# ShockWave vs ThermoSynth

The clearest difference is price: ShockWave at $19.99 against ThermoSynth's $34.99. ShockWave also leads on ratings volume (188 vs 4) and device support (3 vs 1). ThermoSynth's advantage is rating (5.0 vs 4.6) and iOS requirement (9.3 vs 15.6). On review sentiment, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

ShockWave costs $19.99 and ThermoSynth $34.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ThermoSynth holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: ShockWave has 188 ratings behind it against 4, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 54% of ShockWave's written reviews are positive against 50% of ThermoSynth's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 14, 2026 and October 6, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | ShockWave | ThermoSynth |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **$19.99** | $34.99 |
| Rating | [4.6 (188 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shockwave-synth-module/id1449844670/reviews) | **[5.0 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/thermosynth/id1619491705/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **188** | 4 |
| Positive reviews | **54.0% of reviews** | 50.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Size | 42 MB | 25 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 | **9.3** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Kai Aras](https://appshunter.io/developer/370820899) | [SonicPlanet Audio Video Teknolojileri Anonim Sti.](https://appshunter.io/developer/946568989) |

## 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.


### ThermoSynth

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/thermosynth/id1619491705)

This app is a generative synthesizer that creates evolving sonic structures inspired by thermodynamic systems. It features a self-regulating hyper oscillator engine with a feedback matrix and stochastic modulators for unique, never-repeating drone synthesis and organic textures.

**Highlights:** Self-regulating hyper oscillator engine, Generative synthesis at waveform level, 4x4 feedback matrix for oscillator interaction, Stochastic modulators for sonic changes, User-controlled injections for system perturbation, MPE support, High-resolution rotary encoder MIDI mapping

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is ShockWave free?

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

### Is ThermoSynth free?

ThermoSynth costs $34.99, with no in-app purchases.

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

ThermoSynth is rated higher. ShockWave averages 4.6 out of 5 from 188 ratings, while ThermoSynth averages 5.0 from 4 ratings.

### Do ShockWave or ThermoSynth have ads?

Neither ShockWave nor ThermoSynth shows ads.

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

ShockWave ships an update every 2 months, and ThermoSynth every 2 months. Most recently, ShockWave was updated on October 14, 2026 and ThermoSynth on October 6, 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.*