# Earmaster vs Refine

Earmaster and Refine are too close to call on the numbers: across 6 compared parameters — price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases among them — neither pulls far enough ahead to decide it. What separates them is feature set and interface, not measurable difference.

Both are free to download. Earmaster sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $29.99 per month and Refine sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Earmaster ships an update every 5 days, Refine every 3 days. Both last shipped on November 10, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Earmaster | Refine |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[5.0 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/refine-active-recall-reader/id6818407020/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **3** |
| Positive reviews | — | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 5 days | **Every 3 days** |
| Monetization | — | Freemium |
| Size | 4 MB | 56 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | 17.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, Mac** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Tristan Boutin](https://appshunter.io/developer/1214491240) | [martin chibwe](https://appshunter.io/developer/6818407022) |

## What reviewers say

### Earmaster

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/earmaster-play-by-ear/id6784202528)

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| PianobyEar Monthly | $29.99 | per month |
| PianobyEar Yearly | $99.99 | per year |


### Refine

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/refine-active-recall-reader/id6818407020)

Transform dense texts into concise, memorable lessons. This app breaks down chapters into short reads, generates recall questions, and maps idea connections to improve long-term retention. Study effectively on any device, turning commutes and chores into learning opportunities.

**Highlights:** Short chapter reads, Active recall questions, Idea connection mapping, PDF and book import, Cross-device synchronization, Read-aloud functionality

**Features:** Vision Pro support, iPhone Duo support

**In-app purchases (7)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Refine Pro Monthly | $9.99 | per month |
| Refine Pro Monthly | $14.99 | per month |
| Refine Pro Yearly | $49.99 | per year |
| Refine Pro Yearly | $69.99 | per year |
| Refine Pro Yearly | $99.99 | per year |
| One Book | $4.99 | one-time |
| Refine Pro Lifetime | $99.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Earmaster free?

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

### Is Refine free?

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

### Do Earmaster or Refine have ads?

Neither Earmaster nor Refine shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Earmaster or Refine?

Earmaster ships an update every 5 days, and Refine every 3 days. Most recently, Earmaster was updated on November 10, 2026 and Refine on November 10, 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.*