# ShockWave vs SKIIID

The clearest difference is price: SKIIID at $3.99 against ShockWave's $19.99. SKIIID also leads on update cadence (every 4 days vs every 2 months) and review sentiment (74% vs 53%). ShockWave's advantage is ratings volume (190 vs 31). On rating, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

ShockWave costs $19.99 and SKIIID $3.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ShockWave holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: ShockWave has 190 ratings behind it against 31, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 53% of ShockWave's written reviews are positive against 74% of SKIIID's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

ShockWave ships an update every 2 months, SKIIID every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on September 21, 2026 and September 25, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | ShockWave | SKIIID |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $19.99 | **$3.99** |
| Rating | **[4.6 (190 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shockwave-synth-module/id1449844670/reviews)** | [4.4 (31 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/skiiid/id1516634571/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **190** | 31 |
| Positive reviews | 52.5% of reviews | **73.9% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 4 days** |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Size | 42 MB | 20 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.6** | 16.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Kai Aras](https://appshunter.io/developer/370820899) | [Stephan Bolch](https://appshunter.io/developer/1516634570) |

## What reviewers say

### 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.


### SKIIID

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/skiiid/id1516634571)

This app is a percussion synthesizer designed for live performance. It features four morphing pads where finger position controls sound parameters and velocity. Explore deep sound design with a step sequencer, auto-mutation, and chaos engine for instant sound generation.

**Highlights:** Four morphing percussion pads, Real-time parameter control via touch, 16-step sequencer per pad, Auto-mutate sound evolution, Chaos engine for instant sound generation, AUv3 plugin support, MIDI input and Ableton Link sync

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is ShockWave free?

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

### Is SKIIID free?

SKIIID costs $3.99, with no in-app purchases.

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

ShockWave is rated higher. ShockWave averages 4.6 out of 5 from 190 ratings, while SKIIID averages 4.4 from 31 ratings.

### Do ShockWave or SKIIID have ads?

Neither ShockWave nor SKIIID shows ads.

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

ShockWave ships an update every 2 months, and SKIIID every 4 days. Most recently, ShockWave was updated on September 21, 2026 and SKIIID on September 25, 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.*