# ShockWave vs VAPoly

The clearest difference is rating: VAPoly at 5.0 against ShockWave's 4.6. VAPoly also leads on review sentiment (80% vs 53%) and price ($14.99 vs $19.99). ShockWave's advantage is ratings volume (190 vs 16). On update cadence, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

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

VAPoly holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: ShockWave has 190 ratings behind it against 16, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 53% of ShockWave's written reviews are positive against 80% of VAPoly's.

ShockWave ships an update every 2 months, VAPoly every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on September 21, 2026 and September 20, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | ShockWave | VAPoly |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $19.99 | **$14.99** |
| Rating | [4.6 (190 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shockwave-synth-module/id1449844670/reviews) | **[5.0 (16 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vapoly/id1630490210/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **190** | 16 |
| Positive reviews | 52.5% of reviews | **80.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 months** | Every 3 months |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Size | 42 MB | 19 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 | **15.2** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac** |
| 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.


### VAPoly

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vapoly/id1630490210)

This virtual analog synthesizer offers 8-voice polyphony with built-in effects, a sequencer, and parameter automation. It functions as a standalone app or an Audio Unit Extension, supporting iCloud Drive and various MIDI and audio export options.

**Highlights:** Virtual analog 8-voice polyphony, Built-in effects (delay, chorus, reverb, etc.), 16-bar sequencer with parameter automation, Oscillators with modulation capabilities, Standalone app and AUv3 extension, iCloud Drive support for cross-device projects

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is ShockWave free?

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

### Is VAPoly free?

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

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

VAPoly is rated higher. ShockWave averages 4.6 out of 5 from 190 ratings, while VAPoly averages 5.0 from 16 ratings.

### Do ShockWave or VAPoly have ads?

Neither ShockWave nor VAPoly shows ads.

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

ShockWave ships an update every 2 months, and VAPoly every 3 months. Most recently, ShockWave was updated on September 21, 2026 and VAPoly on September 20, 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.*