# PhonoPaper vs TB Spectrogram

The clearest difference is monetization model: PhonoPaper at free against TB Spectrogram's paid. PhonoPaper also leads on review sentiment (83% vs 71%). TB Spectrogram's advantage is update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 4 months). On price, rating, ratings volume and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

PhonoPaper holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.4. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 45 and 50 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 83% of PhonoPaper's written reviews are positive against 71% of TB Spectrogram's.

PhonoPaper ships an update every 4 months, TB Spectrogram every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 22, 2026 and September 14, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | PhonoPaper | TB Spectrogram |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (45 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/phonopaper/id865947553/reviews)** | [4.4 (50 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tb-spectrogram/id1530170842/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 45 | **50** |
| Positive reviews | **82.7% of reviews** | 71.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Paid |
| Size | 4 MB | 15 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 13.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Alexander Zolotov](https://appshunter.io/developer/324462547) | [ToneBoosters](https://appshunter.io/developer/1472446500) |

## What reviewers say

### PhonoPaper

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/phonopaper/id865947553)

This app decodes images containing encoded sound, allowing you to play back audio embedded within visual patterns. You can also record your own sounds and convert them into these unique visual codes. It's designed for creative audio messaging and artistic expression.

**Highlights:** Decode images with encoded sound, Create sound codes from recordings, Offline decoding capability, Analogue code for distortion resilience, Real-time, hand-controlled playback, Draw codes for unique sounds

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### TB Spectrogram

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tb-spectrogram/id1530170842)

This app provides real-time audio analysis with a spectrogram, spectrum analyzer, and goniometer. It can be used as a standalone application or as an AUv3 plugin within compatible music production hosts. Visualize your audio in detail with adjustable settings and multiple display options.

**Highlights:** Real-time spectrogram and spectrum analysis, Goniometer for stereo signal analysis, AUv3 plugin compatibility, Adjustable frequency and time resolution, Customizable color themes, On-screen piano keyboard mapping

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is PhonoPaper free?

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

### Is TB Spectrogram free?

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

### Which has better reviews, PhonoPaper or TB Spectrogram?

PhonoPaper is rated higher. PhonoPaper averages 4.6 out of 5 from 45 ratings, while TB Spectrogram averages 4.4 from 50 ratings.

### Do PhonoPaper or TB Spectrogram have ads?

Neither PhonoPaper nor TB Spectrogram shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, PhonoPaper or TB Spectrogram?

PhonoPaper ships an update every 4 months, and TB Spectrogram every 3 weeks. Most recently, PhonoPaper was updated on September 22, 2026 and TB Spectrogram on September 14, 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.*