# Real Strings vs SmartScales

The clearest difference is rating: SmartScales at 4.2 against Real Strings's 2.7. SmartScales also leads on update cadence (every 5 months vs every 41 months) and review sentiment (67% vs 50%). Real Strings's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 17). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. SmartScales sells 17 one-off in-app purchases. Real Strings asks for nothing beyond the download.

SmartScales holds the better App Store score, 4.2 against 2.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: SmartScales has 38 ratings behind it against 3, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 50% of Real Strings's written reviews are positive against 67% of SmartScales's.

Real Strings ships an update every 41 months, SmartScales every 5 months. The most recent releases landed on June 12, 2026 and September 23, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Real Strings | SmartScales |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [2.7 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/real-strings/id892260061/reviews) | **[4.2 (38 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smartscales-backing-tracks/id1024503103/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 3 | **38** |
| Positive reviews | 50.0% of reviews | **66.7% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 41 months | **Every 5 months** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 11 MB | 13 MB |
| Requires iOS | **14.0** | 15 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Mooseok Bahng](https://appshunter.io/developer/843970427) | [Greater Heights Media Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/1024503102) |

## What reviewers say

### Real Strings

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/real-strings/id892260061)

Experience playing string instruments like a violin, viola, or cello using motion controls. Graphical guides help you play along to a variety of classical and folk songs, making it easy and educational for anyone to feel like a musician.

**Highlights:** Play violin, viola, and cello, Motion-controlled instrument simulation, Graphical guides for song play, Adjustable tempo and speed, Extensive song library, Educational and enjoyable

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### SmartScales

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smartscales-backing-tracks/id1024503103)

This app transforms scale and arpeggio practice into an engaging experience with specially composed backing tracks. It closely aligns with the ABRSM syllabus, offering interactive scores, adjustable tempos, and a built-in metronome. Explore various music styles and practice with looping exercises for instruments like piano, violin, viola, cello, and double bass.

**Highlights:** Interactive scale and arpeggio practice, ABRSM syllabus alignment, Specially composed backing tracks, Adjustable tempo control, Looping exercises, Built-in metronome, Toggleable audio tracks

**Features:** Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (17)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Cello Grade 1 | $0.99 | one-time |
| Violin Grade 1 | $0.99 | one-time |
| Piano Grade 1 | $0.99 | one-time |
| Piano Grade 2 | $1.99 | one-time |
| Double Bass Grade 3 | $1.99 | one-time |
| Violin Grade 5 | $2.99 | one-time |
| Viola Grade 5 | $2.99 | one-time |
| Violin Grade 7 | $3.99 | one-time |
| Cello Grades 1 to 4 | $4.99 | one-time |
| Violin Grades 1 to 4 | $4.99 | one-time |
| Piano Grades 1 to 4 | $4.99 | one-time |
| Double Bass Grade 8 | $4.99 | one-time |
| Cello Grades 5 to 8 | $9.99 | one-time |
| Violin Grades 5 to 8 | $9.99 | one-time |
| Cello Grades 1 to 8 | $12.99 | one-time |
| Violin Grades 1 to 8 | $12.99 | one-time |
| Viola Grades 1 to 8 | $12.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Makes practicing scales fun
- 💡 Invaluable for beginners
- 🚀 Useful for all levels
- ✅ Great for developing ear and intonation
- ✨ Engaging and enjoyable practice

**What reviewers complain about**

- 👎 Sound quality is dire
- 😕 Backing tracks not to taste
- ❌ Difficult to find specific scales
- 📉 Scales played too slow
- 🚫 No MIDI support

**Reported bugs**

- Cannot delete app from iPad
- In-app purchase server connection issues
- App crashes after purchase
- App crashes after opening
- Unable to locate in-app purchases

**Requested features**

- Add ABRSM clarinet options
- Add ABRSM piano syllabus updates
- Pro version for school use with all grades enabled
- Search for key signature and browse octaves
- Add MIDI support


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Real Strings free?

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

### Is SmartScales free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Real Strings or SmartScales?

SmartScales is rated higher. Real Strings averages 2.7 out of 5 from 3 ratings, while SmartScales averages 4.2 from 38 ratings.

### Do Real Strings or SmartScales have ads?

Neither Real Strings nor SmartScales shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Real Strings or SmartScales?

Real Strings ships an update every 41 months, and SmartScales every 5 months. Most recently, Real Strings was updated on June 12, 2026 and SmartScales on September 23, 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.*