# Harmonix vs ButterSynth

The clearest difference is rating: Harmonix at 5.0 against ButterSynth's 4.0. Harmonix also leads on review sentiment (100% vs 60%) and update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 2 months). ButterSynth's advantage is ratings volume (62 vs 5) and chart position (#190 vs unranked). On ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Harmonix costs $14.99 and ButterSynth $19.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Harmonix holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: ButterSynth has 62 ratings behind it against 5, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 100% of Harmonix's written reviews are positive against 60% of ButterSynth's.

Harmonix ships an update every 2 weeks, ButterSynth every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on June 1, 2026 and September 16, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Harmonix | ButterSynth |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **$14.99** | $19.99 |
| Rating | **[5.0 (5 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/harmonix/id1444665934/reviews)** | [4.0 (62 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/buttersynth/id1497419006/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 5 | **62** |
| Positive reviews | **100.0% of reviews** | 59.6% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 weeks** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Best chart rank | — | **#190** |
| Size | 13 MB | 468 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 14.0 |
| Devices | iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Marcos Kohler](https://appshunter.io/developer/1024379665) | [Arto Vaarala](https://appshunter.io/developer/890886114) |

## What reviewers say

### Harmonix

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/harmonix/id1444665934)

This app provides an intelligent controller for the Elektron Digitone FM Synth, offering features like sound type programming, parameter randomization, and pattern generation. It allows for manual or queued pattern launching and includes customizable keyboard filters for note selection and parameter control.

**Highlights:** Intelligent Sound Types, Parameter Randomize/Morph/Reset, Sound Design Functions & Macros, Mixer Control, Intelligent Pattern Generation, Customizable Keyboard Filters

**In-app purchases:** none


### ButterSynth

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/buttersynth/id1497419006)

**Currently charting:** #190 Top Paid · Music (US App Store)

This powerful synthesizer app offers a hybrid approach, combining wavetable, FM, and sample-based synthesis. Create unique sounds with a vast sonic range, advanced modulation, and a built-in effects rack. It caters to both experienced sound designers and beginners with extensive presets.

**Highlights:** Hybrid 6-oscillator synthesis (wavetable, FM, sample), Built-in wavetable editor, FM engine with 4 operators, Sample and Granulator engines, 32-slot modulation matrix, Internal FX rack with 16 modules, Extensive preset library

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- ✨ Deep sound design capabilities
- 🎛️ Versatile modulation matrix
- 🔊 Great sound quality
- 💡 Innovative wavetable generator
- 🌟 Serum-like experience

**What reviewers complain about**

- 📱 Fiddly on small screens
- 🐛 Crashes frequently
- 🐛 Disappears in Cubasis
- 🐛 Spikes CPU usage
- 🐛 Crashes on patch change

**Reported bugs**

- App crashing with AUM
- Disappears in Cubasis randomly
- Crashes all the time inside Logic
- Changing a patch spikes CPU to 99%
- Crashes on every patch change

**Requested features**

- MPE popup possible on top of the auv3
- Button to hide built-in keyboard
- Buffer size option
- Additional MIDI mappings (e.g., arpeggiator toggle)
- Sustain pedal support


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Harmonix free?

Harmonix costs $14.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is ButterSynth free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Harmonix or ButterSynth?

Harmonix is rated higher. Harmonix averages 5.0 out of 5 from 5 ratings, while ButterSynth averages 4.0 from 62 ratings.

### Do Harmonix or ButterSynth have ads?

Neither Harmonix nor ButterSynth shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Harmonix or ButterSynth?

Harmonix ships an update every 2 weeks, and ButterSynth every 2 months. Most recently, Harmonix was updated on June 1, 2026 and ButterSynth on September 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.*