Best Tinnitus Apps in 2026: An Honest Comparison
By Carlos S.
Finding the Right Tool
There are more tinnitus apps available than ever, but they vary widely in approach, quality, and price. Some focus on masking (covering up the sound), some on relaxation, and a few on notched sound therapy (actually targeting your specific tinnitus frequency). Here's an honest comparison of the most commonly recommended options.
Disclosure: We built Tinnitus Saurus, so we're obviously biased. We'll try to be fair. Every app on this list has helped real people.
What to Look For
Before comparing individual apps, here's what matters:
- Does it personalize to your frequency? Generic white noise is masking, not targeted therapy
- Is the approach backed by research? Look for named studies, not just "clinically proven"
- Is the free tier actually useful? Can you try the real therapy, or just a demo?
- Does it track progress? Tinnitus therapy takes months — you need to know if it's working
- Privacy: Health data should stay on your device
The Apps
AudioNotch
What it does: Notched sound therapy with customizable notch filters. One of the original tools in this space, available since 2011.
Strengths: Proven track record, straightforward interface, one-time purchase ($25 USD) so no ongoing subscription.
Limitations: Manual frequency matching only (no guided sweep), single notch frequency (no per-ear matching for bilateral tinnitus), no session tracking or progress journaling, desktop-focused.
Price: $25 one-time
Best for: People who already know their tinnitus frequency and want a simple, proven tool without a subscription.
myNoise
What it does: High-quality sound generators for masking and relaxation. Not specifically a tinnitus therapy app, but widely used by the tinnitus community.
Strengths: Beautiful sound design, huge variety of soundscapes, completely free (donation-based), works in any browser.
Limitations: No notch filter — this is masking, not targeted therapy. No frequency matching, no session tracking, no progress monitoring.
Price: Free (donations welcome)
Best for: People looking for pleasant background sounds to mask tinnitus, especially for sleep or focus.
Tinnitracks
What it does: Medical-grade notched music therapy, prescribed by audiologists in some European countries.
Strengths: Strongest clinical backing, integrated with professional audiology workflows, uses your actual audiogram for frequency matching.
Limitations: Requires a prescription or professional referral in most markets, limited availability outside Europe, no free tier.
Price: Varies (typically covered by insurance in participating countries)
Best for: People with access to an audiologist who prescribes Tinnitracks, particularly in Germany and neighboring countries.
Tinnitus Saurus
What it does: Notched sound therapy with guided frequency matching, independent per-ear notch filters, notched music, session tracking, and a relief journal.
Strengths: Guided frequency sweep (automates the matching process), independent left/right ear notch frequencies, notched music player (your own songs with a therapeutic filter), relief journal with severity tracking, free tier includes all therapy modes (30 min/day), all data stays on device.
Limitations: iOS only (no Android yet), new app (launched 2026 — less track record than AudioNotch), no web version for desktop use.
Price: Free (30 min/day, all features). Premium: $7.99/mo, $59.99/yr, or $79.99 lifetime (introductory).
Best for: People who want a comprehensive, self-guided notched therapy experience with progress tracking and per-ear customization.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | AudioNotch | myNoise | Tinnitracks | Tinnitus Saurus | |---|---|---|---|---| | Notched therapy | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | | Guided frequency matching | No | No | Professional | Yes | | Per-ear notch | No | N/A | Yes | Yes | | Notched music | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | | Session tracking | No | No | Yes | Yes | | Relief journal | No | No | No | Yes | | Free tier | No | Yes (masking) | No | Yes (all features) | | Price | $25 one-time | Free | Rx-based | Free / $7.99 mo |
Our Recommendation
There's no single "best" app for everyone. It depends on your situation:
- Just want background sounds for sleep? Start with myNoise. It's free and the sound quality is excellent.
- Know your frequency and want simple notched therapy? AudioNotch is proven and affordable at $25.
- Have access to an audiologist who supports Tinnitracks? That's a clinically validated path worth pursuing.
- Want guided setup, per-ear matching, and progress tracking? That's what we built Tinnitus Saurus for.
The most important thing isn't which app you choose — it's that you use it consistently. Notched sound therapy takes months of daily listening. Pick the tool that fits your routine and stick with it.