# DRM vs VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave

The clearest difference is price: VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave at Free against DRM's $1.99. VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave also leads on update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 7 months) and ratings volume (132 vs 6). DRM's advantage is rating (5.0 vs 4.0) and in-app purchases (none vs 4). On review sentiment and device support there is nothing between them.

VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave is free to download; DRM costs $1.99 up front. VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per 7 days. DRM asks for nothing beyond the download.

DRM holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave has 132 ratings behind it against 6, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 57% of DRM's written reviews are positive against 51% of VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave's.

DRM ships an update every 7 months, VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 10, 2026 and September 26, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | DRM | VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $1.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | **[5.0 (6 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/drm-32/id1488347182/reviews)** | [4.0 (132 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vhs-synth-80s-synthwave/id1615208667/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 6 | **132** |
| Positive reviews | **57.1% of reviews** | 51.1% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 7 months | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Paid** | Subscription |
| Size | 24 MB | 167 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 14.5 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [David Rochaix](https://appshunter.io/developer/1441966350) | [Audiobus Pty Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/672585101) |

## What reviewers say

### DRM

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/drm-32/id1488347182)

This app emulates a vintage 1979 drum machine, offering a pure interface for creating beats on your device. It includes high-quality samples, preset patterns, and advanced audio features for music production.

**Highlights:** 8 original high-quality double-samples, 32 preset patterns, Selective instrument deletion modes, Full machine state auto-save, Background audio playback, Audiobus V3 and InterApp audio support, Built-in audio and global effects

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, 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 | $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 DRM free?

DRM costs $1.99, 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, DRM or VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave?

DRM is rated higher. DRM averages 5.0 out of 5 from 6 ratings, while VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave averages 4.0 from 132 ratings.

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

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

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

DRM ships an update every 7 months, and VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave every 2 weeks. Most recently, DRM was updated on September 10, 2026 and VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave on September 26, 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.*