How accurate is the pitch detector?

Our tool is highly accurate, with a precision of within ±5 cents of a note. It uses the industry-standard YIN algorithm for reliable, real-time analysis suitable for both musicians and audio professionals. For more details, see our accuracy tests .

Is my audio data private and secure?

Absolutely. Your privacy is our top priority. All audio processing is done locally in your browser. No audio is ever recorded, stored, or sent to a server. You can read our full data security policy for more information.

The detector isn't working. What should I do?

First, ensure you have granted microphone access in your browser. If it's still not working, try using a quiet, echo-free environment and holding a clear, steady note. For a complete list of solutions, please visit our troubleshooting page .

What are 'cents' in music?

A 'cent' is a unit of measurement for musical intervals. There are 100 cents in one semitone (the distance between two adjacent notes on a piano). Our meter shows how many cents sharp (positive value) or flat (negative value) your note is, allowing for very precise tuning.

What is the difference between pitch and frequency?

Frequency is the scientific measurement of a sound wave's vibrations per second, measured in Hertz (Hz). Pitch is the musical term for how high or low a note sounds to our ears. While they are related, pitch is a subjective perception, whereas frequency is an objective measurement. Learn more in our glossary .

Can I use this to tune my guitar?

Yes! This tool works perfectly as an online guitar tuner. Simply play each string one at a time and use the feedback to adjust the tuning pegs until the note is perfect. It works for acoustic and electric guitars (if played through an amplifier).

Online vs App: Why a Browser Pitch Detector Is Enough

Do you need to install a pitch detector app, or is an online pitch detector all you really need? Modern browser-based tools are so powerful that, for most people, a web version is faster, easier, and just as accurate as any standalone app.

Let’s break down the differences and see why the Pitch Detector works perfectly in your browser — no downloads required.

Quick Answer

A browser-based pitch detector works instantly in Chrome, Safari, or Edge. It analyzes your audio locally (on your device) and shows:

Musical note names (e.g., A4, C#3)
Frequency in Hz (e.g., A4 = 440 Hz)
±Cents deviation (how flat/sharp you are)

Try it now: Pitch Detector — free, private, and cross-platform.

Online Pitch Detector vs App: Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	Online Pitch Detector	Pitch Detector App
Installation	None (runs in browser)	Requires download & install
Device Support	Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux	Often OS-specific
Privacy	On-device processing, no audio uploads	Depends on developer
Updates	Automatic (always current)	Manual updates needed
Accessibility	Keyboard + screen reader friendly	Varies by app UI
Cost	Free at PitchDetector.com	Some apps are paid or ad-supported

For most users, the Pitch Detector in your browser offers everything you need without installation headaches.

Why Modern Browsers Are Enough

Modern browsers include advanced Web Audio APIs that handle real-time pitch detection with:

Low latency audio processing
Cross-device compatibility (desktop, tablet, phone)
On-device privacy — no data leaves your computer

For the technical side, check out our Methodology page to learn how the detector works.

When to Consider a Mobile App

A native app may be useful if you:

Need offline access with no internet connection
Want DAW integrations or extra recording features
Require MIDI output or multi-track analysis

Otherwise, the online Pitch Detector covers everyday needs for singers, teachers, and musicians.

Extra Features in Our Online Pitch Detector

A4 Calibration: Switch between 440 Hz and 442 Hz tuning
Audio-File Analysis: Detect pitch from MP3/WAV/M4A via the Audio-File Pitch Detector
Converters: Instantly convert with Frequency → Note Converter and Note → Frequency Converter

Privacy & Accessibility Benefits

On-device processing: No audio uploads or storage
Keyboard navigation & screen reader support
Reduced motion options for sensitive users

Full details are available on our Accessibility page.

FAQs

1. Are online pitch detectors as accurate as apps?
Yes. They use the same algorithms as most native apps.

2. Do I need to install anything?
No. The Pitch Detector works instantly in your browser.

3. What about mobile?
Open it in Safari or Chrome on iOS/Android. Add it to your Home Screen for app-like access.

4. Can I analyze recordings?
Yes, use the Audio-File Pitch Detector for MP3/WAV/M4A files.

Final Thoughts

A browser-based pitch detector is fast, private, and accurate enough for almost everyone. Unless you need advanced offline features, the online version does everything — free, instantly, and on any device.

Ornella

Pitch Detector is a project by Ornella, blending audio engineering and web technology to deliver precise, real-time pitch detection through your browser. Designed for musicians, producers, and learners who want fast, accurate tuning without installing any software.