# Nightwave Plaza vs VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave

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.

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.

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.

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

## The numbers

| Metric | Nightwave Plaza | VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (182 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nightwave-plaza/id1532678227/reviews)** | [4.0 (135 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vhs-synth-80s-synthwave/id1615208667/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **182** | 135 |
| Positive reviews | **90.1% of reviews** | 51.5% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 7 months | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Subscription |
| Size | 8 MB | 167 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 | **14.5** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 12+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Aleksandr Morozov](https://appshunter.io/developer/1896640150) | [Audiobus Pty Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/672585101) |

## What reviewers say

### Nightwave Plaza

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nightwave-plaza/id1532678227)

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:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

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

**What reviewers complain about**

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

**Reported bugs**

- 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**

- 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

[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 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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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*