# Flynth vs VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave

The clearest difference is monetization model: Flynth at free with in-app purchases against VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave's subscription. Flynth also leads on ads (none vs shown) and rating (4.3 vs 4.0). VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave's advantage is update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 4 months). On price, review sentiment, ratings volume and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Flynth sells 1 one-off in-app purchase 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.

Flynth holds the better App Store score, 4.3 against 4.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 55 and 135 respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 50% of Flynth's written reviews are positive against 52% of VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Flynth ships an update every 4 months, VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave every 2 weeks. Both last shipped on November 3, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Flynth | VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.3 (55 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/flynth-synth-and-arpeggiator/id1509714513/reviews)** | [4.0 (135 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vhs-synth-80s-synthwave/id1615208667/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 55 | **135** |
| Positive reviews | 50.0% of reviews | **51.5% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Subscription |
| Size | 17 MB | 167 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **14.5** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac** | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Fingerlab](https://appshunter.io/developer/412786610) | [Audiobus Pty Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/672585101) |

## What reviewers say

### Flynth

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/flynth-synth-and-arpeggiator/id1509714513)

This versatile synthesizer app offers a wide range of sounds from leads to bass and pads. Create unique sounds by tweaking parameters or explore factory presets. It supports MIDI input, AudioUnit integration, and includes a built-in arpeggiator and effects for music production.

**Highlights:** 8-voice polyphony, 3 Oscillators with pulse width and sub, ADSR Envelope editor, Low-pass Filter with ADSR, 2 configurable LFOs, Build-in Arpeggiator, 4 FXs (TubeAmp, Phaser, Delay, reverb), Live recording + export

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Full Version | $7.99 | one-time |


### 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 Flynth free?

Flynth 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, Flynth or VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave?

Flynth is rated higher. Flynth averages 4.3 out of 5 from 55 ratings, while VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave averages 4.0 from 135 ratings.

### Do Flynth or VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave have ads?

VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave shows ads; Flynth does not.

### Which is updated more often, Flynth or VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave?

Flynth ships an update every 4 months, and VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave every 2 weeks. Most recently, Flynth was updated on November 3, 2026 and VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave 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.*