Comparison

UNO Synth Editor vs Polywave

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

Head to head
About

UNO Synth Editor

This app provides advanced control for a specific analog synthesizer, allowing users to manage presets, shape sounds, and configure global and MIDI settings. It offers access to all synth engine elements and includes artist-created presets for inspiration.

Highlights
  • Preset management and transfer
  • Full control over synth engine
  • Sound shaping with envelopes and LFOs
  • Arpeggiator and keyboard controls
  • Global and MIDI settings configuration
  • Artist preset library
Read full description

**New: Librarian feature & Artist Presets** UNO Synth Editor’s Presets tab lets you easily manage presets and transfer them between your Mac/PC/iOS device and UNO Synth. Browse, audition and search, arrange presets into custom categories, and easily add and re-order presets on UNO Synth itself. And bulk transfer makes it easy to quickly prepare the Synth for performances. UNO Synth Editor also now offers presets from VIP artists like Synthmania, HaQ AttaQ and more, covering a wealth of styles and genres to inspire your creativity. UNO Synth Editor is the companion app for IK’s UNO Synth. Easily access and control all the aspects of this powerful analog synthesizer from your iPhone or iPad while UNO Synth is connected. UNO Synth Editor gives you enhanced access to every element of the synth engine for massive sound-shaping potential. Adjust continuously variable waveshapes and pulse-width modulation, and use full access to the Attack, Decay, Sustain and Release controls of both the filter and amplitude envelopes for even more in-depth sound design. Arpeggiator and keyboard controls help you prep for live shows. Lastly, UNO Synth Editor gives you control over the hardware unit’s global and MIDI settings, making it easier to configure UNO Synth for more complex setups and rigs. Features: • Powerful editor for use with IK’s UNO Synth analog synthesizer • Full control over all features of the hardware unit • Instant access to full Attack, Decay, Sustain, and Release filter controls • Adjust settings for Live effects like Vibrato, Tremolo, and Wah • Full 88-key keyboard for easier programming of arpeggios and sequences • Pitch and mod wheels for more dynamic control of your playing • Advanced access to the on-board Arpeggiator • New librarian tab to sort & categorize presets & transfer between UNO and the app • Global and MIDI controls for faster setup of advanced configurations 
Requires UNO Synth with firmware version 1.1. Firmware updater can be downloaded from www.ikmultimedia.com/userarea after registration of the unit.

About

Polywave

Create unique, evolving sonic experiences with a novel wavetable sequencer inspired by vintage synths. Draw your own waveforms, explore a vast library, and connect to external keyboards or DAWs. Record your creations directly within the app.

Highlights
  • Wavetable sequencer
  • Custom waveform drawing
  • Expansive waveform library
  • 100+ factory presets
  • MIDI and Audio Unit support
  • Live recording module
  • 8-voice polyphony
Features
Read full description

From Fingerlab (multiple-time winner of Music App of the Week, 2012 Apple Design Award) and Jordan Rudess (keyboardist of Dream Theater), comes Polywave — a revolutionary wavetable sequencer synthesizer for iPhone, iPad & Mac. Inspired by the legendary Korg Wavestation, Polywave lets you draw your own waveforms with your finger and create unique, ever-evolving sounds that are truly yours. Draw your own waveforms directly on screen 100+ factory presets: leads, pads, loops & FX Connect any MIDI keyboard or load as AUv3 in your DAW Live recording built-in Free version includes 12 factory presets and a selection of core features. Get the Full Version IAP to unlock everything. Features: • 8-voice polyphony & 6 octaves • Wavetable & waveform sequencer • VCO & FM Oscillators • FM Modulation & Detune • ADSR Envelope editor • Moog Ladder filter with ADSR • 2 LFOs with custom modulation waveform • LFO Sync & Loop mode • Waveform drawing editor & library (100 waveforms) • Preset Randomizer & export/import • 5 FX: Tube Amp, Vibrato, Chorus, Delay & Reverb • Live recording & export • Full MIDI & MIDI Mapping support • AudioBus & Inter-App Audio (iOS) • Full AudioUnit AUv3 support • iCloud Family Sharing Questions or feedback? We'd love to hear from you: contact@fingerlab.net Stay tuned! The Fingerlab Team

Screenshots

UNO Synth Editor4 screens
Polywave4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Polywave at 80% against UNO Synth Editor's 33%. Polywave also leads on rating (4.7 vs 3.8) and update cadence (every 3 months vs every 9 months). UNO Synth Editor's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and iOS requirement (9.3 vs 15.0). On price, ads and device support 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

Both are free to download. Polywave sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. UNO Synth Editor asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Polywave holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 3.8. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 11 and 34 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 33% of UNO Synth Editor's written reviews are positive against 80% of Polywave's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

UNO Synth Editor ships an update every 9 months, Polywave every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on September 28, 2026 and October 2, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard7 real differences · 3 level
UNO Synth Editor versus Polywave: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterUNO Synth EditorPolywave
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.8 (11 ratings)4.7 (34 ratings) — better
Positive reviews33.3% of reviews80.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings1134 — better
Update frequencyEvery 9 monthsEvery 3 months — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree — betterFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — better
Requires iOS9.3 — better15.0
Further details — not scored
Size8 MB44 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperIK Multimedia US, LLCFingerlab

Customer experience

UNO Synth Editor

All ratings11 ratings
Positive72.7%
Neutral9.1%
Negative18.2%
Written reviews12 reviews
Positive33.3%
Neutral8.3%
Negative58.3%

Polywave

All ratings34 ratings
Positive91.2%
Neutral2.9%
Negative5.9%
Written reviews25 reviews
Positive80.0%
Neutral8.0%
Negative12.0%

In-app purchases

None

UNO Synth Editor

No in-app purchases

1 purchases

Polywave

One-time1
  • Full Version$7.99

Questions

Is UNO Synth Editor free?
UNO Synth Editor is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Polywave free?
Polywave is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, UNO Synth Editor or Polywave?
Polywave is rated higher. UNO Synth Editor averages 3.8 out of 5 from 11 ratings, while Polywave averages 4.7 from 34 ratings.
Do UNO Synth Editor or Polywave have ads?
Neither UNO Synth Editor nor Polywave shows ads.
Which is updated more often, UNO Synth Editor or Polywave?
UNO Synth Editor ships an update every 9 months, and Polywave every 3 months. Most recently, UNO Synth Editor was updated on September 28, 2026 and Polywave on October 2, 2026.

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