# MV08 vs VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave

The clearest difference is price: VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave at Free against MV08's $3.99. VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave also leads on ratings volume (135 vs 20). MV08's advantage is rating (4.5 vs 4.0) and in-app purchases (none vs 4). On update cadence and device support there is nothing between them.

VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave is free to download; MV08 costs $3.99 up front. VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. MV08 asks for nothing beyond the download.

MV08 holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 4.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave has 135 ratings behind it against 20, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 83% of MV08's written reviews are positive against 52% of VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave's.

MV08 ships an update every 3 weeks, VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 21, 2026 and October 30, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | MV08 | VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $3.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | **[4.5 (20 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mv08/id1249831244/reviews)** | [4.0 (135 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vhs-synth-80s-synthwave/id1615208667/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 20 | **135** |
| Positive reviews | **82.6% of reviews** | 51.5% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Paid** | Subscription |
| Size | 103 MB | 167 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.4** | 14.5 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [James Milton](https://appshunter.io/developer/581503621) | [Audiobus Pty Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/672585101) |

## What reviewers say

### MV08

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mv08/id1249831244)

This app is a modern digital drum machine for iPhone and iPad, inspired by a classic hardware unit. It offers a vast library of sampled sounds, a powerful sequencer with deep step editing, and extensive pattern management capabilities for creating complex rhythms and loops.

**Highlights:** Over 218 sampled drum sounds, Deep step editing for dynamic rhythms, 128 pattern slots, Master EQ and distortion, Audiobus and Ableton Link compatible, Record and export master output

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**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 MV08 free?

MV08 costs $3.99, 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, MV08 or VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave?

MV08 is rated higher. MV08 averages 4.5 out of 5 from 20 ratings, while VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave averages 4.0 from 135 ratings.

### Do MV08 or VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave have ads?

VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave shows ads; MV08 does not.

### Which is updated more often, MV08 or VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave?

MV08 ships an update every 3 weeks, and VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave every 2 weeks. Most recently, MV08 was updated on October 21, 2026 and VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave on October 30, 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.*