Comparison

Spectrum Analyzer vs Retro Spectrum

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Spectrum Analyzer

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
Read full description

Spectrum Analyzer is a pro audio tool with sound level meter, multichannel harmonic analysis and detailed graphical representation. Learn something new about your sound environment with real-time analysis! FEATURES: - sound level meter; - harmonic analyzer; - adjustable graphics; - AI-powered sound source analyzer. SOUND LEVEL METER - precise measurement of sound and noise level - real-time results HARMONIC ANALYZER - multichannel FFT analysis; - adjustable parameters; - graphical representation. ADJUSTABLE GRAPHICS - various graphics and diagram types; - zoom of selected chart areas. This app offers subscriptions. The paid version includes AI noise detection, immersive 3D visualization, and customizable settings. The free version offers dB/Hz measurement, 2D mode, and limited visualization options. Privacy Policy: https://musicbreath.com/privacy Terms Of Use: https://musicbreath.com/tos

About

Retro Spectrum

Transform your phone into a retro audio visualizer for your car or desk. It analyzes sound from your speakers in real-time, displaying dynamic visuals inspired by classic 80s-90s car stereos. Enjoy multiple retro skins and track identification for a unique audio-visual experience.

Highlights
  • Real-time spectrum analyzer
  • Retro 80s-90s car stereo style
  • Listens via microphone to any speaker source
  • Multiple retro skin options
  • Now Playing song identification
  • Desk mode with clock and date
Features
Read full description

Retro Spectrum turns your phone into a retro audio display for your car or your desk. Mount your phone, play music through your speakers, and watch a real-time spectrum analyzer light up in the style of classic 80s–90s car stereos. Built for JDM and neo-classic car fans, and just as good as an always-on visualizer on your desk. HOW IT WORKS Retro Spectrum listens through your device's microphone and analyzes the sound in real time. Because it uses the mic, it reacts to ANY source playing through your speakers—streaming, radio, CD, anything. No cables, no pairing. Important: it responds to sound from SPEAKERS, not headphones or earphones. Point your phone toward the speakers and turn the volume up. RETRO SKINS Switch between display styles inspired by legendary in-dash stereos: • VFD Green — a fluorescent-tube display (included free) • Plasma Orange — spinning-CD deck with artwork and a big clock • JDM Night — KENWOOD-style dual-zone EQ with 7-segment clock • Bubble Grid — synthwave neon grid with a perspective floor • Wireframe LCD — Y2K retro-future tunnel HUD • Gaming RGB — flowing RGB bars with mirror reflections NOW PLAYING See the song that's playing right now. When you use Apple Music, the title, artist, and artwork are read directly from the system for instant accuracy. For any other source, Retro Spectrum identifies the track from the mic using Shazam technology. Double-tap to look up a song on demand. DESK MODE A built-in clock, date, and battery readout make Retro Spectrum a great always-on display for your desk setup—a glowing retro visualizer and clock in one. PRIVACY Microphone audio is analyzed on your device and is never recorded or saved. Song recognition can be turned off anytime. See our privacy policy for details. FREE + SKIN PACK The app and the VFD Green skin are free. Unlock all the other skins with a single one-time Skin Pack purchase.

Screenshots

Spectrum Analyzer3 screens
Retro Spectrum4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Retro Spectrum at 100% against Spectrum Analyzer's 5%. Retro Spectrum also leads on rating (4.8 vs 4.2) and ads (none vs shown). Spectrum Analyzer's advantage is ratings volume (198 vs 6). On price, update cadence, 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Spectrum Analyzer sells 13 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days and Retro Spectrum sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Retro Spectrum holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.2. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Spectrum Analyzer has 198 ratings behind it against 6, 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 100% of Retro Spectrum's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Spectrum Analyzer ships an update fortnightly, Retro Spectrum every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 16, 2026 and October 6, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
Spectrum Analyzer versus Retro Spectrum: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSpectrum AnalyzerRetro Spectrum
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.2 (198 ratings)4.8 (6 ratings) — better
Positive reviews5.0% of reviews100.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings198 — better6
Update frequencyFortnightly — betterEvery 3 weeks
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFreemiumFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad — betteriPhone
Requires iOS16.016.0
Further details — not scored
Size100 MB4 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperMusic BreathTAKUMA FUJITSUKA

Customer experience

Spectrum Analyzer

All ratings198 ratings
Positive77.3%
Neutral6.6%
Negative16.2%
Written reviews241 reviews
Positive5.0%
Neutral5.0%
Negative90.0%

Retro Spectrum

All ratings6 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews1 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

Bugs and requests

Spectrum Analyzer

Reported bugs

10 issues
  • 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
Show 5 more
  • Slow and unresponsive performance
  • App hijacks device sound settings
  • Accidental in-app purchases triggered by home button
  • Subscription charges without clear user consent
  • App locks users into year-long subscriptions with no cancellation option

Requested features

7 requests
  • 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
Show 2 more
  • Dark mode option
  • Upfront pricing disclosure before download

Retro Spectrum

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

13 purchases

Spectrum Analyzer

Subscriptions9
  • Pitch Finder: Audio Visualizer3 Days trial$4.997 Days
  • Pitch Finder: Audio Visualizer3 Days trial$9.991 Month
  • One Month Sale$9.991 Month
Show 6 more
  • 1 Week Subscription3 Days trial$9.997 Days
  • 1 Year Sub. with discount$19.991 Year
  • 1 Month Subscription$19.991 Month
  • 3 Month Subscription$25.993 Months
  • 1 Year Subscription3 Days trial$39.991 Year
  • 2 months subscription3 Days trial$39.992 Months
One-time4
  • No Ads$9.99
  • Additional Settings Controls$15.99
  • Full Pack + No Ads$19.99
Show 1 more
  • Get More$19.99
1 purchases

Retro Spectrum

One-time1
  • Skin Pack$1.99

Questions

Is Spectrum Analyzer free?
Spectrum Analyzer is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Retro Spectrum free?
Retro Spectrum is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Spectrum Analyzer or Retro Spectrum?
Retro Spectrum is rated higher. Spectrum Analyzer averages 4.2 out of 5 from 198 ratings, while Retro Spectrum averages 4.8 from 6 ratings.
Do Spectrum Analyzer or Retro Spectrum have ads?
Spectrum Analyzer shows ads; Retro Spectrum does not.
Which is updated more often, Spectrum Analyzer or Retro Spectrum?
Spectrum Analyzer ships an update fortnightly, and Retro Spectrum every 3 weeks. Most recently, Spectrum Analyzer was updated on October 16, 2026 and Retro Spectrum on October 6, 2026.

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