# Pocket Talkbox Lite vs VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave

The clearest difference is rating: VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave at 4.0 against Pocket Talkbox Lite's 3.0. VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave also leads on update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 9 months) and ratings volume (135 vs 23). Pocket Talkbox Lite's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 4) and ads (none vs shown). On price, review sentiment 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. Pocket Talkbox Lite asks for nothing beyond the download.

VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave holds the better App Store score, 4.0 against 3.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave has 135 ratings behind it against 23, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 50% of Pocket Talkbox Lite's written reviews are positive against 51% of VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave's.

Pocket Talkbox Lite ships an update every 9 months, VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 21, 2026 and October 23, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Pocket Talkbox Lite | VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.0 (23 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pocket-talkbox-lite/id1529763364/reviews) | **[4.0 (135 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vhs-synth-80s-synthwave/id1615208667/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 23 | **135** |
| Positive reviews | 50.0% of reviews | **51.1% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 9 months | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Subscription |
| Size | 31 MB | 167 MB |
| Requires iOS | **9.0** | 14.5 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Vito Biliti](https://appshunter.io/developer/687938842) | [Audiobus Pty Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/672585101) |

## What reviewers say

### Pocket Talkbox Lite

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pocket-talkbox-lite/id1529763364)

Explore the unique sound of a talk box with this music app. Learn to shape notes into words by manipulating your mouth around the speaker, creating vocal-like effects without changing your voice. It's a fun, practice-based instrument for musical experimentation.

**Highlights:** One octave major scale talk box tone, Shape notes into words with mouth movement, Simulates wah-wah effects, Includes a tutorial video link, Practice-based musical instrument

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**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 Pocket Talkbox Lite free?

Pocket Talkbox Lite 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, Pocket Talkbox Lite or VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave?

VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave is rated higher. Pocket Talkbox Lite averages 3.0 out of 5 from 23 ratings, while VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave averages 4.0 from 135 ratings.

### Do Pocket Talkbox Lite or VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave have ads?

VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave shows ads; Pocket Talkbox Lite does not.

### Which is updated more often, Pocket Talkbox Lite or VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave?

Pocket Talkbox Lite ships an update every 9 months, and VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave every 2 weeks. Most recently, Pocket Talkbox Lite was updated on October 21, 2026 and VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave on October 23, 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.*