ChromTuner is a chromatic tuner offered as a native macOS app, a free browser tuner, and a separate iPhone app. The Mac app uses YIN pitch detection across A0 to C8 and reports ±1 cent accuracy in real-world use. Its displays include an LED meter, Peterson-style strobe, vintage needle, and drifting sine wave. Tuning settings include 15 instrument presets, eight historical temperaments, adjustable capo, custom A4 reference, and transposition up to 11 semitones in either direction. A separate-window metronome supports 40–240 BPM, tap tempo, and meters from 2/4 to 7/8. Audio input can use the built-in microphone or macOS-recognized USB interfaces and Aggregate Devices through Core Audio. The maker says the Mac app processes microphone audio in memory, does not record or transmit audio, and makes no outbound network connections. The Mac version costs 6.99 USD per once and requires macOS 14 Sonoma or later. The free iPhone app requires iOS 17 or later; its included Apple Watch app requires watchOS 11 or later.
Who it is for
It suits musicians looking for a tuner on Mac, iPhone, or in a browser. The Mac app's audio-interface support and metronome may appeal to players who need those tools.
What is good
- Mac app offers four tuning displays.
- Includes 15 instrument presets and eight temperaments.
- Metronome includes tap tempo and multiple meters.
- Free browser tuner and iPhone app are available.
- Maker says Mac app makes no outbound network connections.
What to know first
- Mac app costs 6.99 USD per once.
- Mac app requires macOS 14 Sonoma or later.
- iPhone app requires iOS 17 or later.
- No iPad-native version of the iPhone app.
Verdict
ChromTuner pairs multiple tuner displays and tuning options with a separate metronome on Mac, alongside free browser and iPhone versions. Check the platform requirements and the Mac app's one-time price before choosing a version.
ChromTuner plans and pricing
All plansCompared on musical tuner apps
- Free plan
- Yes
- Strobe display
- Yes
- Alternate tunings
- Yes
- Custom reference pitch
- Yes
- Intonation monitoring
- No
- Offline mode
- Yes
- Available platforms
- desktop
