# Tape Cassette vs VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Tape Cassette at 100% against VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave's 52%. Tape Cassette also leads on rating (4.9 vs 4.0) and in-app purchases (none vs 4). VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave's advantage is update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 3 months) and ratings volume (135 vs 26). On price 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. Tape Cassette asks for nothing beyond the download.

Tape Cassette holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave has 135 ratings behind it against 26, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 100% of Tape Cassette's written reviews are positive against 52% of VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave's.

Tape Cassette ships an update every 3 months, VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 31, 2026 and October 30, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Tape Cassette | VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.9 (26 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tape-cassette/id1488648013/reviews)** | [4.0 (135 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vhs-synth-80s-synthwave/id1615208667/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 26 | **135** |
| Positive reviews | **100.0% of reviews** | 51.5% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Subscription |
| Size | 9 MB | 167 MB |
| Requires iOS | **9.3** | 14.5 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Caelum Audio](https://appshunter.io/developer/1463219587) | [Audiobus Pty Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/672585101) |

## What reviewers say

### Tape Cassette

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tape-cassette/id1488648013)

This audio plugin adds warmth, noise, and character to your music, creating a cozy, nostalgic listening experience. It can be used on the master track for an overall lo-fi texture or on individual channels to enhance individual sounds. Explore experimental territory with its wow and flutter parameters or use saturation for distorted effects.

**Highlights:** Adds warmth, noise, and character, Master or channel insert effect, Adjustable saturation, Low Pass Filter, Wow and flutter parameters, AUv3 plugin and standalone app

**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 Tape Cassette free?

Tape Cassette 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, Tape Cassette or VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave?

Tape Cassette is rated higher. Tape Cassette averages 4.9 out of 5 from 26 ratings, while VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave averages 4.0 from 135 ratings.

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

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

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

Tape Cassette ships an update every 3 months, and VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave every 2 weeks. Most recently, Tape Cassette was updated on October 31, 2026 and VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave on October 30, 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.*