# Spectrum Analyzer vs Retro Spectrum

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.

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.

## The numbers

| Metric | Spectrum Analyzer | Retro Spectrum |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.2 (198 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spectrum-analyzer-spectrogram/id981810895/reviews) | **[4.8 (6 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/retro-spectrum/id6780568680/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **198** | 6 |
| Positive reviews | 5.0% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Fortnightly** | Every 3 weeks |
| Monetization | Freemium | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 100 MB | 4 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | 16.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Music Breath](https://appshunter.io/developer/1140008995) | [TAKUMA FUJITSUKA](https://appshunter.io/developer/6780568682) |

## 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


### Retro Spectrum

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/retro-spectrum/id6780568680)

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:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Skin Pack | $1.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked 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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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*