# SynthMaster One vs Pure Acid

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Pure Acid at 94% against SynthMaster One's 64%. Pure Acid also leads on update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 2 months) and rating (4.9 vs 4.7). SynthMaster One's advantage is price ($9.99 vs $14.99) and ratings volume (742 vs 169). On ads, in-app purchases, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.

SynthMaster One costs $9.99 and Pure Acid $14.99 up front. SynthMaster One sells 11 one-off in-app purchases and Pure Acid sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Pure Acid holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.7. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 742 and 169 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 64% of SynthMaster One's written reviews are positive against 94% of Pure Acid's.

SynthMaster One ships an update every 2 months, Pure Acid every 3 weeks. Both last shipped on October 22, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | SynthMaster One | Pure Acid |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **$9.99** | $14.99 |
| Rating | [4.7 (742 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/synthmaster-one/id1254353266/reviews) | **[4.9 (169 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pure-acid/id1481283602/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **742** | 169 |
| Positive reviews | 63.8% of reviews | **94.1% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 402 MB | 44 MB |
| Requires iOS | **10.0** | 13.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [KV331 Audio](https://appshunter.io/developer/944155925) | [Dmitrij Pavlov](https://appshunter.io/developer/478154322) |

## What reviewers say

### SynthMaster One

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/synthmaster-one/id1254353266)

This powerful wavetable synthesizer app offers an intuitive workflow for creating unique sounds. It features a rich library of wavetables, inspiring presets, and a semi-modular architecture for deep sound design. Easily sync data across devices and integrate with DAWs.

**Highlights:** Wavetable synthesis, Semi-modular architecture, 650 factory presets, AUv3 support, Cross-platform cloud sync, Real-time modulation feedback, 32-step arpeggiator/sequencer

**In-app purchases (11)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| BigTone Club Construction Set | $4.99 | one-time |
| True Trance Sounds Volume 1 | $4.99 | one-time |
| Vandalism Future House | $4.99 | one-time |
| NatLife Retrowave Sounds Vol.1 | $4.99 | one-time |
| Demis Hellen Euphoric Trance | $4.99 | one-time |
| Venus Theory Trap Sounds | $4.99 | one-time |
| Vandalism Shocking Future Bass | $4.99 | one-time |
| NatLife Progressive&Deep Vol.1 | $4.99 | one-time |
| Bluffmunkey Cinematic Sounds | $4.99 | one-time |
| Desktop Presets Upgrade | $7.99 | one-time |
| SM One Expansions Bundle | $24.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Powerful synth engine
- 👍 Extensive preset library
- 🎨 Versatile sound design capabilities
- 💡 Free desktop version expansions on iPad
- 🎹 Excellent sound quality and tone

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Crashes and stability issues
- 🔋 Battery drain in background
- 🤔 Confusing in-app purchase system
- 👎 UI/UX could use improvement
- 🔇 Audio issues and no sound

**Reported bugs**

- Stuck notes and MIDI issues
- Preset loading crashes
- Restore purchases not working
- Incompatibility with certain DAWs

**Requested features**

- Add custom wavetable support
- Improve MIDI mapping and MPE functionality
- Optimize performance on older devices
- Streamline preset management and browsing


### Pure Acid

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pure-acid/id1481283602)

This app is a high-quality bassline synthesizer and drum machine inspired by classic 80s hardware. It offers a retro analog sound with modern features for fast and fun music creation. Explore various genres with factory presets and create unique rhythms and basslines.

**Highlights:** AUv3, Ableton Link, AudioBus, IAA support, Classic bassline waveforms (Saw, Pulse), Distortion and filter LFO effects, 32-step sequencer with pattern editing, 16 independent drum parts with customizable sounds, Realtime master effects with XY-pad

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Ukrainian style color scheme | $4.99 | one-time |
| Ukrainian style app icon | $4.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Powerful and feature-rich
- 👍 Intuitive and easy to use
- 🎶 Excellent sound quality
- 🎛️ Great sequencing and programming capabilities
- 🔌 Seamless integration with other apps and hardware

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional audio cutoff or sync issues
- 🔍 Lack of detailed documentation or tutorials
- 🔀 Limitations in pattern length and drum sequencing

**Reported bugs**

- GUI scaling issues on smaller devices
- Crashes or freezes on certain devices

**Requested features**

- Ability to import MIDI files
- Standalone drum machine mode
- Expanded drum sample library
- Knob/parameter automation recording


## Frequently asked questions

### Is SynthMaster One free?

SynthMaster One costs $9.99, and also offers in-app purchases.

### Is Pure Acid free?

Pure Acid costs $14.99, and also offers in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, SynthMaster One or Pure Acid?

Pure Acid is rated higher. SynthMaster One averages 4.7 out of 5 from 742 ratings, while Pure Acid averages 4.9 from 169 ratings.

### Do SynthMaster One or Pure Acid have ads?

Neither SynthMaster One nor Pure Acid shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, SynthMaster One or Pure Acid?

SynthMaster One ships an update every 2 months, and Pure Acid every 3 weeks. Most recently, SynthMaster One was updated on October 22, 2026 and Pure Acid on October 22, 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.*