# Kronecker vs ShockWave

The clearest difference is price: Kronecker at $8.00 against ShockWave's $19.99. Kronecker also leads on review sentiment (89% vs 53%) and rating (4.8 vs 4.6). ShockWave's advantage is ratings volume (190 vs 33). On update cadence, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Kronecker costs $8.00 and ShockWave $19.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Kronecker holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: ShockWave has 190 ratings behind it against 33, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 89% of Kronecker's written reviews are positive against 53% of ShockWave's.

Kronecker ships an update monthly, ShockWave every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on September 19, 2026 and September 21, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Kronecker | ShockWave |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **$8.00** | $19.99 |
| Rating | **[4.8 (33 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/kronecker-auv3-plug-in-synth/id1371863334/reviews)** | [4.6 (190 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shockwave-synth-module/id1449844670/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 33 | **190** |
| Positive reviews | **88.9% of reviews** | 52.5% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Monthly** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Size | 9 MB | 42 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 15.6 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [iceWorks, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/347507439) | [Kai Aras](https://appshunter.io/developer/370820899) |

## What reviewers say

### Kronecker

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/kronecker-auv3-plug-in-synth/id1371863334)

This synthesizer uses a unique rhythm machine-like mechanism to trigger tones when a key is pressed, offering direct control over timing and sound without traditional sequencers. Explore its innovative approach to rhythmic music creation.

**Highlights:** AUv3 compatible synthesizer, Rhythm machine-like triggering, Key-press driven sound generation, Direct control over timing, Unique rhythmic tone generation

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### ShockWave

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shockwave-synth-module/id1449844670)

This app is a monophonic synthesizer for iOS and AUv3 plugins, utilizing Phase Distortion synthesis. It offers dual PD oscillators, sequencers, LFOs, and envelopes for complex sound design. Almost any control can be modulated by multiple sources, with real-time visual feedback.

**Highlights:** Phase Distortion Synthesis, Dual PD Oscillators, Dual 8-step Sequencers, Dual ASR Envelopes, Tempo-syncable LFOs, Extensive Modulation Matrix, MIDI and MPE Support

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- ✨ Unique and amazing sounds
- 🔊 Heavy and brutal tones
- 💡 Innovative phase distortion synthesis
- 🎨 Beautiful and deep sound sculpting
- 🎹 Great for bass sounds

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent crashes and glitches
- ❌ Not working in AUM/AUv3
- 🔇 No sound output in certain apps
- ❓ Difficult to use without a manual
- 📉 Laggy UI and slow patch loading

**Reported bugs**

- "Bad Signal" errors in AUM, stops sound generation.
- Intermittent "bad signal" prompt in AUM, requires reloading.
- Sounds awful, very distorted with glitchy UI.
- App crashes frequently.
- No sound coming out of AUv3 in GarageBand.

**Requested features**

- Provide a proper manual detailing all parameters and sections with examples.
- Implement a key trigger option for the sequencer to allow MIDI controller playback.
- Add a poly mode.
- Improve documentation and tutorials.
- Standardize knob appearance and response.


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Kronecker free?

Kronecker costs $8.00, with no in-app purchases.

### Is ShockWave free?

ShockWave costs $19.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Kronecker or ShockWave?

Kronecker is rated higher. Kronecker averages 4.8 out of 5 from 33 ratings, while ShockWave averages 4.6 from 190 ratings.

### Do Kronecker or ShockWave have ads?

Neither Kronecker nor ShockWave shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Kronecker or ShockWave?

Kronecker ships an update monthly, and ShockWave every 2 months. Most recently, Kronecker was updated on September 19, 2026 and ShockWave on September 21, 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.*