# Kikuyo vs VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave

The clearest difference is rating: VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave at 4.0 against Kikuyo's 1.0. VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave also leads on update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 6 months) and ratings volume (135 vs 1). Kikuyo's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 4). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. Kikuyo asks for nothing beyond the download.

VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave holds the better App Store score, 4.0 against 1.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave has 135 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Kikuyo ships an update every 6 months, VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 14, 2026 and October 27, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Kikuyo | VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [1.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/kikuyo/id1584609398/reviews) | **[4.0 (135 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vhs-synth-80s-synthwave/id1615208667/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 1 | **135** |
| Positive reviews | — | 51.1% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 6 months | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Ad-supported** | Subscription |
| Size | 19 MB | 167 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 | **14.5** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [NORICHIKA NAKATA](https://appshunter.io/developer/966061081) | [Audiobus Pty Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/672585101) |

## What reviewers say

### Kikuyo

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/kikuyo/id1584609398)

This app allows for incredibly fast audio recording, initiating automatically upon launch without user interaction. Users can customize recording sensitivity and manage files organized by date and recording time. It offers background customization and emphasizes responsible usage.

**Highlights:** Instant recording on launch, Automatic background recording, Adjustable recording sensitivity, Date and time organized files, Customizable background image

**In-app purchases:** none


### 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 Kikuyo free?

Kikuyo is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave free?

VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

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

VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave is rated higher. Kikuyo averages 1.0 out of 5 from 1 ratings, while VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave averages 4.0 from 135 ratings.

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

Both Kikuyo and VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave show ads.

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

Kikuyo ships an update every 6 months, and VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave every 2 weeks. Most recently, Kikuyo was updated on October 14, 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.*