# Ed Harcourt vs VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave

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.

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.

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

## The numbers

| Metric | Ed Harcourt | VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[4.0 (135 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vhs-synth-80s-synthwave/id1615208667/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **135** |
| Positive reviews | — | 51.5% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | — | Subscription |
| Size | 42 MB | 167 MB |
| Requires iOS | **14.0** | 14.5 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 12+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Access Experiences Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/1668320244) | [Audiobus Pty Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/672585101) |

## What reviewers say

### Ed Harcourt

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ed-harcourt/id1549737728)

**In-app purchases (7)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Yearly Membership | $54.99 | per year |
| 100 coins | $0.99 | one-time |
| 500 coins | $3.99 | one-time |
| 1000 coins | $6.99 | one-time |
| 2500 coins | $14.99 | one-time |
| 5000 coins | $25.99 | one-time |
| 10000 coins | $40.99 | one-time |


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