Comparison

Ed Harcourt 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

Ed Harcourt

Read full description

Go backstage and behind-the-scenes with Ed Harcourt in his exclusive mobile app. Sign up to enjoy: • Live Broadcasts featuring Ed • Exclusive music and art • Behind the scenes footage • Post to fan wall - interact with fans and Ed! • Premium only giveaways • Exclusive offers • Access to all areas of the platform SUBSCRIPTIONS The app offers subscriptions to unlock premium digital content. • Payment will be charged to Apple Account at confirmation of purchase • Subscription automatically renews unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24-hours before the end of the current period. • Account will be charged for renewal within 24-hours prior to the end of the current period • Subscriptions may be managed by the user and auto-renewal may be turned off by going to the user's Account Settings after purchase. IN-APP PRODUCTS The app offers the option to purchase virtual coins and use them to send animated gifts to the artist during live broadcasts • Payment will be charged to Apple Account at confirmation of purchase • Each user will have a digital wallet where they can check their 'coin' balance and purchase more coins • Each user's wallet is linked to their app account, thus re-installing the app or logging in on a different device won't make them lose their current coins Our Full EULA is available here: https://www.fan.direct/platform-user-agreement/.

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

Ed Harcourt3 screens
VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is ads: Ed Harcourt at none against VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave's shown. VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave's advantage is update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 2 months). On price, in-app purchases, 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. Ed Harcourt sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $54.99 per year 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.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

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

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
Ed Harcourt versus VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterEd HarcourtVHS Synth | 80s Synthwave
PriceFreeFree
Rating—4.0 (135 ratings) — better
Positive reviews—51.5% of reviews
Number of ratings—135 — better
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsEvery 2 weeks — better
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesYesYes
Monetization—Subscription
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS14.0 — better14.5
Further details — not scored
Size42 MB167 MB
Age rating12+4+
DeveloperAccess Experiences LtdAudiobus Pty Ltd

Bugs and requests

Ed Harcourt

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

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

7 purchases

Ed Harcourt

Subscriptions1
  • Yearly Membership$54.991 Year
One-time6
  • 100 coins$0.99
  • 500 coins$3.99
  • 1000 coins$6.99
Show 3 more
  • 2500 coins$14.99
  • 5000 coins$25.99
  • 10000 coins$40.99
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 Ed Harcourt free?
Ed Harcourt 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.
Do Ed Harcourt or VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave have ads?
VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave shows ads; Ed Harcourt does not.
Which is updated more often, Ed Harcourt or VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave?
Ed Harcourt ships an update every 2 months, and VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave every 2 weeks. Most recently, Ed Harcourt was updated on November 3, 2026 and VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave on November 3, 2026.

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