectrum Analyzer's advantage is ads (none vs shown). On price, device support and iOS requirement 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. BMA Spectrum Analyzer sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Tone Scope Lab asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

BMA Spectrum Analyzer ships an update every 6 weeks, Tone Scope Lab every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 18, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 5 level
BMA Spectrum Analyzer versus Tone Scope Lab: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterBMA Spectrum AnalyzerTone Scope Lab
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.0 (2 ratings) — better—
Number of ratings2 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 6 weeksEvery 5 days — better
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS16.615.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size1 MB25 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperJAVIER PUGA SORIANOYosuke Ouchi

In-app purchases

1 purchases

BMA Spectrum Analyzer

One-time1
  • BMA Spectrum Analyzer$2.99
None

Tone Scope Lab

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is BMA Spectrum Analyzer free?
BMA Spectrum Analyzer is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Tone Scope Lab free?
Tone Scope Lab is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do BMA Spectrum Analyzer or Tone Scope Lab have ads?
Tone Scope Lab shows ads; BMA Spectrum Analyzer does not.
Which is updated more often, BMA Spectrum Analyzer or Tone Scope Lab?
BMA Spectrum Analyzer ships an update every 6 weeks, and Tone Scope Lab every 5 days. Most recently, BMA Spectrum Analyzer was updated on October 24, 2026 and Tone Scope Lab on October 18, 2026.

Other comparisons