5 min read
5 best tuner apps in 2024 | Keep your groove in tune
You know what they say — “You gotta stay in tune to keep your groove!”. Alright, I made that up. But hey, let's dive into the world of musical precision. For all you musicians out there, from budding beginners to seasoned maestros, we've got the perfect list for you: the top 5 best tuner apps in 2024. Say goodbye to clunky hardware tuners, and say hello to smartphone efficiency.
Let's rock and roll, folks!
Why should I download a tuner app?
If you're asking this, you're probably not a trombonist who's tired of that pesky sharp F above middle C. But that's okay, let's break it down. Each instrument has its own personality, with some notes naturally out of tune. A tuner app will help you decipher these mysteries, saving your bandmates from out-of-tune agony.
In the past, tuners were separate devices that you had to lug around (along with your instrument). But today, we're in the era of smartphones! You can get a high-quality tuner app that's often cheaper than the hardware tuner and comes with fun extra features, like metronomes and recording options. Talk about hitting two birds with one stone!
So, without further ado, let's jump into the list.
The top 5 tuner apps of 2024
Before we start, remember that using a tuner app is as simple as ABC. Download the app, open it, and let the app do its magic. It'll use your device's microphone, identify the pitch, and let you know how in tune you are. Piece of cake, right? Now let's get into the specifics of our top picks.
1. The Metronome by Soundbrenner
The Metronome by Soundbrenner is your one-stop shop for all things musical. Not only does it provide a chromatic tuner, but it also offers a metronome, practice tracking abilities, set list libraries, etc. And, with its accuracy down to 1/100th of a cent, you'll never have to worry about being out of tune again.
Additionally, you could pair this with the Soundbrenner Core 2 or Soundbrenner Pulse seamlessly and take your practice/performance to the next level.
2. TonalEnergy
Known as the "Swiss Army Knife" of tuner apps, TonalEnergy offers a tuner, metronome, sustained tone (drone), and recording features. And the best part? You can use them all at the same time! TonalEnergy is a treasure for musicians looking to perfect their intonation while having a record to review later. Oh, and did I mention the smiley face for positive reinforcement when you're in tune? Isn't that adorable?
3. iStroboSoft
The big guns of the tuning world, strobe tuners, have found their way to your phone with iStroboSoft. Known for accuracy, this app brings a professional-grade tuner to your smartphone. Yes, it's a bit pricier, but for the musician who's all about precision, it's worth every penny.
4. BOSS Tuner
Old school meets new school with the BOSS Tuner app. BOSS has been a long-time favorite among musicians for their reliable hardware tuners. Now, they're bringing their trusty technology to the digital world with a free app that looks and feels like their traditional tuners.
5. Pano Tuner
Looking for a ready-to-go tuner right after installation? Pano Tuner is your best bet. It's free, reliable, and gets you in tune with a jiffy.
Overview of the Top 5 best tuner apps
Here's a handy table summarizing our top 5:
App | Platforms | Price |
The Metronome by Soundbrenner | Apple and Android | Free |
iStroboSoft | Apple | $9.99 |
Tunable | Apple and Android | $3.99 |
BOSS Tuner | Apple and Android | Free |
Pano Tuner | Apple and Android | Free |
Honorable mentions
Don't forget to check out the Cleartune and Pro Guitar Tuning apps. Cleartune has had its ups and downs, but some folks still swear by it. Pro Guitar Tuner, despite its name, works with many acoustical instruments, not just guitars.
Let’s get in tune
Whether you're belting out a classic tune or strumming away on your guitar, the difference between a good performance and a great one often comes down to staying in tune. So, give one (or all) of these apps a try, and you'll see the difference they can make in your musical journey.
Happy tuning!