Comparison

Nightwave Plaza vs VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Nightwave Plaza

Immerse yourself in the Vaporwave genre with a 24/7 radio station featuring global artists. Enjoy a nostalgic interface, customizable backgrounds, and an ad-free listening experience perfect for relaxation or focus.

Highlights
  • 24/7 Vaporwave radio station
  • Global artist database
  • No advertisements between tracks
  • 58+ aesthetic background GIFs
  • Nostalgic user interface
  • Artist support page
Features
Read full description

The Nightwave Plaza - a place to indulge yourself with the top aesthetic musical talents of the Vaporwave genre. You’ve used the website, but now it is time to escape into a world of nostalgia and dreams with the Nightwave Plaza iOS app. Featuring a beautiful, constantly updated database of Vaporwave artists across the globe, the 24/7 radio station prides itself with its no after-track advertisements and full support page for all artists and producers trying to find an audience. Whether you’re reading a book; dreaming of nostalgic times on the long commute home from work; or walking through the rainy city enduring the night-life; there’s always room in the Nightwave Plaza. Extended Features: 58+ different aesthetic background gifs to choose from. Simplistic, nostalgic user interface. No advertisement breaks between tracks. Guaranteed relaxation. All inquiries regarding Nightwave Plaza, including bug reports & requests, can be addressed to mail@plaza.one or via official twitter @nightwaveplaza.

About

VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave

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
Read full description

VHS Synth features synths recorded with a VCR, then resampled. Perfect for Synthwave, Hip Hop, Indie, Rock, Movie Soundtracks, Lo-Fi, Ambient, Vaporwave, Retro Pop, and more. Create instant lo-fi and cool retro vibes. Press a key. Elevate your music. Includes over 280+ Presets by Jakob haQ, Red Sky Lullaby, The GarageBand Guide, DJ Puzzle, Sound of Izrael, DJ Montra, Marc Hupkens, AnalogMatthew, JEC, Da Fingaz, Brian Funk, and more. "BEST Lo-Fi instrument I’ve ever played, seriously good sounds!" - The SoundTest Room "VHS Synth is a Retrowave dream!" - iPad Loops "Turns Your iOS Device Into An 80s Time Machine" - Synthtopia Classic Synths were recorded to VHS Tape with a VCR, then re-sampled. "VHS Synth is the ULTIMATE Retro Synth App" - The GarageBand Guide FEATURES: • Standalone app + iOS AUv3 Plugin • Over 280+ presets to inspire you • Compressed to under 140mb to save space • VCR Sound Effects (Buttons, Tape Hiss, More) • VCR FX section to customize the sounds • FREE Expansion Pack: OP-1 recorded with a VCR ++ iPhone & iPad version included for one low price Real analog feel and dirt. Vintage hardware was recorded into a VCR and then re-sampled. Subscribe to access to premium app features; subscription details are the following: - Length: weekly or yearly - Free trial: only on selected subscriptions - Your payment will be charged to your iTunes Account as soon as you confirm your purchase - You can manage your subscriptions and turn off auto-renewal from your Account Settings after the purchase - Your subscription will renew automatically, unless you turn off auto-renew at least 24 hours before the end of the current period - The cost of renewal will be charged to your account in the 24 hours prior to the end of the current period - When canceling a subscription, your subscription will stay active until the end of the period. Auto-renewal will be disabled, but the current subscription will not be refunded - Any unused portion of a free trial period, if offered, will be forfeited when purchasing a subscription Terms & Conditions: [https://magic-cake-e95.notion.site/VHS-Synth-80s-Synthwave-Terms-Conditions-150cf6557a0880aca270f4f8ccee8d3e?pvs=4](https://www.notion.so/VHS-Synth-80s-Synthwave-Terms-Conditions-150cf6557a0880aca270f4f8ccee8d3e?pvs=21) Privacy Policy: [https://magic-cake-e95.notion.site/VHS-Synth-80s-Synthwave-Privacy-Policy-150cf6557a088019bec6ccb33ae5bb09?pvs=4](https://www.notion.so/VHS-Synth-80s-Synthwave-Privacy-Policy-150cf6557a088019bec6ccb33ae5bb09?pvs=21) * NOTE: This app has no official affiliation with AudioKit Pro, LLC. It was built using the free AudioKit source code.

Screenshots

Nightwave Plaza4 screens
VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: Nightwave Plaza at 4.7 against VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave's 4.0. Nightwave Plaza also leads on review sentiment (90% vs 52%) and in-app purchases (none vs 4). VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave's advantage is update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 7 months). On price, ratings volume, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. Nightwave Plaza asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Nightwave Plaza holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 182 and 135 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 90% of Nightwave Plaza's written reviews are positive against 52% of VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Nightwave Plaza ships an update every 7 months, VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave every 2 weeks. Both last shipped on November 3, 2026.

Scorecard6 real differences · 4 level
Nightwave Plaza versus VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterNightwave PlazaVHS Synth | 80s Synthwave
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.7 (182 ratings) — better4.0 (135 ratings)
Positive reviews90.1% of reviews — better51.5% of reviews
Number of ratings182 — better135
Update frequencyEvery 7 monthsEvery 2 weeks — better
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree — betterSubscription
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS15.614.5 — better
Further details — not scored
Size8 MB167 MB
Age rating12+4+
DeveloperAleksandr MorozovAudiobus Pty Ltd

Customer experience

Nightwave Plaza

All ratings178 ratings
Positive93.3%
Neutral2.8%
Negative3.9%
Written reviews162 reviews
Positive90.1%
Neutral4.3%
Negative5.6%

VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave

All ratings135 ratings
Positive73.3%
Neutral5.9%
Negative20.7%
Written reviews97 reviews
Positive51.5%
Neutral10.3%
Negative38.1%

User reviews

Nightwave Plaza

From 182 App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🌟 Excellent music selection
  • 👍 Customizable aesthetics
  • 🎨 Nostalgic, retro-inspired design
  • 💎 High-quality, ad-free experience
  • 🕰️ Relaxing, ambient vibe

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Playback issues (stops randomly, lags)
  • ⚠️ Login/account problems (can't log in, save favorites)
  • 🔧 Bugs and stability concerns
  • 🔍 Limited functionality (no search, skip, etc.)

VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave

From 135 App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🎵 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

Room to improve

  • 💸 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

Bugs and requests

Nightwave Plaza

Reported bugs

4 issues
  • Can't log in from within the app
  • Favorites/history not working properly
  • Music playback randomly stopping
  • Appearance settings not functioning as expected

Requested features

5 requests
  • Chat feature for community interaction
  • Ability to save full tracks
  • Chromecast/AirPlay support
  • More customization options (wallpapers, etc.)
  • Improved login/account management

VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave

Reported bugs

11 issues
  • 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
Show 6 more
  • Duplicate track sounds different from original
  • Display shows 'Welcome' instead of loaded patch
  • Thin black keys difficult to hit on keyboard
  • Missing top C key on keyboard
  • Sounds inconsistent when exported from GarageBand
  • App disappears from projects after ownership change

Requested features

7 requests
  • 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
Show 2 more
  • Access to original synth parameters instead of sample-based playback
  • Direct routing to IAA output for FL Studio Mobile

In-app purchases

None

Nightwave Plaza

No in-app purchases

4 purchases

VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave

Subscriptions4
  • Weekly premium7 Days trial$4.997 Days
  • Weekly premium$4.997 Days
  • Yearly premium$9.991 Year
Show 1 more
  • Yearly premium7 Days trial$9.991 Year

Questions

Is Nightwave Plaza free?
Nightwave Plaza 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, Nightwave Plaza or VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave?
Nightwave Plaza is rated higher. Nightwave Plaza averages 4.7 out of 5 from 182 ratings, while VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave averages 4.0 from 135 ratings.
Do Nightwave Plaza or VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave have ads?
VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave shows ads; Nightwave Plaza does not.
Which is updated more often, Nightwave Plaza or VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave?
Nightwave Plaza ships an update every 7 months, and VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave every 2 weeks. Most recently, Nightwave Plaza was updated on November 3, 2026 and VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave on November 3, 2026.

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