# StaffReader vs NoteBean

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: NoteBean at none against StaffReader's 1. StaffReader's advantage is update cadence (fortnightly vs every 5 weeks). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. StaffReader sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. NoteBean asks for nothing beyond the download.

StaffReader ships an update fortnightly, NoteBean every 5 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 4, 2026 and October 2, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | StaffReader | NoteBean |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.5 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/staffreader-learn-sheet-music/id6774025780/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **2** | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Fortnightly** | Every 5 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 27 MB | 13 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | 17.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Aliaksandr Kazarez](https://appshunter.io/developer/1875505970) | [丹 平](https://appshunter.io/developer/6782642707) |

## What reviewers say

### StaffReader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/staffreader-learn-sheet-music/id6774025780)

This app teaches music note reading using a structured, step-by-step method. It starts with a single note and gradually introduces new ones as you master each stage, ensuring a solid understanding before moving on. Designed for those who have struggled with other apps, it offers short, effective practice sessions.

**Highlights:** Landmark note method for gradual learning, One note at a time progression, 90% accuracy required to advance, Treble and bass clef tracks, Interval and melody reading, Offline functionality

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| StaffReader Pro | $4.99 | one-time |


### NoteBean

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/notebean/id6782924307)

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is StaffReader free?

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

### Is NoteBean free?

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

### Do StaffReader or NoteBean have ads?

Neither StaffReader nor NoteBean shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, StaffReader or NoteBean?

StaffReader ships an update fortnightly, and NoteBean every 5 weeks. Most recently, StaffReader was updated on October 4, 2026 and NoteBean on October 2, 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.*