# Stylusphone Lite vs VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave

The clearest difference is rating: VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave at 4.0 against Stylusphone Lite's 3.0. Stylusphone Lite's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 4) and ads (none vs shown). On price, review sentiment, ratings volume and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. Stylusphone Lite asks for nothing beyond the download.

VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave holds the better App Store score, 4.0 against 3.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 50 and 135 respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 53% of Stylusphone Lite's written reviews are positive against 51% of VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

## The numbers

| Metric | Stylusphone Lite | VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.0 (50 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stylusphone-lite/id1449969039/reviews) | **[4.0 (135 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vhs-synth-80s-synthwave/id1615208667/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 50 | **135** |
| Positive reviews | **52.8% of reviews** | 51.1% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | — | Every 2 weeks |
| Monetization | **Free** | Subscription |
| Size | 53 MB | 167 MB |
| Requires iOS | **8.0** | 14.5 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Robert Swinburn](https://appshunter.io/developer/1425485936) | [Audiobus Pty Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/672585101) |

## What reviewers say

### Stylusphone Lite

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stylusphone-lite/id1449969039)

Experience a modern digital rendition of a beloved 1970s pocket synthesizer. This app offers an interactive 3D view and authentic polyphonic sound, allowing users to recreate nostalgic musical experiences.

**Highlights:** Realistic pocket synthesizer model, Interactive 3D view, Authentic polyphonic sound, Nostalgic musical experience

**Features:** 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 | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly premium | $4.99 | 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 Stylusphone Lite free?

Stylusphone Lite is free to download, 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, Stylusphone Lite or VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave?

VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave is rated higher. Stylusphone Lite averages 3.0 out of 5 from 50 ratings, while VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave averages 4.0 from 135 ratings.

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

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

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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.*