# Decent Sampler vs NERD Synth A2x + AUv3

The clearest difference is price: Decent Sampler at Free against NERD Synth A2x + AUv3's $5.99. NERD Synth A2x + AUv3's advantage is review sentiment (90% vs 52%) and in-app purchases (none vs 60). On update cadence, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Decent Sampler is free to download; NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 costs $5.99 up front. Decent Sampler sells 60 one-off in-app purchases. NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 asks for nothing beyond the download.

NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 has 1.3K ratings behind it against 53, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 52% of Decent Sampler's written reviews are positive against 90% of NERD Synth A2x + AUv3's.

Decent Sampler ships an update every 3 weeks, NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 14, 2026 and October 16, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Decent Sampler | NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **Free** | $5.99 |
| Rating | [4.6 (53 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/decent-sampler/id1530441977/reviews) | **[4.9 (1.3K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nerd-synth-a2x-plus-auv3/id6478898564/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 53 | **1.3K** |
| Positive reviews | 52.2% of reviews | **90.4% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Paid |
| Size | 40 MB | 242 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 14.4 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Decidedly, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/783782943) | [AudioKit Pro](https://appshunter.io/developer/1307785645) |

## What reviewers say

### Decent Sampler

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/decent-sampler/id1530441977)

This music app lets you use professional-quality sample libraries on your mobile device. It supports Decent Samples libraries and SFZs, and can be used within other music production apps as an AUv3 plugin.

**Highlights:** Use professional sample libraries, Supports Decent Samples libraries, Supports SFZ files, AUv3 plugin compatibility, Standalone app functionality, New libraries added weekly

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (60)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Box Violin | Free | one-time |
| Dave Choir | Free | one-time |
| Resonator Glockenspiel | Free | one-time |
| Banjo Ukulele | Free | one-time |
| Kalimba | Free | one-time |
| Ukelin | $0.99 | one-time |
| Decent Sampler Store Item 3 | $2.99 | one-time |
| Decent Sampler Store Item 4 | $3.99 | one-time |
| Weber 1929 Baby Grand | $4.99 | one-time |
| Ramshackle Zither | $4.99 | one-time |
| Decent Sampler Store Item 5 | $4.99 | one-time |
| Music Major Sample Library | $4.99 | one-time |
| Sawblade Kalimba Library | $4.99 | one-time |
| Melodica | $4.99 | one-time |
| Distance: Zero | $4.99 | one-time |
| Little Church Organ | $4.99 | one-time |
| Indie Guitar | $5.99 | one-time |
| Decent Sampler Store Item 6 | $5.99 | one-time |
| Decent Sampler Store Item 7 | $6.99 | one-time |
| Paper Drums | $6.99 | one-time |
| Relic Keyboard | $7.99 | one-time |
| Decent Sampler Store Item 8 | $7.99 | one-time |
| HS-3715 Keyboard | $7.99 | one-time |
| Malevolence by Venus Theory | $8.99 | one-time |
| Viola Ensemble | $9.99 | one-time |
| Indie Bass | $9.99 | one-time |
| Metal Cups | $9.99 | one-time |
| Phonoharp | $9.99 | one-time |
| Violin Ensemble | $9.99 | one-time |
| Ethereal Vocals | $9.99 | one-time |
| Decent Sampler Store Item 10 | $9.99 | one-time |
| Kalimba by Darel | $9.99 | one-time |
| Dangerous Undertones | $9.99 | one-time |
| Chroma Vol. 1 | $9.99 | one-time |
| Luminate | $9.99 | one-time |
| Horror Box | $9.99 | one-time |
| Tape Violins Sample Library | $10.99 | one-time |
| Decent Sampler Store Item 11 | $11.00 | one-time |
| Interlaced Sample Library | $14.99 | one-time |
| Decent Sampler Store Item 15 | $15.00 | one-time |
| Decent Sampler Store Item 16 | $16.00 | one-time |
| Decent Sampler Store Item 19 | $19.00 | one-time |
| alt.strings | $19.99 | one-time |
| Felt & Fog | $19.99 | one-time |
| Organic Orchestra | $19.99 | one-time |
| Indie Drums | $19.99 | one-time |
| Bitscape 95 | $19.99 | one-time |
| Thyssia by Venus Theory | $19.99 | one-time |
| Decent Samples Store Item 20 | $20.00 | one-time |
| Decent Samples Store Item 24 | $24.00 | one-time |
| The Void | $24.99 | one-time |
| Processed Guitars | $24.99 | one-time |
| Decent Samples Store Item 25 | $25.00 | one-time |
| String Flows | $29.99 | one-time |
| 70s Summer Camp Sample Library | $29.99 | one-time |
| Decent Samples Store Item 30 | $30.00 | one-time |
| LoFi VaporTones Ds | $33.99 | one-time |
| Decent Samples Store Item 39 | $39.00 | one-time |
| Decent Samples Store Item 40 | $40.00 | one-time |
| Chamberlin M1 by Jamie Lidell | $49.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🎶 Great sounds and libraries
- 🎹 Powerful sampler for iOS
- 💡 Free sample packs available
- ✨ High-quality instruments
- 🔄 Actively developed with updates

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent crashes and instability
- 💾 High RAM and storage usage
- 🔌 Issues with Logic Pro on iOS
- 🐌 Slow download manager
- 🤷‍♂️ Not working with older iPads

**Reported bugs**

- Instant crash on load
- App stopped working after iOS update
- AUV3 crashes out of nowhere
- Unresponsive upon opening
- Server issues for login

**Requested features**

- Add user/pass fill from password keeper
- Implement a download manager for multiple instruments
- Allow running within IAA or Audiobus
- Add ability to clear cache
- Fix multi-track support in AUV3


### NERD Synth A2x + AUv3

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nerd-synth-a2x-plus-auv3/id6478898564)

This virtual analog synthesizer offers a powerful and intuitive sound design experience, inspired by classic hardware. Explore over 40 classic waveforms, a versatile arpeggiator, step sequencer, and lush effects to craft unique electronic music.

**Highlights:** Virtual Analog Synthesizer, 40+ Classic Waveforms, Arpeggiator, Step Sequencer, Lush Effects Suite, Four-voice Unison, AUv3 Plugin Support

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- ⭐ Outstanding synth
- 👍 Very nice and rich sounding
- 🎨 Great presets and sound design
- 🔧 Easy to use and intuitive
- 💻 Works well in AUv3 environments

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Doesn't show up in Logic
- 🔧 Needs to be more Mac-compatible
- 🔧 Changing presets can be sluggish
- 🔧 Missing aftertouch/expression support

**Reported bugs**

- Doesn't fit properly in Logic Pro for iPad
- Keyboard keys get stuck when using a controller

**Requested features**

- Dark mode option
- Undo/redo functionality
- Improved Logic Pro integration
- Ability to change color scheme


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Decent Sampler free?

Decent Sampler is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 free?

NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 costs $5.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Decent Sampler or NERD Synth A2x + AUv3?

NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 is rated higher. Decent Sampler averages 4.6 out of 5 from 53 ratings, while NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 averages 4.9 from 1.3K ratings.

### Do Decent Sampler or NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 have ads?

Neither Decent Sampler nor NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Decent Sampler or NERD Synth A2x + AUv3?

Decent Sampler ships an update every 3 weeks, and NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 fortnightly. Most recently, Decent Sampler was updated on October 14, 2026 and NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 on October 16, 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.*