Comparison

ButterSynth vs Riffler

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

ButterSynth

This powerful synthesizer app offers a hybrid approach, combining wavetable, FM, and sample-based synthesis. Create unique sounds with a vast sonic range, advanced modulation, and a built-in effects rack. It caters to both experienced sound designers and beginners with extensive presets.

Highlights
  • Hybrid 6-oscillator synthesis (wavetable, FM, sample)
  • Built-in wavetable editor
  • FM engine with 4 operators
  • Sample and Granulator engines
  • 32-slot modulation matrix
  • Internal FX rack with 16 modules
  • Extensive preset library
Features
Read full description

ButterSynth is a hybrid 6-oscillator wavetable/FM/sample-based AUV3 and standalone synthesizer with a vast sonic range, from gentle pads to screaming leads and basslines. Mix any combination of wavetable, FM, sample and other synthesis engines for one truly massive sound. For the more advanced users, you'll love using ButterSynth's thoughtfully designed interface, incredibly powerful modulation matrix, fully-featured internal FX rack, factory waveform and sample libraries, and almost limitless scope for fun, experimentation and sound design. For less experienced synth programmers, ButterSynth includes a library of hundreds of ready-to-use presets, sparking your creativity to start making music right away. Headline features include - Mix and match any combination of 6 synthesis engines to either emulate your favourite synths of yester-year or build a synth ready for the future. - Dual-wavetable engines also feature 9 phase modes, wave folding, and deep unison controls modelled on vintage hardware synths. - Built-in wavetable editor gives you the ability to tweak, morph, and hand-draw your own custom wavetables, with each wavetable supporting up to 256 frames. - FM engine offers 4 operators with a selection of 12 modulation paths. Each operator can be loaded with any waveform from the factory or user library, and can also self-modulate via the feedback dial. - Sample and Granulator engines both let you load samples (either imported or from the factory library) and control precisely how they are chopped, triggered and layered. Both also feature the same powerful unison modes available in the WT engine. - Highly configurable 32-slot modulation matrix featuring precise mix/max ranges, self-modulation (via the amount target), plus configurable response curves and layer modes. Simply long-tap any parameter to set it as a Mod destination! - Full suite of versatile control sources which includes: 4x MSEG-style looping curve envelopes, 4x LFOs, 4x step sequencers, X/Y pad with motion recording, 8x Macro dials and a powerful arpeggiator inspired by Kirnu Interactive’s Cream. - The EFX rack lets you build your own insert effects chain using any combination of the 16 built-in FX modules. Modules available at launch include delay, reverb, distortion, chorus, OTT compression etc. Note - FX parameters can also be targeted by the mod matrix, unlocking the possibility to program ‘per voice’ modulated effects. - All presets, wavetables, samples and other settings are stored in the Files app, making bulk import/export, backup and community sharing quick and easy. - All of this is housed in an irresistibly designed 4-tab UI that makes synth programming quick and fun.

About

Riffler

Instantly generate unlimited, copyright-free guitar riffs with customizable settings. Export as MIDI or audio, and use as a standalone app or AUv3 plugin. Perfect for guitarists, composers, and producers seeking creative inspiration.

Highlights
  • Unlimited copyright-free riff generation
  • Preset musical styles
  • Customizable settings (tempo, scale, tuning, etc.)
  • Guitar tablature display
  • MIDI and audio export (.wav, .mid)
  • AUv3 plugin compatibility
  • Realistic guitar tones
Features
Read full description

Instantly create unlimited, copyright-free guitar riffs. Just tap "Create" and listen to your new riff. PRESETS The easiest way to get started is to select from the huge list of preset musical styles, tap "Create", and a unique guitar riff will be made. The created riff is displayed as guitar tablature which you can listen to and save. CUSTOMIZATION For advanced users wanting to harness the full power of Riffler, there is a huge range of customizable settings allowing you to fine tune and personalize your own unique sound. WHO WOULD USE RIFFLER? • Guitarists looking to improve their playing, with endless new riffs to practice. • Composers needing an additional creative spark of inspiration to complement their music. • Musicians looking for a virtual guitarist for unlimited jam sessions. • Producers wanting to stand out from the crowd by creating a library of unique guitar riffs instead of using the same samples and loops as everybody else. • Most of all Riffler is fun! It's great for anybody looking to experiment and create their own music! EXPORT MIDI AND AUDIO The created riff can be exported as MIDI or audio file. AUv3 Riffler is a standalone app and also an AUv3 plugin that can be loaded into a host music app. The Riffler AUv3 plugin can be synced inside a host app and can send audio and MIDI to other effects, synths, samplers and virtual instruments. All hosts are compatible with Riffler's audio and certain hosts enable Riffler to send MIDI data. MIDI compatible hosts include AUM, Loopy Pro, Cubasis 3, Beatmaker 3, apeMatrix and Audiobus 3. REALISTIC TONES Riffler's audio engine creates stunningly realistic guitar tones. Riffler is the playground for anyone curious about music creation! Experiment with various tempos, scales, tunings, and time signatures, and harness the power of Riffler's cutting edge artificial intelligence (AI). SPECS: Tempo: 40 - 240bpm. Sample rates: 44.1kHz, 48kHz Key: All 12 keys. Scales: Pentatonic, blues scale, extended blues, chromatic, major (ionian), dorian, phrygian, lydian, mixolydian, natural minor (aeolian), locrian, harmonic minor, phrygian dominant. Tunings: Standard, drop D, Eb, C#, C, 7 string, 7 string drop A, 8 string. Time signatures: 4/4, 3/4, 2/4, 1/4, 12/8, 6/8, 7/8, 5/8, 3/8, 1/8 Export: .wav, .mid, .riffle Tones: 40 different guitar tones, 10 different synth tones CONTROLS: Tempo, length, time signature, feel, key, tuning, progression, scale, tone, double tracking, delay, humanise, sustain, bend, powerchords, palm muting, vibrato, arpeggiate, range, melody, rhythm, gaps, motif, runs, run range, ending length, remove duplicate notes, lock to single octave, tremolo picking.

Screenshots

ButterSynth4 screens
Riffler4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: Riffler at 4.7 against ButterSynth's 4.0. Riffler also leads on update cadence (every 10 days vs every 2 months) and review sentiment (86% vs 59%). On ratings volume, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

ButterSynth costs $19.99 and Riffler $14.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Riffler holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 63 and 125 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 59% of ButterSynth's written reviews are positive against 86% of Riffler's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

ButterSynth ships an update every 2 months, Riffler every 10 days. The most recent releases landed on October 29, 2026 and October 30, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
ButterSynth versus Riffler: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterButterSynthRiffler
Price$19.99$14.99 — better
Rating4.0 (63 ratings)4.7 (125 ratings) — better
Positive reviews59.2% of reviews86.2% of reviews — better
Number of ratings63125 — better
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsEvery 10 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaidPaid
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS14.011.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size468 MB504 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperArto VaaralaJonathan Bell

Customer experience

ButterSynth

All ratings63 ratings
Positive73.0%
Neutral7.9%
Negative19.0%
Written reviews71 reviews
Positive59.2%
Neutral11.3%
Negative29.6%

Riffler

All ratings125 ratings
Positive92.8%
Neutral4.8%
Negative2.4%
Written reviews109 reviews
Positive86.2%
Neutral5.5%
Negative8.3%

User reviews

ButterSynth

From 63 App Store ratings

What we love

  • ✨ Deep sound design capabilities
  • 🎛️ Versatile modulation matrix
  • 🔊 Great sound quality
  • 💡 Innovative wavetable generator
  • 🌟 Serum-like experience

Room to improve

  • 📱 Fiddly on small screens
  • 🐛 Crashes frequently
  • 🐛 Disappears in Cubasis
  • 🐛 Spikes CPU usage
  • 🐛 Crashes on patch change

Riffler

From 125 App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🚀 Awesome concept and app
  • 👍 Generates great hard rock and heavy metal riffs
  • 👍 Integrates well with common hosts
  • 👍 Good onboard sounds
  • 👍 Excellent for inspiration and creating original music

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Crashes and stability issues
  • 🐛 Compatibility problems with Logic Pro
  • 🐛 MIDI export issues (max velocity, monophonic)
  • 🐛 Inability to disable internal sequencer for MIDI input
  • 🔍 Small screen size makes it difficult to use on iPhone

Bugs and requests

ButterSynth

Reported bugs

39 issues
  • App crashing with AUM
  • Disappears in Cubasis randomly
  • Crashes all the time inside Logic
  • Changing a patch spikes CPU to 99%
  • Crashes on every patch change
Show 34 more
  • No audio when rendering or freezing track
  • Keyboard doesn't load on iPhone
  • iOS18 broke ButterSynth (audio recording issues)
  • Failed to load as Auv3
  • Crashes as soon as a preset is selected
  • Some patches hanging/sounding without input
  • CPU spikes to 100% on preset switching
  • Audio crackles on preset switching
  • Sample module has consistent buzz
  • LFOs are extremely simple (no phase offset)
  • Square wave LFO is not square (has slew)
  • Step sequencer always has glide/slew
  • Cannot save custom presets
  • No undo function in wave table editor
  • AUv3 plugin resets when ButterSynth crashes
  • Does not show up as auv3 in Cubasis, AUM, or Audio Evolution
  • Crashes regularly even on newest iPad
  • Preset changes every time play is pressed
  • Not resizing appropriately on smaller screens
  • Crashes with unison function in AUM
  • White noise on crash with unison
  • Sound continues after song stops in GarageBand
  • Preset changes on stop, rewind, or play in GarageBand
  • Keeps crashing in GarageBand (AUv3)
  • Patches in standalone sound different as AUv3
  • Crashes when hitting play with arpeggiator/sequencer on iPhone
  • No keyboard appears in iPhone standalone mode
  • Audio Unit Extension quit error on export
  • Lots of crashes in standalone and hosted in AUM
  • MIDI not working
  • Automation still doesn’t work in Logic Pro
  • Random LFO is great for recording sequences
  • Preset browser closes each time a new preset is selected
  • Works as AUv3 after starting in standalone mode

Requested features

20 requests
  • MPE popup possible on top of the auv3
  • Button to hide built-in keyboard
  • Buffer size option
  • Additional MIDI mappings (e.g., arpeggiator toggle)
  • Sustain pedal support
Show 15 more
  • Longer LFO speed for evolving soundscapes
  • Alternative skins/color themes
  • Pinable preset browser
  • Virtual keyboard to remain active while browser is pinned
  • Make app take up whole screen (no black borders)
  • Master detune
  • Parameter lock
  • More presets
  • Fix square wave LFO to be truly square
  • Fix step sequencer glide/slew for discrete steps
  • Undo function in wave table editor
  • Filter key follow button
  • Adjust envelope curves (especially release)
  • Easier way to adjust modulation matrix amount
  • Phase distortion inclusion

Riffler

Reported bugs

4 issues
  • Crashes and freezes, especially on older devices
  • Issues with exporting audio and MIDI
  • Compatibility problems with certain DAWs and software
  • Inconsistent behavior when loading saved riffs

Requested features

10 requests
  • Add MIDI input functionality
  • Implement song mode to chain multiple riffs
  • Add more scale and chord options
  • Implement advanced guitar techniques (hammer-ons, slides, harmonics, etc.)
  • Add drum sequencer or preset drum loops
Show 5 more
  • Improve MIDI export (separate velocity/feedback controls, export chords)
  • Add ability to create and save custom riff patterns
  • Implement a guitar solo generator mode
  • Add support for more time signatures and song lengths
  • Improve UI and layout, especially on smaller screens

In-app purchases

None

ButterSynth

No in-app purchases

None

Riffler

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is ButterSynth free?
ButterSynth costs $19.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is Riffler free?
Riffler costs $14.99, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, ButterSynth or Riffler?
Riffler is rated higher. ButterSynth averages 4.0 out of 5 from 63 ratings, while Riffler averages 4.7 from 125 ratings.
Do ButterSynth or Riffler have ads?
Neither ButterSynth nor Riffler shows ads.
Which is updated more often, ButterSynth or Riffler?
ButterSynth ships an update every 2 months, and Riffler every 10 days. Most recently, ButterSynth was updated on October 29, 2026 and Riffler on October 30, 2026.

Other comparisons