# C.ARP vs VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave

The clearest difference is price: VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave at Free against C.ARP's $9.99. C.ARP's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 4) and ads (none vs shown). On ratings volume, update cadence, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave is free to download; C.ARP costs $9.99 up front. VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per 7 days. C.ARP asks for nothing beyond the download.

C.ARP holds the better App Store score, 4.3 against 4.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 114 and 132 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 74% of C.ARP's written reviews are positive against 51% of VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave's.

C.ARP ships an update every 4 weeks, VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 22, 2026 and September 17, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | C.ARP | VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $9.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | **[4.3 (114 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/carp/id1481916004/reviews)** | [4.0 (132 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vhs-synth-80s-synthwave/id1615208667/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 114 | **132** |
| Positive reviews | **74.3% of reviews** | 51.1% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 4 weeks | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Subscription |
| Size | 45 MB | 167 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 14.5 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Paolo Giorgi](https://appshunter.io/developer/1481916003) | [Audiobus Pty Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/672585101) |

## What reviewers say

### C.ARP

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/carp/id1481916004)

This app offers a unique approach to music creation, inspired by vintage instruments. It allows users to play chords and melodies with intuitive touch controls, apply real-time audio effects, and utilize a dynamic rhythm section. Advanced features include sampling, MIDI output via Bluetooth, and an iPad-optimized interface.

**Highlights:** Chord and melody playing, Real-time audio effects, Dynamic rhythm section, Sampling and looping, MIDI output via Bluetooth, iPad optimized interface, In-app tutorial

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

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🎶 Authentic omnichord sound
- 💡 Great for learning music theory
- 🤩 Fun and enjoyable to use
- 📱 Accessible on mobile devices
- 💰 Affordable alternative to real omnichord

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔊 No sound issue
- 💥 Frequent crashes
- 🤔 Confusing interface/menus
- 🐌 Slow UI responsiveness
- 🎚️ Limited sound design options

**Reported bugs**

- Sound doesn't work
- No sound
- App crashes when opening
- App crashes when trying to open
- App auto-quits on start

**Requested features**

- Rearrange layout to be chromatic
- AUV3 support
- Inter-app-audio / GarageBand integration
- MIDI out functionality
- Save last state


### 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 | $2.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly premium | $2.99 | 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 C.ARP free?

C.ARP costs $9.99, 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, C.ARP or VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave?

C.ARP is rated higher. C.ARP averages 4.3 out of 5 from 114 ratings, while VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave averages 4.0 from 132 ratings.

### Do C.ARP or VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave have ads?

VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave shows ads; C.ARP does not.

### Which is updated more often, C.ARP or VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave?

C.ARP ships an update every 4 weeks, and VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave every 2 weeks. Most recently, C.ARP was updated on September 22, 2026 and VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave on September 17, 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.*