# Synth Modes vs VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave

The clearest difference is price: VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave at Free against Synth Modes's $3.99. Synth Modes's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 4) and ads (none vs shown). On rating, ratings volume, update cadence and device support there is nothing between them.

VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave is free to download; Synth Modes costs $3.99 up front. VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per 7 days. Synth Modes asks for nothing beyond the download.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.0 for Synth Modes against 4.0 for VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 51 and 132 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 64% of Synth Modes's written reviews are positive against 51% of VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave's.

Synth Modes ships an update every 4 weeks, VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 29, 2026 and September 26, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Synth Modes | VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $3.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | [4.0 (51 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/synth-modes/id1445358435/reviews) | [4.0 (132 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vhs-synth-80s-synthwave/id1615208667/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 51 | **132** |
| Positive reviews | **63.8% of reviews** | 51.1% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 4 weeks | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Paid** | Subscription |
| Size | 20 MB | 167 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 14.5 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Thomas Burns](https://appshunter.io/developer/522224284) | [Audiobus Pty Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/672585101) |

## What reviewers say

### Synth Modes

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/synth-modes/id1445358435)

Quickly access cheat sheets for your eurorack synthesizer modules. Search by text or mode type, favorite pages, and generate patch ideas with the built-in generator. Replaces binders of printed PDFs with a faster, easier-to-use digital reference.

**Highlights:** Cheat sheets for 45+ eurorack modules, Search by text or mode type, Favorite pages for quick access, Patch generator for module ideas, Supports multiple firmware versions, Replaces printed PDF binders

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vhs-synth-80s-synthwave/id1615208667)

This app creates unique synth sounds by recording classic synths to VHS tape and then resampling them. It offers a vast library of presets and effects to achieve lo-fi, retro vibes for various music genres. An AUv3 plugin and standalone app are included.

**Highlights:** VHS-recorded and resampled synths, Over 280+ presets, Standalone app and AUv3 plugin, VCR sound effects, VCR FX section for customization, Free expansion pack included

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly premium | $2.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly premium | $2.99 | per 7 days |
| Yearly premium | $9.99 | per year |
| Yearly premium | $9.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 🎵 Excellent lo-fi and retro 80s sound quality
- 🎹 Extensive library of high-quality presets
- 💰 Affordable pricing (at original purchase)
- 🎨 Intuitive and clean interface design
- 🔊 Versatile sounds for multiple genres

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💸 Aggressive subscription model for previously purchased app
- 🔄 Conversion from AudioKit broke existing projects
- 📊 User data tracking added without clear benefit
- 🚫 Removed access to previously purchased presets/banks
- 😠 Lack of developer communication about changes

**Reported bugs**

- GarageBand compatibility broken after updates
- App not recognized in Logic Pro after updates
- Inconsistent sound quality across different registers
- Patch/preset settings not retained after closing DAW
- Audio Unit Extension crashes in GarageBand

**Requested features**

- Mac OS version for DAW compatibility
- Velocity sensitivity settings for keyboard
- Pitch bend and modulation wheels with actual functionality
- Better keyboard design with proper key sizing
- Improved UI layout to reduce wasted space in AUv3 mode


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Synth Modes free?

Synth Modes costs $3.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave free?

VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Synth Modes or VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave?

Synth Modes and VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave are both rated 4.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 51 and 132 ratings respectively.

### Do Synth Modes or VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave have ads?

VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave shows ads; Synth Modes does not.

### Which is updated more often, Synth Modes or VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave?

Synth Modes ships an update every 4 weeks, and VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave every 2 weeks. Most recently, Synth Modes was updated on September 29, 2026 and VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave on September 26, 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.*