# Viking Synth vs SynthMaster One for iPhone

The clearest difference is price: SynthMaster One for iPhone at Free against Viking Synth's $3.99. SynthMaster One for iPhone also leads on update cadence (every 2 months vs every 4 months) and ratings volume (331 vs 42). Viking Synth's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 10). On rating, review sentiment, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

SynthMaster One for iPhone is free to download; Viking Synth costs $3.99 up front. SynthMaster One for iPhone sells 10 one-off in-app purchases. Viking Synth asks for nothing beyond the download.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.7 for Viking Synth against 4.8 for SynthMaster One for iPhone. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: SynthMaster One for iPhone has 331 ratings behind it against 42, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 69% of Viking Synth's written reviews are positive against 66% of SynthMaster One for iPhone's.

Viking Synth ships an update every 4 months, SynthMaster One for iPhone every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on September 23, 2026 and September 19, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Viking Synth | SynthMaster One for iPhone |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $3.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | [4.7 (42 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/viking-synth/id1085274012/reviews) | **[4.8 (331 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/synthmaster-one-for-iphone/id1490902617/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 42 | **331** |
| Positive reviews | **69.4% of reviews** | 66.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Every 2 months** |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 11 MB | 297 MB |
| Requires iOS | 12.0 | **10.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Blamsoft, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1051938244) | [KV331 Audio](https://appshunter.io/developer/944155925) |

## 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


### SynthMaster One for iPhone

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/synthmaster-one-for-iphone/id1490902617)

This powerful wavetable synthesizer app offers an intuitive workflow for creating new sounds. It features a rich library of wavetables, inspiring factory presets, and real-time modulation feedback for sound design.

**Highlights:** Wavetable synthesis, 300 factory presets, AUv3 support, Files App integration, Real-time modulation feedback, Semi-modular architecture, 32-step arpeggiator/sequencer

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| BigTone Club Construction Set | $4.99 | one-time |
| True Trance Sounds Volume 1 | $4.99 | one-time |
| Vandalism Future House | $4.99 | one-time |
| NatLife Retrowave Sounds Vol.1 | $4.99 | one-time |
| Demis Hellen Euphoric Trance | $4.99 | one-time |
| NatLife Progressive&Deep Vol.1 | $4.99 | one-time |
| Vandalism Shocking Future Bass | $4.99 | one-time |
| Venus Theory Trap Sounds | $4.99 | one-time |
| Desktop Presets Upgrade | $9.99 | one-time |
| SM One Expansions Bundle | $24.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- ✨ Excellent sound quality
- 🤩 Incredible features for free
- 👍 Easy to use interface
- 🎛️ Versatile sound design capabilities
- 🎵 Great for GarageBand integration

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent crashes
- 🔌 Issues with GarageBand integration
- 💸 In-app purchase problems
- 🔄 Presets not saving
- 📉 App appears abandoned

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes when loading saved presets
- App crashes when setting default sound
- AUv3 option disappears in GarageBand
- Inability to reload user patches without crashing
- Inability to purchase certain IAP packs

**Requested features**

- Fix in-app purchase issues
- Improve GarageBand AUv3 stability
- Enable saving of custom presets
- Address crashing when loading presets
- Fix note pitch issues


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Viking Synth free?

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

### Is SynthMaster One for iPhone free?

SynthMaster One for iPhone is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Viking Synth or SynthMaster One for iPhone?

SynthMaster One for iPhone is rated higher. Viking Synth averages 4.7 out of 5 from 42 ratings, while SynthMaster One for iPhone averages 4.8 from 331 ratings.

### Do Viking Synth or SynthMaster One for iPhone have ads?

Neither Viking Synth nor SynthMaster One for iPhone shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Viking Synth or SynthMaster One for iPhone?

Viking Synth ships an update every 4 months, and SynthMaster One for iPhone every 2 months. Most recently, Viking Synth was updated on September 23, 2026 and SynthMaster One for iPhone on September 19, 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.*