# ZBM vs Synthwave Escape

The clearest difference is rating: Synthwave Escape at 4.6 against ZBM's 3.7. Synthwave Escape also leads on monetization model (free with in-app purchases vs subscription) and ratings volume (219 vs 3). ZBM's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (fortnightly vs every 6 months). On price, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. ZBM sells 8 one-off in-app purchases and Synthwave Escape sells 4 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Synthwave Escape holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 3.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Synthwave Escape has 219 ratings behind it against 3, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 62% of ZBM's written reviews are positive against 83% of Synthwave Escape's.

ZBM ships an update fortnightly, Synthwave Escape every 6 months. The most recent releases landed on October 10, 2026 and October 12, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | ZBM | Synthwave Escape |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.7 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/zbm/id1195497429/reviews) | **[4.6 (219 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/synthwave-escape/id1435802053/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 3 | **219** |
| Positive reviews | 62.0% of reviews | **83.3% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Fortnightly** | Every 6 months |
| Monetization | Subscription | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 152 MB | 152 MB |
| Requires iOS | **10.0** | 13.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 9+ |
| Developer | [izzle Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/868637593) | [Moby Pixel](https://appshunter.io/developer/1435802052) |

## What reviewers say

### ZBM

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/zbm/id1195497429)

This is a rhythm-based music game with a retro 80s aesthetic. Players tap 3D boxes to the beat of electronic dance music, with increasing difficulty and multiple game modes. It offers both single-player and local multiplayer challenges.

**Highlights:** Rhythm-based EDM gameplay, Retro 80s aesthetic, Challenging beat progression, Arcade mode for high scores, 1v1 local multiplayer mode, Unlimited access with subscription

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (8)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Get 10,000 coins | $0.99 | one-time |
| Score +100% | $0.99 | one-time |
| Coin X2 | $0.99 | one-time |
| Remove AD | $0.99 | one-time |
| Zodiac Set | $1.99 | one-time |
| Get 30,000 coins | $2.99 | one-time |
| Get 50,000 coins | $4.99 | one-time |
| Get 100,000 coins | $9.99 | one-time |


### Synthwave Escape

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/synthwave-escape/id1435802053)

Embark on a retro rhythm puzzle platformer adventure with an 80s synthwave aesthetic. Guide a team of robots with unique physics to escape a neon bunker and defeat an antagonist. Solve challenges through 60 stages with an original soundtrack and a humorous storyline.

**Highlights:** 60 Retro Rhythm Puzzle Platformer Stages, 8 All-New Synthwave Tracks, 4 Escaping Robots with Super Duper Physics, Robot Storyline, Dad Jokes

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 20 Coins | $0.99 | one-time |
| 50 Coins | $1.99 | one-time |
| Unlimited Coins | $4.99 | one-time |
| Unlimited Coins Deal | $4.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🎶 Amazing music/songs
- 🎨 Great graphics/visual aesthetic
- 🧠 Challenging/mind-bending gameplay
- 🤩 Fun and enjoyable experience
- ✨ Impressive novelty/innovative

**What reviewers complain about**

- ⚠️ Level 18 is too hard
- 💥 No invincibility frames
- ⏳ Stressful timer
- 💰 Needs more coins
- 🐛 Audio option bug

**Reported bugs**

- Audio option doesn't work
- No invincibility stage after getting hit
- Game won't download

**Requested features**

- Longer game or sequel
- More levels
- New music
- PC version
- More cutscenes


## Frequently asked questions

### Is ZBM free?

ZBM is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Synthwave Escape free?

Synthwave Escape is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, ZBM or Synthwave Escape?

Synthwave Escape is rated higher. ZBM averages 3.7 out of 5 from 3 ratings, while Synthwave Escape averages 4.6 from 219 ratings.

### Do ZBM or Synthwave Escape have ads?

Synthwave Escape shows ads; ZBM does not.

### Which is updated more often, ZBM or Synthwave Escape?

ZBM ships an update fortnightly, and Synthwave Escape every 6 months. Most recently, ZBM was updated on October 10, 2026 and Synthwave Escape on October 12, 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.*