Polywave vs VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Polywave
Create unique, evolving sonic experiences with a novel wavetable sequencer inspired by vintage synths. Draw your own waveforms, explore a vast library, and connect to external keyboards or DAWs. Record your creations directly within the app.
- Wavetable sequencer
- Custom waveform drawing
- Expansive waveform library
- 100+ factory presets
- MIDI and Audio Unit support
- Live recording module
- 8-voice polyphony
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From Fingerlab (multiple-time winner of Music App of the Week, 2012 Apple Design Award) and Jordan Rudess (keyboardist of Dream Theater), comes Polywave — a revolutionary wavetable sequencer synthesizer for iPhone, iPad & Mac. Inspired by the legendary Korg Wavestation, Polywave lets you draw your own waveforms with your finger and create unique, ever-evolving sounds that are truly yours. Draw your own waveforms directly on screen 100+ factory presets: leads, pads, loops & FX Connect any MIDI keyboard or load as AUv3 in your DAW Live recording built-in Free version includes 12 factory presets and a selection of core features. Get the Full Version IAP to unlock everything. Features: • 8-voice polyphony & 6 octaves • Wavetable & waveform sequencer • VCO & FM Oscillators • FM Modulation & Detune • ADSR Envelope editor • Moog Ladder filter with ADSR • 2 LFOs with custom modulation waveform • LFO Sync & Loop mode • Waveform drawing editor & library (100 waveforms) • Preset Randomizer & export/import • 5 FX: Tube Amp, Vibrato, Chorus, Delay & Reverb • Live recording & export • Full MIDI & MIDI Mapping support • AudioBus & Inter-App Audio (iOS) • Full AudioUnit AUv3 support • iCloud Family Sharing Questions or feedback? We'd love to hear from you: contact@fingerlab.net Stay tuned! The Fingerlab Team
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.
- 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
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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
Verdict
The clearest difference is rating: Polywave at 4.7 against VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave's 4.0. Polywave also leads on monetization model (free with in-app purchases vs subscription) and ads (none vs shown). VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave's advantage is update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 3 months) and ratings volume (135 vs 34). 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
Both are free to download. Polywave sells 1 one-off in-app purchase 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.
Polywave holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 34 and 135 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 80% of Polywave's written reviews are positive against 51% of VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave's.
Polywave ships an update every 3 months, VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 23, 2026 and October 27, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Polywave | VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.7 (34 ratings) — better | 4.0 (135 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 80.0% of reviews — better | 51.1% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 34 | 135 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | Every 2 weeks — better |
| Ads | No — better | Yes |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases — better | Subscription |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — better | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 14.5 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 44 MB | 167 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Fingerlab | Audiobus Pty Ltd |
Customer experience
Polywave
VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave
Bugs and requests
Polywave
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
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- 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
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- Access to original synth parameters instead of sample-based playback
- Direct routing to IAA output for FL Studio Mobile
In-app purchases
Polywave
- Full Version$11.99
VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave
- Weekly premium7 Days trial$4.997 Days
- Weekly premium$4.997 Days
- Yearly premium$9.991 Year
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- Yearly premium7 Days trial$9.991 Year
Questions
Is Polywave free?
Is VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave free?
Which has better reviews, Polywave or VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave?
Do Polywave or VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave have ads?
Which is updated more often, Polywave or VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave?
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