Comparison

Polywave vs Sound Generator Lab

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

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.

Highlights
  • Wavetable sequencer
  • Custom waveform drawing
  • Expansive waveform library
  • 100+ factory presets
  • MIDI and Audio Unit support
  • Live recording module
  • 8-voice polyphony
Features
Read full description

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

About

Sound Generator Lab

Features
Read full description

Design your sound freely. Your fingertips become the instrument. This app is a professional-grade synthesizer that combines simplicity with powerful sound-shaping capabilities. It covers the essentials of sound synthesis, featuring four basic waveforms-Sine, Square, Sawtooth, and Triangle-along side LFO modulation and panning controls. With the real-time oscilloscope, you can edit your sounds while "seeing" them move. Key Features: - Four Basic Waveforms: Seamlessly switch between Sine, Square, Sawtooth, and Triangle waves. - Real-time Oscilloscope: Visualize your sound instantly. Experience waveform changes as they happen. - Precision Frequency Control: Intuitive slider adjustments combined with a numeric text input for exact, Hz-level tuning. - LFO Modulation Unit: Adjust Frequency and Depth to add vibrato or create unique modulation effects. - Stereo Panner: Control the spatial positioning of your sound to create immersive width. - Responsive Piano Keyboard: A piano layout optimized for any screen size, ensuring a comfortable playing experience. Recommended For: - Those who want to learn the basics of synthesizer sound design. - Creators looking to easily generate original sound effects (SE). - Musicians seeking a tool for quick musical inspiration. - Anyone who wants to play a high-quality synth on their smartphone without needing physical hardware. Download now and step into the world of infinite sound creation.

Screenshots

Polywave4 screens
Sound Generator Lab4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: Sound Generator Lab at every 5 weeks against Polywave's every 3 months. On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support 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. Polywave sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Sound Generator Lab sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Polywave ships an update every 3 months, Sound Generator Lab every 5 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 10, 2026 and October 4, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference · 9 level
Polywave versus Sound Generator Lab: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterPolywaveSound Generator Lab
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.7 (34 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews80.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings34 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 3 monthsEvery 5 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — betteriPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS15.0 — better15.6
Further details — not scored
Size44 MB23 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperFingerlabakira ohmachi

In-app purchases

1 purchases

Polywave

One-time1
  • Full Version$7.99
1 purchases

Sound Generator Lab

One-time1
  • Remove Ads$1.99

Questions

Is Polywave free?
Polywave is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Sound Generator Lab free?
Sound Generator Lab is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Polywave or Sound Generator Lab have ads?
Neither Polywave nor Sound Generator Lab shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Polywave or Sound Generator Lab?
Polywave ships an update every 3 months, and Sound Generator Lab every 5 weeks. Most recently, Polywave was updated on October 10, 2026 and Sound Generator Lab on October 4, 2026.

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