# ButterSynth vs Nambu

The clearest difference is rating: Nambu at 4.8 against ButterSynth's 4.0. Nambu also leads on review sentiment (92% vs 59%) and update cadence (fortnightly vs every 2 months). On ratings volume, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

ButterSynth costs $19.99 and Nambu $16.00 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Nambu holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 63 and 49 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 59% of ButterSynth's written reviews are positive against 92% of Nambu's.

ButterSynth ships an update every 2 months, Nambu fortnightly. Both last shipped on November 3, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | ButterSynth | Nambu |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $19.99 | **$16.00** |
| Rating | [4.0 (63 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/buttersynth/id1497419006/reviews) | **[4.8 (49 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nambu-auv3-plug-in-synth/id1624422460/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **63** | 49 |
| Positive reviews | 59.2% of reviews | **92.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Size | 468 MB | 40 MB |
| Requires iOS | 14.0 | **12.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Arto Vaarala](https://appshunter.io/developer/890886114) | [iceWorks, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/347507439) |

## What reviewers say

### ButterSynth

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/buttersynth/id1497419006)

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:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

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

**What reviewers complain about**

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

**Reported bugs**

- 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

**Requested features**

- 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


### Nambu

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nambu-auv3-plug-in-synth/id1624422460)

This app is a semi-modular FM synthesizer offering a unique sound design experience. It combines traditional FM operators with six distinct operator types, including analog-style oscillators, noise, filters, and resonators.

**Highlights:** Semi-modular FM synthesis, Six operator types, Analog synth-style oscillators, AM synthesis, Noise generator, Filters and resonators

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is ButterSynth free?

ButterSynth costs $19.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Nambu free?

Nambu costs $16.00, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, ButterSynth or Nambu?

Nambu is rated higher. ButterSynth averages 4.0 out of 5 from 63 ratings, while Nambu averages 4.8 from 49 ratings.

### Do ButterSynth or Nambu have ads?

Neither ButterSynth nor Nambu shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, ButterSynth or Nambu?

ButterSynth ships an update every 2 months, and Nambu fortnightly. Most recently, ButterSynth was updated on November 3, 2026 and Nambu on November 3, 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.*