# Polywave vs VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave

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.

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.

## The numbers

| Metric | Polywave | VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (34 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/polywave-wavetable-synth/id1579538271/reviews)** | [4.0 (135 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vhs-synth-80s-synthwave/id1615208667/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 34 | **135** |
| Positive reviews | **80.0% of reviews** | 51.1% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Subscription |
| Size | 44 MB | 167 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **14.5** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac** | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Fingerlab](https://appshunter.io/developer/412786610) | [Audiobus Pty Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/672585101) |

## What reviewers say

### Polywave

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/polywave-wavetable-synth/id1579538271)

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.

**Highlights:** Wavetable sequencer, Custom waveform drawing, Expansive waveform library, 100+ factory presets, MIDI and Audio Unit support, Live recording module, 8-voice polyphony

**Features:** Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Full Version | $11.99 | 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 Polywave free?

Polywave 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.

### Which has better reviews, Polywave or VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave?

Polywave is rated higher. Polywave averages 4.7 out of 5 from 34 ratings, while VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave averages 4.0 from 135 ratings.

### Do Polywave or VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave have ads?

VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave shows ads; Polywave does not.

### Which is updated more often, Polywave or VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave?

Polywave ships an update every 3 months, and VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave every 2 weeks. Most recently, Polywave was updated on October 23, 2026 and VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave on October 27, 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.*