Functional Ear Trainer review

Functional Ear Trainer takes a different route from interval drills. Based on Alain Benbassat's method, it teaches you to recognize each tone by its role, or function, in a major or minor key, which is closer to how you hear notes in a real song. The free desktop version 2 on miles.be includes a step-by-step e-learning course and a practice lab with customizable exercises, and the iOS and Android apps by Serhii Korchan bring the same method to your phone. The app asks for about 10 minutes of practice a day, and the routine is easy to keep. The core app is free, and an optional Functional Ear Trainer Plus upgrade costs $19.99. The tradeoff is scope: it does not cover rhythm, sight-singing or chord progressions, so pair it with a broader trainer if you need those skills or face an aural exam.

Who it is for

Musicians who want to play melodies by ear and transcribe, practicing about 10 minutes a day.

Price

Free desktop software and free app; Functional Ear Trainer Plus $19.99 as an in-app purchase.

Functional Ear Trainer Plus $19.99
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 8, 2026.

Key features

• Trains you to recognize tones in the context of a key, not as isolated intervals
• Free desktop version 2 with an e-learning course in major and minor keys
• Practice lab with customizable exercises
• Mobile apps for iPhone, iPad and Android
• Designed for about 10 minutes of practice a day

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Method aimed at playing and transcribing by ear
• Strength: Free on desktop and free to start on mobile
• Strength: Very simple daily routine
• Weakness: Narrow focus: no rhythm, sight-singing or chord progression courses
• Weakness: Plus upgrade costs more than some full apps at $19.99
• Weakness: Older Basic and Advanced desktop versions are discontinued

Key facts

• Method: Alain Benbassat's functional ear training
• Desktop: Functional Ear Trainer v2, freeware
• Mobile: iOS and Android apps by Serhii Korchan
• Daily practice: About 10 minutes
• Free since: 2002

Where it ranks

Functional Ear Trainer is No. 4 in our Best Ear Training Apps verdict.