# Tape Cassette 2 vs VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Tape Cassette 2 at 100% against VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave's 52%. Tape Cassette 2 also leads on rating (4.7 vs 4.0) and in-app purchases (none vs 4). VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave's advantage is update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 14 months) and ratings volume (135 vs 43). 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 2 asks for nothing beyond the download.

Tape Cassette 2 holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 43 and 135 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 100% of Tape Cassette 2's written reviews are positive against 52% of VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave's.

Tape Cassette 2 ships an update every 14 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 2 | VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (43 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tape-cassette-2/id1507434173/reviews)** | [4.0 (135 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vhs-synth-80s-synthwave/id1615208667/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 43 | **135** |
| Positive reviews | **100.0% of reviews** | 51.5% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 14 months | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Subscription |
| Size | 48 MB | 167 MB |
| Requires iOS | **11.0** | 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 2

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tape-cassette-2/id1507434173)

This audio plugin emulates the warm, noisy, and characteristic sound of vintage tape cassettes. It offers enhanced saturation, a new impulse response, and real sampled tape noise for a more authentic vintage audio experience. It can be used on entire tracks or individual channels for added texture and movement.

**Highlights:** Tape cassette emulation, Selectable Type 1 Cassette IR, Improved saturation algorithm, Real sampled tape noise, Adjustable saturation, filters, and noise, VU meters and oversampling, Stand-alone and AUv3 plugin

**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 2 free?

Tape Cassette 2 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 2 or VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave?

Tape Cassette 2 is rated higher. Tape Cassette 2 averages 4.7 out of 5 from 43 ratings, while VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave averages 4.0 from 135 ratings.

### Do Tape Cassette 2 or VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave have ads?

VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave shows ads; Tape Cassette 2 does not.

### Which is updated more often, Tape Cassette 2 or VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave?

Tape Cassette 2 ships an update every 14 months, and VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave every 2 weeks. Most recently, Tape Cassette 2 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.*