# Spectrum Analyzer vs Spectra

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Spectra at 65% against Spectrum Analyzer's 5%. Spectra also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 13) and ads (none vs shown). Spectrum Analyzer's advantage is price (Free vs $1.99). On update cadence and device support there is nothing between them.

Spectrum Analyzer is free to download; Spectra costs $1.99 up front. Spectrum Analyzer sells 13 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. Spectra asks for nothing beyond the download.

Spectra holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.2. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Spectra has 1.5K ratings behind it against 197, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 5% of Spectrum Analyzer's written reviews are positive against 65% of Spectra's.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly fortnightly. Both last shipped on September 24, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Spectrum Analyzer | Spectra |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **Free** | $1.99 |
| Rating | [4.2 (197 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spectrum-analyzer-spectrogram/id981810895/reviews) | **[4.6 (1.5K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spectra-music-visualizer/id1505140281/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 197 | **1.5K** |
| Positive reviews | 5.0% of reviews | **65.3% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Fortnightly | Fortnightly |
| Monetization | **Freemium** | Paid |
| Size | 132 MB | 32 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | **14.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Music Breath](https://appshunter.io/developer/1140008995) | [Spectre Software Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1439952651) |

## 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


### Spectra

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spectra-music-visualizer/id1505140281)

Experience music visually with real-time audio spectrum analysis. Customize backgrounds, logos, and visualizer elements to create stunning animations. Export your creations in high resolution for sharing.

**Highlights:** Real-time 60fps audio visualization, Video export up to 4k 60fps, Customizable background images and presets, Logo image import, Extensive visualizer and particle customization, Import audio via share sheet

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Spectrum Analyzer free?

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

### Is Spectra free?

Spectra costs $1.99, with no in-app purchases.

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

Spectra is rated higher. Spectrum Analyzer averages 4.2 out of 5 from 197 ratings, while Spectra averages 4.6 from 1.5K ratings.

### Do Spectrum Analyzer or Spectra have ads?

Spectrum Analyzer shows ads; Spectra does not.

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

Spectrum Analyzer ships an update fortnightly, and Spectra fortnightly. Most recently, Spectrum Analyzer was updated on September 24, 2026 and Spectra on September 24, 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.*