Spectrum Analyzer vs Retro Spectrum
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
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.
- Sound level meter
- Multichannel harmonic analysis
- Adjustable graphics
- AI-powered sound source analyzer
- Real-time analysis
- FFT analysis
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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
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.
- 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
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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
Verdict
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
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.
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.
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.
| Parameter | Spectrum Analyzer | Retro Spectrum |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.2 (198 ratings) | 4.8 (6 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 5.0% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 198 — better | 6 |
| Update frequency | Fortnightly — better | Every 3 weeks |
| Ads | Yes | No — better |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Monetization | Freemium | Free with in-app purchases |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad — better | iPhone |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | 16.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 100 MB | 4 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Music Breath | TAKUMA FUJITSUKA |
Customer experience
Spectrum Analyzer
Retro Spectrum
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
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- 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
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- Dark mode option
- Upfront pricing disclosure before download
Retro Spectrum
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
Spectrum Analyzer
- Pitch Finder: Audio Visualizer3 Days trial$4.997 Days
- Pitch Finder: Audio Visualizer3 Days trial$9.991 Month
- One Month Sale$9.991 Month
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- 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
- No Ads$9.99
- Additional Settings Controls$15.99
- Full Pack + No Ads$19.99
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- Get More$19.99
Retro Spectrum
- Skin Pack$1.99
Questions
Is Spectrum Analyzer free?
Is Retro Spectrum free?
Which has better reviews, Spectrum Analyzer or Retro Spectrum?
Do Spectrum Analyzer or Retro Spectrum have ads?
Which is updated more often, Spectrum Analyzer or Retro Spectrum?
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