# NFM vs VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave

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.

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.

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.

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.

## The numbers

| Metric | NFM | VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $4.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | **[4.9 (34 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nfm-auv3-fm-synth/id1247473972/reviews)** | [4.0 (135 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vhs-synth-80s-synthwave/id1615208667/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 34 | **135** |
| Positive reviews | **100.0% of reviews** | 51.5% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 12 months | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Paid** | Subscription |
| Size | 3 MB | 167 MB |
| Requires iOS | **14.0** | 14.5 |
| Devices | iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Nikolozi Meladze](https://appshunter.io/developer/1612048764) | [Audiobus Pty Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/672585101) |

## What reviewers say

### NFM

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nfm-auv3-fm-synth/id1247473972)

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:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vhs-synth-80s-synthwave/id1615208667)

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:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly premium | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly premium | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Yearly premium | $9.99 | per year |
| Yearly premium | $9.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 🎵 Excellent lo-fi and retro 80s sound quality
- 🎹 Extensive library of high-quality presets
- 💰 Affordable pricing (at original purchase)
- 🎨 Intuitive and clean interface design
- 🔊 Versatile sounds for multiple genres

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💸 Aggressive subscription model for previously purchased app
- 🔄 Conversion from AudioKit broke existing projects
- 📊 User data tracking added without clear benefit
- 🚫 Removed access to previously purchased presets/banks
- 😠 Lack of developer communication about changes

**Reported bugs**

- 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

**Requested features**

- 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


## Frequently asked 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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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*