# Spectrum Analyzer vs STAELLA

The clearest difference is review sentiment: STAELLA at 45% against Spectrum Analyzer's 5%. STAELLA also leads on ratings volume (1.7K vs 198). Spectrum Analyzer's advantage is rating (4.2 vs 3.9) and update cadence (fortnightly vs every 2 months). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Spectrum Analyzer sells 13 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days and STAELLA sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Spectrum Analyzer holds the better App Store score, 4.2 against 3.9. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: STAELLA has 1.7K ratings behind it against 198, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 5% of Spectrum Analyzer's written reviews are positive against 45% of STAELLA's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Spectrum Analyzer ships an update fortnightly, STAELLA every 2 months. Both last shipped on October 14, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Spectrum Analyzer | STAELLA |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.2 (198 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spectrum-analyzer-spectrogram/id981810895/reviews)** | [3.9 (1.7K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/staella-music-visualizer-vj/id1370376584/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 198 | **1.7K** |
| Positive reviews | 5.0% of reviews | **44.8% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Fortnightly** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Freemium | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 100 MB | 256 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Music Breath](https://appshunter.io/developer/1140008995) | [monocro](https://appshunter.io/developer/368219917) |

## What reviewers say

### Spectrum Analyzer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spectrum-analyzer-spectrogram/id981810895)

Visualize audio frequencies with real-time analysis. Features include a sound level meter, multichannel harmonic analysis, and adjustable graphical representations. Gain insights into your sound environment with advanced tools.

**Highlights:** Sound level meter, Multichannel harmonic analysis, Adjustable graphics, AI-powered sound source analyzer, Real-time analysis, FFT analysis

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (13)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pitch Finder: Audio Visualizer | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Pitch Finder: Audio Visualizer | $9.99 | per month |
| One Month Sale | $9.99 | per month |
| 1 Week Subscription | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| 1 Year Sub. with discount | $19.99 | per year |
| 1 Month Subscription | $19.99 | per month |
| 3 Month Subscription | $25.99 | per 3 months |
| 1 Year Subscription | $39.99 | per year |
| 2 months subscription | $39.99 | per 2 months |
| No Ads | $9.99 | one-time |
| Additional Settings Controls | $15.99 | one-time |
| Full Pack + No Ads | $19.99 | one-time |
| Get More | $19.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- ✅ Accurate frequency identification
- ✅ Clear and easy-to-read display
- ✅ Useful noise floor setup feature
- ✅ Works well when ads are removed

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Extremely aggressive monetization strategy
- 📢 Excessive and intrusive ads
- 🔊 Loud ads that ignore device mute settings
- 🚫 Requires subscription/payment to access core features
- 😤 Deceptive purchase practices and accidental charges

**Reported bugs**

- App becomes unusable after iOS 16 update
- Crashes immediately on iPhone 5 with iOS 7
- Cannot exit app on iPhone X without reboot
- App freezes when changing settings or views
- Inaccurate frequency readings

**Requested features**

- Audio file import functionality
- Customizable background colors for chroma key compatibility
- Ability to record audio instead of only analyzing
- Better documentation and help files
- Improved sensitivity for detecting soft sounds


### STAELLA

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/staella-music-visualizer-vj/id1370376584)

Create dynamic, real-time music visualizations with customizable effects. Import audio from various sources, record your creations, and share them on social media. Offers advanced control with MIDI integration and keyboard shortcuts.

**Highlights:** Real-time audio-reactive visuals, Customizable effects and colors, Import music from playlists, mic, or simulation, One-touch video recording, MIDI device integration, Keyboard shortcuts for control, Gesture controls

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

**In-app purchases (7)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| STAELLA Premium | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| STAELLA Premium | $49.99 | per year |
| Toolkit pro | $9.99 | one-time |
| STELLA | $9.99 | one-time |
| TERRA | $9.99 | one-time |
| MACHINA | $9.99 | one-time |
| NEX | $9.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Amazing visuals
- 👍 Great for music production
- 💡 Customizable effects
- 🚀 Responsive app
- 👍 Fantastic customer service

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔒 Locked behind paywall
- 🐛 Crashes and glitches
- 🔒 Limited free features
- 🐛 Buggy recording functionality
- 🔒 Restrictive music integration

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes on launch
- Music playback issues and controls not working
- Inability to import user's own music files
- Exported videos have poor quality and audio sync issues

**Requested features**

- Add support for streaming services
- Improve export and download options
- Expand customization and control over visuals
- Implement portrait mode and different aspect ratios
- Add ability to layer and blend multiple visuals


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Spectrum Analyzer free?

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

### Is STAELLA free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Spectrum Analyzer or STAELLA?

Spectrum Analyzer is rated higher. Spectrum Analyzer averages 4.2 out of 5 from 198 ratings, while STAELLA averages 3.9 from 1.7K ratings.

### Do Spectrum Analyzer or STAELLA have ads?

Both Spectrum Analyzer and STAELLA show ads.

### Which is updated more often, Spectrum Analyzer or STAELLA?

Spectrum Analyzer ships an update fortnightly, and STAELLA every 2 months. Most recently, Spectrum Analyzer was updated on October 14, 2026 and STAELLA on October 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.*