Comparison

NFM vs VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave

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

Head to head
About

NFM

This intuitive FM synthesizer works as an Audio Unit Extension plug-in for music production apps. It features six stereo operators, customizable algorithms, and built-in effects. Manage presets and precisely enter parameter values with a numeric pad.

Highlights
  • Six stereo operators
  • Customizable FM algorithm
  • Adjustable envelopes
  • Built-in effects (distortion, delay, flanger)
  • Monophonic, polyphonic, legato, glide voice modes
  • Preset management with import/export
  • Numeric pad for precise parameter entry
Features
Read full description

Note that NFM is in maintenance mode, receiving only critical bug fixes. For a more flexible and actively developed alternative, try Mela. It offers most of NFM's features as modular components and is frequently updated with new features. NFM is an intuitive FM synthesiser with a streamlined interface. It works as an Audio Unit Extension (aka AUv3 plug-in) inside host applications such as AUM, Cubasis, GarageBand and Logic Pro. Key Features - Six stereo operators - Fully customisable FM algorithm - Oscillators: sinusoid, noise, fixed frequency - Envelopes with adjustable level, time and curve parameters - Operator amplitude can be modulated by the stereo LFO, key or velocity - Pitch envelope, vibrato - Built-in effects: distortion, delay, flanger - Voice modes: monophonic, polyphonic, legato, glide - Preset management, including preset import/export - Numeric pad for entering parameter values precisely

About

VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave

This app creates unique synth sounds by recording classic synths to VHS tape and then resampling them. It offers a vast library of presets and effects to achieve lo-fi, retro vibes for various music genres. An AUv3 plugin and standalone app are included.

Highlights
  • VHS-recorded and resampled synths
  • Over 280+ presets
  • Standalone app and AUv3 plugin
  • VCR sound effects
  • VCR FX section for customization
  • Free expansion pack included
Features
Read full description

VHS Synth features synths recorded with a VCR, then resampled. Perfect for Synthwave, Hip Hop, Indie, Rock, Movie Soundtracks, Lo-Fi, Ambient, Vaporwave, Retro Pop, and more. Create instant lo-fi and cool retro vibes. Press a key. Elevate your music. Includes over 280+ Presets by Jakob haQ, Red Sky Lullaby, The GarageBand Guide, DJ Puzzle, Sound of Izrael, DJ Montra, Marc Hupkens, AnalogMatthew, JEC, Da Fingaz, Brian Funk, and more. "BEST Lo-Fi instrument I’ve ever played, seriously good sounds!" - The SoundTest Room "VHS Synth is a Retrowave dream!" - iPad Loops "Turns Your iOS Device Into An 80s Time Machine" - Synthtopia Classic Synths were recorded to VHS Tape with a VCR, then re-sampled. "VHS Synth is the ULTIMATE Retro Synth App" - The GarageBand Guide FEATURES: • Standalone app + iOS AUv3 Plugin • Over 280+ presets to inspire you • Compressed to under 140mb to save space • VCR Sound Effects (Buttons, Tape Hiss, More) • VCR FX section to customize the sounds • FREE Expansion Pack: OP-1 recorded with a VCR ++ iPhone & iPad version included for one low price Real analog feel and dirt. Vintage hardware was recorded into a VCR and then re-sampled. Subscribe to access to premium app features; subscription details are the following: - Length: weekly or yearly - Free trial: only on selected subscriptions - Your payment will be charged to your iTunes Account as soon as you confirm your purchase - You can manage your subscriptions and turn off auto-renewal from your Account Settings after the purchase - Your subscription will renew automatically, unless you turn off auto-renew at least 24 hours before the end of the current period - The cost of renewal will be charged to your account in the 24 hours prior to the end of the current period - When canceling a subscription, your subscription will stay active until the end of the period. Auto-renewal will be disabled, but the current subscription will not be refunded - Any unused portion of a free trial period, if offered, will be forfeited when purchasing a subscription Terms & Conditions: [https://magic-cake-e95.notion.site/VHS-Synth-80s-Synthwave-Terms-Conditions-150cf6557a0880aca270f4f8ccee8d3e?pvs=4](https://www.notion.so/VHS-Synth-80s-Synthwave-Terms-Conditions-150cf6557a0880aca270f4f8ccee8d3e?pvs=21) Privacy Policy: [https://magic-cake-e95.notion.site/VHS-Synth-80s-Synthwave-Privacy-Policy-150cf6557a088019bec6ccb33ae5bb09?pvs=4](https://www.notion.so/VHS-Synth-80s-Synthwave-Privacy-Policy-150cf6557a088019bec6ccb33ae5bb09?pvs=21) * NOTE: This app has no official affiliation with AudioKit Pro, LLC. It was built using the free AudioKit source code.

Screenshots

VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: NFM at 100% against VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave's 52%. NFM also leads on rating (4.9 vs 4.0) and in-app purchases (none vs 4). VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave's advantage is price (Free vs $4.99) and update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 12 months). On iOS requirement 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

VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave is free to download; NFM costs $4.99 up front. VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. NFM asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

NFM holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 34 and 135 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 100% of NFM's written reviews are positive against 52% of VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

NFM ships an update every 12 months, VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 2, 2026 and November 7, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard9 real differences · 1 level
NFM versus VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterNFMVHS Synth | 80s Synthwave
Price$4.99Free — better
Rating4.9 (34 ratings) — better4.0 (135 ratings)
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews — better51.5% of reviews
Number of ratings34135 — better
Update frequencyEvery 12 monthsEvery 2 weeks — better
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationPaid — betterSubscription
DevicesiPadiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS14.0 — better14.5
Further details — not scored
Size3 MB167 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperNikolozi MeladzeAudiobus Pty Ltd

Customer experience

NFM

All ratings33 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews11 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave

All ratings135 ratings
Positive73.3%
Neutral5.9%
Negative20.7%
Written reviews97 reviews
Positive51.5%
Neutral10.3%
Negative38.1%

Bugs and requests

NFM

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave

Reported bugs

11 issues
  • GarageBand compatibility broken after updates
  • App not recognized in Logic Pro after updates
  • Inconsistent sound quality across different registers
  • Patch/preset settings not retained after closing DAW
  • Audio Unit Extension crashes in GarageBand
Show 6 more
  • Duplicate track sounds different from original
  • Display shows 'Welcome' instead of loaded patch
  • Thin black keys difficult to hit on keyboard
  • Missing top C key on keyboard
  • Sounds inconsistent when exported from GarageBand
  • App disappears from projects after ownership change

Requested features

7 requests
  • Mac OS version for DAW compatibility
  • Velocity sensitivity settings for keyboard
  • Pitch bend and modulation wheels with actual functionality
  • Better keyboard design with proper key sizing
  • Improved UI layout to reduce wasted space in AUv3 mode
Show 2 more
  • Access to original synth parameters instead of sample-based playback
  • Direct routing to IAA output for FL Studio Mobile

In-app purchases

None

NFM

No in-app purchases

4 purchases

VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave

Subscriptions4
  • Weekly premium7 Days trial$4.997 Days
  • Weekly premium$4.997 Days
  • Yearly premium$9.991 Year
Show 1 more
  • Yearly premium7 Days trial$9.991 Year

Questions

Is NFM free?
NFM costs $4.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave free?
VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, NFM or VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave?
NFM is rated higher. NFM averages 4.9 out of 5 from 34 ratings, while VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave averages 4.0 from 135 ratings.
Do NFM or VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave have ads?
VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave shows ads; NFM does not.
Which is updated more often, NFM or VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave?
NFM ships an update every 12 months, and VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave every 2 weeks. Most recently, NFM was updated on November 2, 2026 and VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave on November 7, 2026.

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