OP vs Polywave
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
OP
This app provides a wireless screen for the OP-Z synthesizer, displaying real-time musical data like mixer levels and effect amounts. It enhances interaction with multi-touch controls for simultaneous adjustments and a smooth touchpad for effects.
- Wireless screen for OP-Z
- Real-time data visualization
- Mixer level monitoring
- Effect level monitoring
- Multi-touch mixer control
- Touchpad for effects/filters
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This is the official OP-Z companion app. Use your iOS device as a wireless screen for the mighty OP-Z synthesizer. See the numbers and graphs behind the music you create in real time. At a glance, you know how your instruments are balanced in the mixer or just how much effect is applied to each instrument. The app adds another dimension to your interaction with the OP–Z. Unlocking multi-touch features, you can adjust multiple mixer sliders at once or use the smooth touch pad to adjust effects or filters.
Polywave
Create unique, evolving sonic experiences with a novel wavetable sequencer inspired by vintage synths. Draw your own waveforms, explore a vast library, and connect to external keyboards or DAWs. Record your creations directly within the app.
- Wavetable sequencer
- Custom waveform drawing
- Expansive waveform library
- 100+ factory presets
- MIDI and Audio Unit support
- Live recording module
- 8-voice polyphony
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From Fingerlab (multiple-time winner of Music App of the Week, 2012 Apple Design Award) and Jordan Rudess (keyboardist of Dream Theater), comes Polywave — a revolutionary wavetable sequencer synthesizer for iPhone, iPad & Mac. Inspired by the legendary Korg Wavestation, Polywave lets you draw your own waveforms with your finger and create unique, ever-evolving sounds that are truly yours. Draw your own waveforms directly on screen 100+ factory presets: leads, pads, loops & FX Connect any MIDI keyboard or load as AUv3 in your DAW Live recording built-in Free version includes 12 factory presets and a selection of core features. Get the Full Version IAP to unlock everything. Features: • 8-voice polyphony & 6 octaves • Wavetable & waveform sequencer • VCO & FM Oscillators • FM Modulation & Detune • ADSR Envelope editor • Moog Ladder filter with ADSR • 2 LFOs with custom modulation waveform • LFO Sync & Loop mode • Waveform drawing editor & library (100 waveforms) • Preset Randomizer & export/import • 5 FX: Tube Amp, Vibrato, Chorus, Delay & Reverb • Live recording & export • Full MIDI & MIDI Mapping support • AudioBus & Inter-App Audio (iOS) • Full AudioUnit AUv3 support • iCloud Family Sharing Questions or feedback? We'd love to hear from you: contact@fingerlab.net Stay tuned! The Fingerlab Team
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is rating: Polywave at 4.7 against OP's 4.2. Polywave also leads on review sentiment (80% vs 47%). OP's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and update cadence (every 6 weeks vs every 3 months). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. Polywave sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. OP asks for nothing beyond the download.
Polywave holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.2. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 115 and 34 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 47% of OP's written reviews are positive against 80% of Polywave's.
OP ships an update every 6 weeks, Polywave every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on October 16, 2026 and October 15, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | OP | Polywave |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.2 (115 ratings) | 4.7 (34 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 47.2% of reviews | 80.0% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 115 — better | 34 |
| Update frequency | Every 6 weeks — better | Every 3 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Free — better | Free with in-app purchases |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — better |
| Requires iOS | 12.0 — better | 15.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 127 MB | 44 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Teenage Engineering | Fingerlab |
Customer experience
OP
Polywave
Bugs and requests
OP
Reported bugs
26 issues- Manufacturing defects
- App crashes when using videoout feature
- App crashes or hangs with HDMI output
- Unable to connect through Bluetooth or adapter
- App no longer connects after getting a new iPad
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- Won't reliably connect via Bluetooth
- OP-Z won't stay connected to iPhone
- Disconnects after Bluetooth setup
- Won't connect via USB or Bluetooth
- App won't stay connected
- App crashes every time it's opened
- Fails to pair to screenless OP-Z
- Bluetooth still isn't working with current iOS
- Cannot connect, screen button doesn't work
- App not properly connected
- Disconnects
- Doesn't work on iPhone or iPad
- Bluetooth connection not sticking on iOS version 14.2
- Stopped working
- Bluetooth in iPadOS14.2 disconnects
- App no longer displays data from OP-Z
- iPad won't scan for OP-Z
- iPad app won't scan again
- iPad won't scan or recognize OP-Z
- Scan button currently doesn't detect OP-Z
- OP-Z app is stuck in sync mode
Requested features
5 requests- Make compatible for older iOS
- Offline guide available
- Add clear dial metrics
- Import sound plugs via app
- Add own Unity graphics
Polywave
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
OP
No in-app purchases
Polywave
- Full Version$11.99
