# ShockWave vs TfxReverb

The clearest difference is price: TfxReverb at $4.99 against ShockWave's $19.99. TfxReverb also leads on review sentiment (75% vs 54%) and iOS requirement (13.6 vs 15.6). ShockWave's advantage is update cadence (every 2 months vs every 10 months) and ratings volume (188 vs 8). On rating, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

ShockWave costs $19.99 and TfxReverb $4.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.6 for ShockWave against 4.5 for TfxReverb. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: ShockWave has 188 ratings behind it against 8, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 54% of ShockWave's written reviews are positive against 75% of TfxReverb's.

ShockWave ships an update every 2 months, TfxReverb every 10 months. The most recent releases landed on October 14, 2026 and October 7, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | ShockWave | TfxReverb |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $19.99 | **$4.99** |
| Rating | **[4.6 (188 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shockwave-synth-module/id1449844670/reviews)** | [4.5 (8 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tfxreverb/id1529840178/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **188** | 8 |
| Positive reviews | 54.0% of reviews | **75.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 months** | Every 10 months |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Size | 42 MB | 2 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 | **13.6** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Kai Aras](https://appshunter.io/developer/370820899) | [Ryo Togawa](https://appshunter.io/developer/1474193056) |

## 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.


### TfxReverb

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tfxreverb/id1529840178)

This audio plugin generates digital reverb effects using a unique algorithm. It offers simple operation with an auto-size mode that adjusts parameters with a single dial, and features delay lines inspired by vintage bucket brigade devices for creative pitch-shifting.

**Highlights:** AudioUnit Extension plugin, BBD-inspired delay lines, Adjustable input filters, LFO modulation, Tempo sync, Auto size mode

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is ShockWave free?

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

### Is TfxReverb free?

TfxReverb costs $4.99, with no in-app purchases.

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

ShockWave is rated higher. ShockWave averages 4.6 out of 5 from 188 ratings, while TfxReverb averages 4.5 from 8 ratings.

### Do ShockWave or TfxReverb have ads?

Neither ShockWave nor TfxReverb shows ads.

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

ShockWave ships an update every 2 months, and TfxReverb every 10 months. Most recently, ShockWave was updated on October 14, 2026 and TfxReverb on October 7, 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.*