PolyHarp vs fmQT
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
PolyHarp
This app offers a virtual musical instrument inspired by chorded zithers, featuring extensive chord customization, multi-string capabilities, and massive polyphony. It serves as a platform for harmonic theory exploration and a powerful MIDI controller, with numerous presets and the ability to create unique instruments.
- Extensive chord customization
- Multi-string and polyphony support
- Harmonic theory testbed
- MIDI controller functionality
- Large preset library
- Audiobus 3 and IAA support
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PolyHarp is a virtual musical instrument and a thought experiment. It takes the basic idea of a chorded zither and extends it to large numbers of chord choices, made out of any kinds of intervals, multi-string courses, fretting, and massive polyphony. It's a testbed for harmonic theory as well as a great multi touch simulation of the good old "idiot zither" you have in the attic. PolyHarp can translate many of these innovations to MIDI and is a powerful MIDI controller. PolyHarp comes with a large number of presets, exploring many variants on stringed instruments, but its real power is its ability to build strange new chords, layouts, and controls into otherwise impossible instruments. PolyHarp supports Audiobus 3, including saving setups, and IAA.
fmQT
Explore a unique sound design experience with a glitchy FM synthesizer inspired by Y2K digital sounds. Its intuitive interface, easy automation, and robust sound engine make complex sound creation playful and accessible for all musicians.
- Intuitive FM synthesis interface
- Easy parameter looping and automation
- Multiple effects, filters, and equalizers
- Visually engaging design
- AUv3 support for DAW integration
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Inspired by the legendary sounds of digital FM synthesizers of the Y2K era, this app offers a wild, glitchy experience wrapped in an aesthetic that sparks creativity. ■ Intuitive FM Synthesis: Dive into a realm of unique sound design with our user-friendly interface. ■ Easy Automation: Effortlessly loop and automate parameters, a task that can be complex in other apps. ■ Robust Sound Engine: Discover an arsenal of tools to experiment with, including multiple effects, filters, equalizers, and more. ■ Engaging Design: A visually appealing interface that makes intricate sound design playful and inviting. ■ AUv3 Support: Load fmQT in your favorite DAW and integrate it seamlessly with your other music apps. Perfect for both beginners and experienced musicians alike, fmQT simplifies complex sound experimentation. Whether you're creating ambient textures, rhythmic patterns, or exploring uncharted sonic territories, this app offers an unparalleled sound design experience. Your Feedback Matters As an indie developer, your input is invaluable. If you encounter any issues or have suggestions, please reach out via email or through our website's contact form, and expect a prompt response. Let's shape the future of fmQT together!
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: PolyHarp at $4.99 against fmQT's $9.99. PolyHarp also leads on rating (4.9 vs 4.6) and review sentiment (100% vs 88%). fmQT's advantage is ratings volume (33 vs 11). On update cadence, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model 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
PolyHarp costs $4.99 and fmQT $9.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
PolyHarp holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.6. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 11 and 33 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 100% of PolyHarp's written reviews are positive against 88% of fmQT's.
PolyHarp ships an update every 4 weeks, fmQT every 5 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 16, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | PolyHarp | fmQT |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $4.99 — better | $9.99 |
| Rating | 4.9 (11 ratings) — better | 4.6 (33 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews — better | 87.5% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 11 | 33 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 4 weeks — better | Every 5 weeks |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Devices | iPad | iPhone, iPad — better |
| Requires iOS | 12.4 — better | 17.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 16 MB | 282 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Henry Lowengard | Dahlia Sabin |
Customer experience
PolyHarp
fmQT
In-app purchases
PolyHarp
No in-app purchases
fmQT
No in-app purchases


