# AudioKit Digital D1 Synth vs Poly 2

The clearest difference is monetization model: Poly 2 at free with in-app purchases against AudioKit Digital D1 Synth's subscription. Poly 2 also leads on ads (none vs shown). AudioKit Digital D1 Synth's advantage is iOS requirement (13.0 vs 16.6). On price, rating, review sentiment and ratings volume there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. AudioKit Digital D1 Synth sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days and Poly 2 sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.8 for AudioKit Digital D1 Synth against 4.8 for Poly 2. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 2K and 686 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 76% of AudioKit Digital D1 Synth's written reviews are positive against 84% of Poly 2's.

AudioKit Digital D1 Synth ships an update every 3 weeks, Poly 2 every 4 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 13, 2026 and October 16, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | AudioKit Digital D1 Synth | Poly 2 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.8 (2K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/audiokit-digital-d1-synth/id1436905540/reviews) | [4.8 (686 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/poly-2/id1477029326/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **2K** | 686 |
| Positive reviews | 76.1% of reviews | **84.1% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 weeks** | Every 4 weeks |
| Monetization | Subscription | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 636 MB | 153 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 16.6 |
| Devices | iPad | **iPhone, iPad** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Audiobus Pty Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/672585101) | [James Milton](https://appshunter.io/developer/581503621) |

## What reviewers say

### AudioKit Digital D1 Synth

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/audiokit-digital-d1-synth/id1436905540)

This app is a virtual analog and PCM synthesizer for iPad, inspired by the digital synthesizers of the 80s and 90s. It offers a vast library of presets, advanced synthesis features, and built-in effects for creating rich, retro-inspired sounds.

**Highlights:** 64-voice hybrid digital poly synthesis, 1GB+ of original samples, Stand-alone, IAA, and AUv3 support, Vintage-style arp/step sequencer, 3 LFOs with fun routings, Dual independent per-layer filters, Built-in FX suite

**In-app purchases (6)**

| 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 |
| D1 PCM Expansion-01 | Free | one-time |
| Platinum Expansion PCM EXP-01 | Free | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🎨 Excellent sound quality
- 🎹 Versatile and inspiring presets
- 👍 Intuitive and user-friendly interface
- 💰 Great value for the price
- 🔥 Cutting-edge digital synthesis

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional crashes and stability issues
- 🔋 High battery consumption
- 🔒 Lack of Audio Unit (AUv3) support
- 🤔 Some presets not easily usable
- 🕰️ Slow loading times in certain DAWs

**Reported bugs**

- Presets not loading correctly
- MIDI note dropouts and latency
- Crashes when used with certain DAWs
- Compatibility issues with newer iOS versions

**Requested features**

- Add Audio Unit (AUv3) support
- Improve MIDI integration and responsiveness
- Implement a built-in recording/sampling feature
- Expand preset library with more genres and styles
- Add more sound design controls and modulation options


### Poly 2

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/poly-2/id1477029326)

This app generates evolving musical patterns and melodies using polyrhythms. It offers extensive sound manipulation with a sampler, multiple effects, and the ability to store numerous configurations. Users can also import their own sounds and integrate with other music production tools.

**Highlights:** Generative polyrhythm sequencing, Up to 8 simultaneous sounds, Sampler with envelopes and filters, Randomize capabilities, Built-in delay, reverb, distortion, and EQ FX, AUv3, Audiobus, and IAA support, Import custom samples

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pro mode | $11.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Unique, creative, and powerful tool
- 👍 Intuitive and user-friendly interface
- 🎨 Excellent for ambient, experimental, and generative music
- 🎹 Great for drum grooves and rhythmic patterns
- 💻 Seamless integration with external hardware and software

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional crashes and bugs
- 🔇 Lack of sustain/voice ring-out when transport is stopped
- 📺 Small interface elements can be difficult to use on iPad
- 🔌 Compatibility issues with some third-party apps

**Reported bugs**

- In-app purchase not working for some users
- MIDI connectivity issues with certain apps
- Crashes upon opening for some users

**Requested features**

- Ability to preview samples before importing
- Autoslice/autochop functionality for samples
- Support for larger sample imports and automatic slot filling
- Granulizer effect
- Note repeat and vinyl effects


## Frequently asked questions

### Is AudioKit Digital D1 Synth free?

AudioKit Digital D1 Synth is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Poly 2 free?

Poly 2 is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, AudioKit Digital D1 Synth or Poly 2?

AudioKit Digital D1 Synth and Poly 2 are both rated 4.8 out of 5 on the App Store, from 2K and 686 ratings respectively.

### Do AudioKit Digital D1 Synth or Poly 2 have ads?

AudioKit Digital D1 Synth shows ads; Poly 2 does not.

### Which is updated more often, AudioKit Digital D1 Synth or Poly 2?

AudioKit Digital D1 Synth ships an update every 3 weeks, and Poly 2 every 4 weeks. Most recently, AudioKit Digital D1 Synth was updated on October 13, 2026 and Poly 2 on October 16, 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.*