# SynthMaster One for iPhone vs VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave

The clearest difference is rating: SynthMaster One for iPhone at 4.8 against VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave's 4.0. SynthMaster One for iPhone also leads on monetization model (free with in-app purchases vs subscription) and ads (none vs shown). VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave's advantage is update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 2 months). On price, ratings volume, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. SynthMaster One for iPhone sells 10 one-off in-app purchases 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.

SynthMaster One for iPhone holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 331 and 132 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 66% of SynthMaster One for iPhone's written reviews are positive against 51% of VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave's.

SynthMaster One for iPhone ships an update every 2 months, VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 14, 2026 and October 7, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | SynthMaster One for iPhone | VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (331 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/synthmaster-one-for-iphone/id1490902617/reviews)** | [4.0 (132 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vhs-synth-80s-synthwave/id1615208667/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **331** | 132 |
| Positive reviews | **66.0% of reviews** | 51.1% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Subscription |
| Size | 297 MB | 167 MB |
| Requires iOS | **10.0** | 14.5 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [KV331 Audio](https://appshunter.io/developer/944155925) | [Audiobus Pty Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/672585101) |

## What reviewers say

### SynthMaster One for iPhone

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/synthmaster-one-for-iphone/id1490902617)

This powerful wavetable synthesizer app offers an intuitive workflow for creating new sounds. It features a rich library of wavetables, inspiring factory presets, and real-time modulation feedback for sound design.

**Highlights:** Wavetable synthesis, 300 factory presets, AUv3 support, Files App integration, Real-time modulation feedback, Semi-modular architecture, 32-step arpeggiator/sequencer

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| BigTone Club Construction Set | $4.99 | one-time |
| True Trance Sounds Volume 1 | $4.99 | one-time |
| Vandalism Future House | $4.99 | one-time |
| NatLife Retrowave Sounds Vol.1 | $4.99 | one-time |
| Demis Hellen Euphoric Trance | $4.99 | one-time |
| NatLife Progressive&Deep Vol.1 | $4.99 | one-time |
| Vandalism Shocking Future Bass | $4.99 | one-time |
| Venus Theory Trap Sounds | $4.99 | one-time |
| Desktop Presets Upgrade | $9.99 | one-time |
| SM One Expansions Bundle | $24.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- ✨ Excellent sound quality
- 🤩 Incredible features for free
- 👍 Easy to use interface
- 🎛️ Versatile sound design capabilities
- 🎵 Great for GarageBand integration

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent crashes
- 🔌 Issues with GarageBand integration
- 💸 In-app purchase problems
- 🔄 Presets not saving
- 📉 App appears abandoned

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes when loading saved presets
- App crashes when setting default sound
- AUv3 option disappears in GarageBand
- Inability to reload user patches without crashing
- Inability to purchase certain IAP packs

**Requested features**

- Fix in-app purchase issues
- Improve GarageBand AUv3 stability
- Enable saving of custom presets
- Address crashing when loading presets
- Fix note pitch issues


### 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 SynthMaster One for iPhone free?

SynthMaster One for iPhone 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, SynthMaster One for iPhone or VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave?

SynthMaster One for iPhone is rated higher. SynthMaster One for iPhone averages 4.8 out of 5 from 331 ratings, while VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave averages 4.0 from 132 ratings.

### Do SynthMaster One for iPhone or VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave have ads?

VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave shows ads; SynthMaster One for iPhone does not.

### Which is updated more often, SynthMaster One for iPhone or VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave?

SynthMaster One for iPhone ships an update every 2 months, and VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave every 2 weeks. Most recently, SynthMaster One for iPhone was updated on October 14, 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.*