# Viking Synth vs FM Essential

The clearest difference is price: FM Essential at Free against Viking Synth's $3.99. Viking Synth's advantage is rating (4.7 vs 3.0) and review sentiment (71% vs 40%). On ratings volume, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

FM Essential is free to download; Viking Synth costs $3.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Viking Synth holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 3.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 41 and 70 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 71% of Viking Synth's written reviews are positive against 40% of FM Essential's.

Viking Synth ships an update every 4 months, FM Essential every 15 months. The most recent releases landed on October 20, 2026 and October 15, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Viking Synth | FM Essential |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $3.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | **[4.7 (41 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/viking-synth/id1085274012/reviews)** | [3.0 (70 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fm-essential-us/id1121442614/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 41 | **70** |
| Positive reviews | **71.2% of reviews** | 40.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 4 months** | Every 15 months |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free** |
| Size | 11 MB | 88 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 16.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Blamsoft, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1051938244) | [Yamaha Corporation of America](https://appshunter.io/developer/408058585) |

## What reviewers say

### Viking Synth

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/viking-synth/id1085274012)

This app emulates a classic monophonic analog synthesizer with advanced DSP technology. It features three variable wave oscillators, dual ladder filters, an LFO, and two modulation busses for versatile sound design.  An intuitive interface and extensive preset library make it ideal for creating thick bass and rich lead sounds.

**Highlights:** Three continuously variable wave oscillators, Dual ladder filters (Lowpass/Highpass), Multi-wave LFO, Two modulation busses, Intuitive user interface with expandable controls, 228 presets including Bass, Lead, and Synthwave, State-of-the-art DSP for authentic sound

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🎶 Great sound quality
- 💡 Versatile sound options
- 💰 Excellent value (free)
- 💻 Lightweight and efficient
- 🎹 Good for learning synthesis

**What reviewers complain about**

- ❓ Preset issues
- 🔌 Not a standalone app
- 🐛 Occasional crashes
- 💾 Settings not saving
- 🤷‍♂️ Difficult to find/use

**Reported bugs**

- Presets not showing up
- Presets disappear
- App not showing in AUv3 menu
- Settings not saving after iOS 14 update
- Crashes when opening presets browser

**Requested features**

- More subtle drive mode
- Categorized preset browser
- Polyphony option
- Dark mode
- More apps from developer


### FM Essential

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fm-essential-us/id1121442614)

This app is an FM tone generator and synthesizer for iPhone and iPad, offering real-time performance capabilities and voice editing. It includes a variety of presets, arpeggiator patterns, chord pads, and scales, along with drum functionalities. The app also supports external hardware integration and advanced sound manipulation through effects, EQ, and a ball controller.

**Highlights:** FM tone generator, Real-time synth performance, Voice editing, Arpeggiator and chord pads, Effects and EQ edit, Ball controller for sound modulation, Step sequencer

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Viking Synth free?

Viking Synth costs $3.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is FM Essential free?

FM Essential is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Viking Synth or FM Essential?

Viking Synth is rated higher. Viking Synth averages 4.7 out of 5 from 41 ratings, while FM Essential averages 3.0 from 70 ratings.

### Do Viking Synth or FM Essential have ads?

Neither Viking Synth nor FM Essential shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Viking Synth or FM Essential?

Viking Synth ships an update every 4 months, and FM Essential every 15 months. Most recently, Viking Synth was updated on October 20, 2026 and FM Essential on October 15, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*