# Poly 2 vs VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave

The clearest difference is rating: Poly 2 at 4.8 against VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave's 4.0. Poly 2 also leads on monetization model (free with in-app purchases vs subscription) and ads (none vs shown). VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave's advantage is iOS requirement (14.5 vs 16.6). On price, update cadence, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Poly 2 sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Poly 2 holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Poly 2 has 686 ratings behind it against 132, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 84% of Poly 2's written reviews are positive against 51% of VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave's.

Poly 2 ships an update every 4 weeks, VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 8, 2026 and October 7, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Poly 2 | VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (686 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/poly-2/id1477029326/reviews)** | [4.0 (132 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vhs-synth-80s-synthwave/id1615208667/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **686** | 132 |
| Positive reviews | **84.1% of reviews** | 51.1% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 4 weeks | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Subscription |
| Size | 153 MB | 167 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.6 | **14.5** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [James Milton](https://appshunter.io/developer/581503621) | [Audiobus Pty Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/672585101) |

## What reviewers say

### Poly 2

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/poly-2/id1477029326)

This app generates evolving musical patterns and melodies using polyrhythms. It offers extensive sound manipulation with a sampler, multiple effects, and the ability to store numerous configurations. Users can also import their own sounds and integrate with other music production tools.

**Highlights:** Generative polyrhythm sequencing, Up to 8 simultaneous sounds, Sampler with envelopes and filters, Randomize capabilities, Built-in delay, reverb, distortion, and EQ FX, AUv3, Audiobus, and IAA support, Import custom samples

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pro mode | $11.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Unique, creative, and powerful tool
- 👍 Intuitive and user-friendly interface
- 🎨 Excellent for ambient, experimental, and generative music
- 🎹 Great for drum grooves and rhythmic patterns
- 💻 Seamless integration with external hardware and software

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional crashes and bugs
- 🔇 Lack of sustain/voice ring-out when transport is stopped
- 📺 Small interface elements can be difficult to use on iPad
- 🔌 Compatibility issues with some third-party apps

**Reported bugs**

- In-app purchase not working for some users
- MIDI connectivity issues with certain apps
- Crashes upon opening for some users

**Requested features**

- Ability to preview samples before importing
- Autoslice/autochop functionality for samples
- Support for larger sample imports and automatic slot filling
- Granulizer effect
- Note repeat and vinyl effects


### 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 Poly 2 free?

Poly 2 is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave free?

VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Poly 2 or VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave?

Poly 2 is rated higher. Poly 2 averages 4.8 out of 5 from 686 ratings, while VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave averages 4.0 from 132 ratings.

### Do Poly 2 or VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave have ads?

VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave shows ads; Poly 2 does not.

### Which is updated more often, Poly 2 or VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave?

Poly 2 ships an update every 4 weeks, and VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave every 2 weeks. Most recently, Poly 2 was updated on October 8, 2026 and VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave 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.*