Poll

What are the different ways that you access Common Sense Media ratings and information? (Check all that apply)

About our rating system

  • ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
  • PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids.
  • OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
  • NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids of any age.

Find out more

Learning ratings

  • Best: Really engaging, great learning approach.
  • Very Good: Engaging, good learning approach.
  • Good: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
  • Fair: Somewhat engaging, okay learning approach.
  • Not for Learning: Not recommended for learning.
  • Not for Kids: Not age-appropriate for kids; not recommended for learning.

Find out more

App Reviews

Editors' pick
GarageBand
AGE
10
QUALITY
 
LEARNING
There's really no app like GarageBand -- imagine being able to write, record, and share your own professional quality music wherever you are with a few taps of a screen. It's a powerful mobile digital audio workstation for multitrack recording with impressive, on-board loops and production and editing tools.
csm_app
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad
(2013)
Twitter #music
AGE
13
QUALITY
 
Good tool for sharing music, but watch privacy concerns.
csm_app
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad
(2013)
EZ Tunes
AGE
4
QUALITY
 
LEARNING
Music player uses big buttons to simplify but is flawed.
csm_app
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad
(2012)
aXylophone
AGE
2
QUALITY
 
LEARNING
Sparse xylophone app sounds good but is limiting.
csm_app
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad
(2012)
Toca Band
AGE
3
QUALITY
 
LEARNING
Super cute music app lets kids mix beats and sounds.
csm_app
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad
(2012)
Tiny Piano
AGE
8
QUALITY
 
LEARNING
Easy piano player, but watch out for ads and YouTube links.
csm_app
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad
(2012)
AutoRap
AGE
15
QUALITY
 
LEARNING
Undeniably fun music experience, but may be iffy for kids.
csm_app
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android
(2012)
Songza
AGE
13
QUALITY
 
LEARNING
Free playlists for every mood; no filter for iffy stuff.
csm_app
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android, Kindle Fire
(2012)
Magic Guitar
AGE
10
QUALITY
 
Fun way to build musicianship, rhythm; watch social aspects.
csm_app
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad
(2012)
Magic Piano
AGE
7
QUALITY
 
LEARNING
Popular songs but no traditional piano in tap music game.
csm_app
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad
(2011)
Baby's Musical Hands
AGE
2
QUALITY
 
Simple and engaging music app for toddlers encourages touch.
csm_app
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android
(2011)
Pandora Radio
AGE
13
QUALITY
 
LEARNING
Popular Internet radio app great for discovering new music.
csm_app
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android, Kindle Fire
(2011)
iHeartRadio
AGE
13
QUALITY
 
LEARNING
Hear live radio or custom stations; iffy lyrics possible.
csm_app
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android, Kindle Fire
(2011)
My First Classical Music App HD
AGE
5
QUALITY
 
LEARNING
Modern, engaging intro to the fineries of classical music.
csm_app
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android
(2011)
MusicPound
AGE
13
QUALITY
 
Fun but limited app lets friends compare iPod libraries.
csm_app
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad
(2011)
Zwilrz
AGE
7
QUALITY
 
Girl-power dancing game tries to bring motion to iDevices.
csm_app
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad
(2011)
Songify
AGE
13
QUALITY
 
Fun way to make your own tunes; some iffy user uploads.
csm_app
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad
(2011)
Slewpi
AGE
8
QUALITY
 
Colorful and stimulating app links music and painting.
csm_app
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad
(2011)
Tap DJ - Mix and Scratch Your Music
AGE
10
QUALITY
 
Turn your phone into a turntable, with a few limitations.
csm_app
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad
(2011)
Kindermusik Radio App (includes lyrics!)
AGE
2
QUALITY
 
Streaming tunes for babies and preschoolers.
csm_app
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad
(2011)

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