# ButterSynth vs SNESynth

The clearest difference is price: SNESynth at $4.99 against ButterSynth's $19.99. SNESynth also leads on rating (4.8 vs 4.0) and review sentiment (85% vs 59%). On ratings volume, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

ButterSynth costs $19.99 and SNESynth $4.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

SNESynth holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 63 and 75 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 59% of ButterSynth's written reviews are positive against 85% of SNESynth's.

ButterSynth ships an update every 2 months, SNESynth monthly. The most recent releases landed on November 3, 2026 and November 4, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | ButterSynth | SNESynth |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $19.99 | **$4.99** |
| Rating | [4.0 (63 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/buttersynth/id1497419006/reviews) | **[4.8 (75 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/snesynth-chiptune-power/id6455731509/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 63 | **75** |
| Positive reviews | 59.2% of reviews | **84.6% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Monthly** |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Size | 468 MB | 114 MB |
| Requires iOS | **14.0** | 14.4 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Arto Vaarala](https://appshunter.io/developer/890886114) | [AudioKit Pro](https://appshunter.io/developer/1307785645) |

## 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


### SNESynth

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/snesynth-chiptune-power/id6455731509)

Create authentic 16-bit video game music and sound effects with a powerful synth engine. Explore over 400 presets, utilize a step sequencer, and record your creations. Works standalone or as an AUv3 plugin in iOS DAWs.

**Highlights:** 16-bit video game synth, 2,500+ samples from video game chips, Standalone app & AUv3 plugin, Over 400 presets, Step sequencer, Audio recording and export, MIDI keyboard support

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is ButterSynth free?

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

### Is SNESynth free?

SNESynth costs $4.99, with no in-app purchases.

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

SNESynth is rated higher. ButterSynth averages 4.0 out of 5 from 63 ratings, while SNESynth averages 4.8 from 75 ratings.

### Do ButterSynth or SNESynth have ads?

Neither ButterSynth nor SNESynth shows ads.

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

ButterSynth ships an update every 2 months, and SNESynth monthly. Most recently, ButterSynth was updated on November 3, 2026 and SNESynth on November 4, 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.*