Best 6 Ear Training Apps in 2026: Feature Comparison

Introduction

EarMaster is the best overall ear training app on paper. The listing points to about 3,500 exercises and support for iOS, Android, Windows and macOS. This list covers six apps built for different goals: general musicianship, functional ear training, band and improv work, and mixing. Comparisons come from verified store listings, not hands-on testing.

Quick comparison table

Quiztones is iOS-only apart from its macOS version, while EarMaster and Auralia also run on desktop. Prices aren't listed here, so check each store page for current pricing.

1. EarMaster

Best for: Students and musicians who want one app covering most ear training areas.

EarMaster covers aural training, sight-singing, rhythm training, functional ear training, and jazz and blues workshops. It runs on iOS, Android, Windows and macOS. Its size stands out, at about 3,500 exercises.

The catch: a catalog this big may be more than a casual learner needs.

2. Complete Ear Trainer

Best for: Players who want ear training tied to real-world musical use.

Complete Ear Trainer offers a wide range of exercises for improvisation, composition, singing, and playing in a band. You can get it on iOS and Android.

What sets it apart is the focus on practical music-making over pure theory drills.

3. Quiztones

Best for: Producers and engineers who want to train their ears for mixing.

Quiztones is about critical listening, not melody or interval study. It runs on iOS and macOS. The mixing focus is what makes it different.

It's a poor fit for general musicians learning intervals or chords.

4. Auralia

Best for: Learners who want ear training and music theory in one package.

Per its listing, Auralia combines the two in a single product. It supports iOS, Android, Windows, ChromeOS and macOS.

That's the widest platform support on this list, and it's the only entry that names ChromeOS.

5. Perfect Ear

Best for: Musicians who want a straightforward way to improve their aural skills.

The listing describes Perfect Ear as a general ear training app for iOS and Android. Its general focus on aural skills is the main selling point.

The listing gives few specifics, so check the store page for the current exercise list before you install.

6. Functional Ear Trainer

Best for: Musicians who want to transcribe or play music by ear.

Functional Ear Trainer pitches a simple idea. Knowing what you hear helps with composing, improvising, transcribing melodies, and playing with others. It is iOS only.

The functional approach, hearing notes in the context of a key, is its standout. EarMaster also has a functional ear training module, but it's one part of a much bigger package. So this comes down to focus, not quality.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best ear training app for beginners?

EarMaster is a strong start thanks to its broad exercise range. Perfect Ear is a simpler general option if you want less to sort through.

Can I learn ear training on a phone alone?

Apps work well for short daily practice. Pair them with an instrument so you can check what you hear against real playing.

Which app is best for mixing and production?

Quiztones. It focuses on critical listening for mixing rather than melody or intervals, and it's available on iOS and macOS only.

Are there ear training apps that work on a computer?

Yes. EarMaster runs on Windows and macOS, Auralia on Windows, ChromeOS and macOS, and Quiztones on macOS.

The verdict

EarMaster is the strongest overall pick for its range of exercises and platform coverage. Complete Ear Trainer is the runner-up for improvisation and band-focused players.

Choose Quiztones for mixing, and Functional Ear Trainer if you're on iOS and want functional training. Auralia suits learners who want theory alongside ear training. These rankings reflect listing details, not hands-on testing.