A free guitar tuner app listens through your phone's microphone and shows whether each string is sharp, flat or in tune. The apps here are all free to install on Google Play; the real differences are ads, extra features and how clearly they show the note. Choose a simple tuner for quick tune-ups and a fuller app if you also want lessons or other instruments.
A guitar that's slightly out of tune makes everything sound wrong, and it's the first thing that puts beginners off. The good news is that your phone can tune it in under a minute.
Here are ten free guitar tuner apps in no particular order, sorted alphabetically. Each one is free to install, and I've noted what its own Google Play listing says about ads and in-app purchases, re-checked today.
Most tuners work the same way. You pluck a string, the app hears the note and tells you whether to tighten or loosen it. What separates them is the screen: some are clean and calm, some are busy with ads and upgrade prompts.
If you play in a noisy room, a tuner that clips on your guitar can beat any app. But for practice at home, an app is all you need.
Free guitar tuner apps at a glance
In the free plan column, Yes means the tool's own site or store listing describes a free version or free plan, Trial only means a time-limited trial, and No means neither is stated there. Free versions usually come with limits, so check what's included before you rely on one.
| Tool | Type | Good for | Free plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| DaTuner | Tuner and metronome app | Tuning several instruments | Yes |
| Fender Tune | Guitar tuner app | A clean tuner from a guitar maker | Yes |
| gStrings | Chromatic tuner app | Tuning any instrument by note | Yes |
| GuitarTuna | Guitar tuner and learning app | Tuning plus beginner lessons | Yes |
| LikeTones Guitar Tuner | Guitar tuner app | A tuner without ads | Yes |
| Pano Tuner | Chromatic tuner app | Quick, easy-to-read tuning | Yes |
| Perfect Tuner | Instrument tuner app | Tuning many instruments | Yes |
| Pitched! | Tuner app | A simple, accurate tuner | Yes |
| Pro Guitar Tuner | Guitar tuner app | Guitar, bass and ukulele tuning | Yes |
| Soundcorset | Tuner and metronome app | Practising with a tuner and metronome | Yes |
Ten free guitar tuner apps
DaTuner
Best for: Musicians who want one app for tuning different instruments, with a metronome too.
Fender Tune
Best for: Guitarists who want a clean tuner with no ads or in-app purchases labelled on Google Play.
gStrings
Best for: Players of any instrument who want a simple chromatic tuner.
GuitarTuna
Best for: Beginners who want a tuner alongside chords, games and lessons.
LikeTones Guitar Tuner
Best for: Guitarists who want a tuner with no ads or in-app purchases labelled on Google Play.
Pano Tuner
Best for: Players who want a quick tuner with a clear, easy-to-read display.
Perfect Tuner
Best for: Musicians who play several instruments and want one tuner for all of them.
Pitched!
Best for: Players who want a straightforward tuner that gets out of the way.
Pro Guitar Tuner
Best for: Guitar, bass and ukulele players who want presets for common tunings.
Soundcorset
Best for: Students who want a tuner and metronome together for daily practice.
What the Google Play labels tell you
Here's a quick way to pick a calmer tuner. On Google Play, the listings for Fender Tune and LikeTones Guitar Tuner show no Contains ads label and no in-app purchases label, while most other tuners here carry both. GuitarTuna's listing shows more than 100 million installs, with ads and in-app purchases.
None of that makes a tuner better or worse at tuning. But if you hate adverts popping up mid-song, the labels on the listing are the fastest way to avoid them before you install.
How to tune with a phone app
- Sit somewhere quiet and hold the phone near the guitar.
- Pluck one string and let it ring.
- Watch the needle and turn the peg slowly.
- Stop when the display shows the string is in tune.
- Check all the strings again, because tuning one can nudge the others.
What to look for in a tuner app
- Clear display: can you read it at arm's length?
- Instrument presets: guitar, bass, ukulele or others?
- Alternate tunings: does it support drop or open tunings?
- Ads: check the store labels if ads bother you.
- Extras: metronomes and lessons are handy but optional.
Making practice a habit
Learning an instrument is one of the most rewarding bits of personal development you can do, and a tuned guitar makes every session more enjoyable.
Want AI doing the heavy lifting in your marketing?
I build the systems that handle the boring 80 percent, so you get your week back. Done properly, with the human kept in.
If you're stuck on the basics, a teacher can save you months. Here's why getting a tutor pays off for any skill, not just business.
Do you make tuner apps? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place on this list.
My advice for new guitarists
Tune every single time you pick up the guitar. It takes a minute, and it's the difference between practice that sounds good and practice that sounds wrong.
Start with a simple tuner and add the fancy features later. And if you share a room with noise, pluck closer to the phone or try tuning before everyone gets home.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best free guitar tuner app?
Any accurate tuner with a clear display works. Choose by ads, extras and instruments supported.
Are guitar tuner apps accurate?
Most are accurate enough for practice, especially in a quiet room.
Which guitar tuner apps have no ads?
Some listings on Google Play show no Contains ads label. Check the listing before you install.
Can I tune a bass or ukulele with these apps?
Many tuners include presets for bass, ukulele and other instruments.
What is a chromatic tuner?
It shows the nearest note for any sound, so it works for any instrument.
Why does my guitar go out of tune quickly?
New strings stretch, and temperature changes affect tuning.
Do I need an internet connection to use a tuner?
Most tuners only need your microphone, but check each app.
Can I use alternate tunings?
Many apps support drop and open tunings as well as standard.
Should I tune up or down to a note?
Many players tune up to the note, which helps the string hold its pitch.
Do tuner apps work in noisy rooms?
They struggle with background noise. A clip-on tuner helps there.
Is a tuner app good for beginners?
Yes. It's one of the most useful free tools a beginner can have.
Can a tuner app help me learn songs?
Some tuner apps also include chords and lessons.
