# MusiClock vs SmartScales

The clearest difference is price: SmartScales at Free against MusiClock's $8.99. SmartScales also leads on rating (4.2 vs 3.6). MusiClock's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 17) and update cadence (every 5 weeks vs every 5 months). On review sentiment, ratings volume, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

SmartScales is free to download; MusiClock costs $8.99 up front. SmartScales sells 17 one-off in-app purchases. MusiClock asks for nothing beyond the download.

SmartScales holds the better App Store score, 4.2 against 3.6. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 31 and 38 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 59% of MusiClock's written reviews are positive against 67% of SmartScales's.

MusiClock ships an update every 5 weeks, SmartScales every 5 months. Both last shipped on September 23, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | MusiClock | SmartScales |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $8.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | [3.6 (31 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/musiclock-improvisation-tool/id961947711/reviews) | **[4.2 (38 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smartscales-backing-tracks/id1024503103/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 31 | **38** |
| Positive reviews | 59.5% of reviews | **66.7% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 5 weeks** | Every 5 months |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 102 MB | 13 MB |
| Requires iOS | **7.1** | 15 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [perTunes Oy](https://appshunter.io/developer/961947710) | [Greater Heights Media Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/1024503102) |

## What reviewers say

### MusiClock

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/musiclock-improvisation-tool/id961947711)

This app simplifies music theory and scales for guitar and piano players. It helps users practice improvisation, soloing, and jamming with interactive tools and backing tracks. Learn scales and transpose to different keys instantly, even without prior music theory knowledge.

**Highlights:** Scale charts for guitar, Interactive piano, 8 different scales, Professional backing tracks, Instant key transposition, Jamming and soloing practice

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

**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 MusiClock free?

MusiClock costs $8.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is SmartScales free?

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

### Which has better reviews, MusiClock or SmartScales?

SmartScales is rated higher. MusiClock averages 3.6 out of 5 from 31 ratings, while SmartScales averages 4.2 from 38 ratings.

### Do MusiClock or SmartScales have ads?

Neither MusiClock nor SmartScales shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, MusiClock or SmartScales?

MusiClock ships an update every 5 weeks, and SmartScales every 5 months. Most recently, MusiClock was updated on September 23, 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.*