# Spectrum Analyzer vs FM 88.5

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: FM 88.5 at none against Spectrum Analyzer's 13. FM 88.5 also leads on ads (none vs shown) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 16.0). Spectrum Analyzer's advantage is update cadence (fortnightly vs every 13 months). On price and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Spectrum Analyzer sells 13 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. FM 88.5 asks for nothing beyond the download.

Spectrum Analyzer ships an update fortnightly, FM 88.5 every 13 months. The most recent releases landed on October 11, 2026 and September 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Spectrum Analyzer | FM 88.5 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.2 (197 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spectrum-analyzer-spectrogram/id981810895/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **197** | — |
| Positive reviews | 5.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Fortnightly** | Every 13 months |
| Monetization | Freemium | — |
| Size | 132 MB | 54 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | **13.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Music Breath](https://appshunter.io/developer/1140008995) | [Alexis Benites](https://appshunter.io/developer/1091400109) |

## 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


### FM 88.5

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fm-885/id6745416057)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Spectrum Analyzer free?

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

### Is FM 88.5 free?

FM 88.5 is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Do Spectrum Analyzer or FM 88.5 have ads?

Spectrum Analyzer shows ads; FM 88.5 does not.

### Which is updated more often, Spectrum Analyzer or FM 88.5?

Spectrum Analyzer ships an update fortnightly, and FM 88.5 every 13 months. Most recently, Spectrum Analyzer was updated on October 11, 2026 and FM 88.5 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.*