# Phasemaker vs ShockWave

The clearest difference is price: Phasemaker at $3.99 against ShockWave's $19.99. Phasemaker also leads on review sentiment (69% vs 53%) and update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 2 months). ShockWave's advantage is rating (4.6 vs 4.3) and ratings volume (190 vs 33). On ads, in-app purchases, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.

Phasemaker costs $3.99 and ShockWave $19.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ShockWave holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: ShockWave has 190 ratings behind it against 33, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 69% of Phasemaker's written reviews are positive against 53% of ShockWave's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Phasemaker ships an update every 3 weeks, ShockWave every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on September 18, 2026 and September 21, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Phasemaker | ShockWave |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **$3.99** | $19.99 |
| Rating | [4.3 (33 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/phasemaker/id1161642832/reviews) | **[4.6 (190 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shockwave-synth-module/id1449844670/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 33 | **190** |
| Positive reviews | **68.8% of reviews** | 52.5% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 weeks** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Size | 16 MB | 42 MB |
| Requires iOS | **9.0** | 15.6 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Bram Bos](https://appshunter.io/developer/325340444) | [Kai Aras](https://appshunter.io/developer/370820899) |

## What reviewers say

### Phasemaker

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/phasemaker/id1161642832)

This app is a powerful 6-operator FM synthesizer for iOS, inspired by classic 1980s digital synths. It offers deep sound design capabilities with 42 algorithms and 12 oscillators, producing unique timbres impossible with analog modeling. It integrates seamlessly with mobile DAWs and supports various MIDI and audio routing protocols.

**Highlights:** 6-Operator FM Synthesis, 42 FM Algorithms, 12 Oscillators, Audio Unit (AUv3) compatible, Standalone mode with CoreMidi, Custom preset management, Vintage chorus and reverb effects

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


### ShockWave

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shockwave-synth-module/id1449844670)

This app is a monophonic synthesizer for iOS and AUv3 plugins, utilizing Phase Distortion synthesis. It offers dual PD oscillators, sequencers, LFOs, and envelopes for complex sound design. Almost any control can be modulated by multiple sources, with real-time visual feedback.

**Highlights:** Phase Distortion Synthesis, Dual PD Oscillators, Dual 8-step Sequencers, Dual ASR Envelopes, Tempo-syncable LFOs, Extensive Modulation Matrix, MIDI and MPE Support

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- ✨ Unique and amazing sounds
- 🔊 Heavy and brutal tones
- 💡 Innovative phase distortion synthesis
- 🎨 Beautiful and deep sound sculpting
- 🎹 Great for bass sounds

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent crashes and glitches
- ❌ Not working in AUM/AUv3
- 🔇 No sound output in certain apps
- ❓ Difficult to use without a manual
- 📉 Laggy UI and slow patch loading

**Reported bugs**

- "Bad Signal" errors in AUM, stops sound generation.
- Intermittent "bad signal" prompt in AUM, requires reloading.
- Sounds awful, very distorted with glitchy UI.
- App crashes frequently.
- No sound coming out of AUv3 in GarageBand.

**Requested features**

- Provide a proper manual detailing all parameters and sections with examples.
- Implement a key trigger option for the sequencer to allow MIDI controller playback.
- Add a poly mode.
- Improve documentation and tutorials.
- Standardize knob appearance and response.


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Phasemaker free?

Phasemaker costs $3.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is ShockWave free?

ShockWave costs $19.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Phasemaker or ShockWave?

ShockWave is rated higher. Phasemaker averages 4.3 out of 5 from 33 ratings, while ShockWave averages 4.6 from 190 ratings.

### Do Phasemaker or ShockWave have ads?

Neither Phasemaker nor ShockWave shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Phasemaker or ShockWave?

Phasemaker ships an update every 3 weeks, and ShockWave every 2 months. Most recently, Phasemaker was updated on September 18, 2026 and ShockWave on September 21, 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.*