Comparison

Theremin Synth vs TEMPO

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Theremin Synth

Create unique soundscapes with this multitouch synthesizer. Record, loop, and overdub your creations, then export them as WAV files to share. Experiment with various waveforms and effects for endless sonic possibilities.

Highlights
  • Multitouch synthesis
  • Record, loop, and overdub
  • Adjustable delay, feedback, and scuzz effects
  • Four waveform options
  • Export recordings as WAV files
  • Offline functionality
Features
Read full description

This is a multitouch synth instrument. Play it by touching and swiping the screen, changing the waveforms and sliding the effects to create anything from traditional sci-fi theremin sounds to deep scuzzy soundscapes. Use the looper controls to record, loop and overdub layers. Then if you wish to save or share your recording, hit the download button to send your wav file to other compatible apps like Messages, Email, Dropbox etc. The original Theremin went live in 2014 on the web at femurdesign.com/theremin. Over a million hits later and hundreds of requests for a record button, I have redesigned it. Now the Theremin is ready for you to experiment with. Happy playing! -- SPECIFICATIONS -- • Record, loop and overdub options. • Multitouch allows up to 8 tones to be played simultaneously with your fingers • 3 sliders: delay, feedback and scuzz • 4 waveforms: sine, square, triangle and saw • No internet needed, works both online and offline • Download the loop as a .wav file • Loops can be shared with other apps like Mail, Message and more. • 1000+ installs • Compatible with iOS versions 8 - 10 • Optimized for iPhone, iPad & iPad Pro -- REVIEWS -- Gizmodo "Just mess around! Twiddle those faders! Swipe and click with reckless abandon! Turn the volume all the way up, give the dog a panic fit, and make your neighbours think the street's being invaded by giant cabbage people from planet Zok. Trust me, this will never get old.” Dangerous Minds “New online theremin simulator kind of sounds cooler than the real thing. Check it out and annoy your co-workers.” Mashable “Messing around with this virtual theremin is completely addicting” -- CONTACT -- To find out about my other musical app projects, please go to femurdesign.com and share your loops with me on Facebook and Twitter. Facebook: facebook.com/femurdesign Twitter: @femurdesign For any queries and support contact me here: femurdesign.com/support

About

TEMPO

Create beats quickly with a 12-voice drum machine featuring deep sequencing, live capture, and resampling. Shape sounds with modeled drums, samples, or your own WAVs, then mix and add effects to finish your tracks anywhere.

Highlights
  • 12-voice drum workstation
  • Playable pads and step sequencing
  • Up to 64 steps per pattern
  • Modeled drums and user WAV import
  • Live capture and resampling
  • Mixer, FX, and automation
  • AUv3 extension
Features
Read full description

TEMPO-1 is a sampler groovebox for fast beat making, deep sequencing, live capture, resampling, MIDI workflows, and finishing ideas anywhere. Build beats with a 12-voice workstation: Kick, Snare, Closed Hat, Open Hat, Clap, Tom, Cymbal, Perc, Keys, Bass, Synth, and Sounds. Tap ideas on playable pads, shape each voice, arrange patterns, route effects, and keep the rhythm moving from the first touch. The sequencer is built for feel. Create patterns up to 64 steps, then shape each step with velocity, probability, microtiming, ratchets, conditional playback, and pitch. Push hits ahead or behind the grid, add rolls, thin out busy parts, and turn programmed rhythms into grooves with movement. Sampling stays immediate. Record live audio, import WAVs, edit samples in place, and assign them to any voice. Browse modeled drums and bundled sounds, build custom kits, then bounce sounds or recordings back into pads for resampling. Capture pad or MIDI performances directly into patterns, with quantized recording when you want tight timing. Mix with level, pan, mute, solo, master controls, and meters. Add motion with Phaser, Slicer, Delay, Reverb, Filter, routing, and automation. TEMPO-1 gives you practical ways to finish ideas. Export loops as WAV, export patterns as MIDI, or capture a live performance as WAV. Use it on its own, map controls with MIDI learn, send MIDI from pads and sequenced tracks, or run it as an AUv3 in supported hosts. Key features: - 12-voice sampler groovebox - Playable pads and step sequencing - Up to 64 steps per pattern and 64 pattern slots - Velocity, probability, microtiming, ratchets, conditional steps, and chromatic pitch per step - Live quantized recording from pads or MIDI - Record, import, edit, and resample WAVs - Modeled drums, bundled sounds, and custom sample kits - Mixer, FX, routing, and automation - External MIDI output for pads and sequenced tracks - MIDI learn for performance controls - AUv3 extension for host-based workflows - Loop WAV export, MIDI export, and live WAV capture - User presets plus bank import and export - Designed for iPhone, iPad, and Mac TEMPO-1 is for beatmakers who want hardware-style speed, deep sequencing, portable sampling, MIDI flexibility, and practical export tools in one focused instrument.

Screenshots

Theremin Synth4 screens
TEMPO4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: TEMPO at 4.3 against Theremin Synth's 3.2. TEMPO also leads on review sentiment (100% vs 64%) and update cadence (every 4 days vs every 2 months). Theremin Synth's advantage is price ($2.99 vs $9.99) and iOS requirement (12.1 vs 17.0). On ratings volume, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Theremin Synth costs $2.99 and TEMPO $9.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

TEMPO holds the better App Store score, 4.3 against 3.2. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 6 and 3 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 64% of Theremin Synth's written reviews are positive against 100% of TEMPO's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Theremin Synth ships an update every 2 months, TEMPO every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 22, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
Theremin Synth versus TEMPO: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterTheremin SynthTEMPO
Price$2.99 — better$9.99
Rating3.2 (6 ratings)4.3 (3 ratings) — better
Positive reviews63.6% of reviews100.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings6 — better3
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsEvery 4 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaidPaid
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, Mac
Requires iOS12.1 — better17.0
Further details — not scored
Size1 MB99 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperLuke PhillipsRichard Gillespie

Customer experience

Theremin Synth

All ratings6 ratings
Positive50.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative50.0%
Written reviews11 reviews
Positive63.6%
Neutral0.0%
Negative36.4%

TEMPO

All ratings3 ratings
Positive66.7%
Neutral33.3%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews2 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

None

Theremin Synth

No in-app purchases

None

TEMPO

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Theremin Synth free?
Theremin Synth costs $2.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is TEMPO free?
TEMPO costs $9.99, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Theremin Synth or TEMPO?
TEMPO is rated higher. Theremin Synth averages 3.2 out of 5 from 6 ratings, while TEMPO averages 4.3 from 3 ratings.
Do Theremin Synth or TEMPO have ads?
Neither Theremin Synth nor TEMPO shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Theremin Synth or TEMPO?
Theremin Synth ships an update every 2 months, and TEMPO every 4 days. Most recently, Theremin Synth was updated on October 24, 2026 and TEMPO on October 22, 2026.

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