# Magic Switch vs VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave

The clearest difference is rating: Magic Switch at 4.8 against VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave's 4.0. Magic Switch also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 4) and ads (none vs shown). VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave's advantage is update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 10 months) and ratings volume (135 vs 33). On price and device support 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. Magic Switch asks for nothing beyond the download.

Magic Switch holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 33 and 135 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 80% of Magic Switch's written reviews are positive against 51% of VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave's.

Magic Switch ships an update every 10 months, VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 23, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Magic Switch | VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (33 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/magic-switch-baby-audio/id1604356083/reviews)** | [4.0 (135 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vhs-synth-80s-synthwave/id1615208667/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 33 | **135** |
| Positive reviews | **80.0% of reviews** | 51.1% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 10 months | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Subscription |
| Size | 10 MB | 167 MB |
| Requires iOS | **11.0** | 14.5 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Baby Audio Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1674621630) | [Audiobus Pty Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/672585101) |

## What reviewers say

### Magic Switch

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/magic-switch-baby-audio/id1604356083)

This audio effect plugin provides a lush, one-button chorus inspired by analog synthesizers. It adds dimension and depth to music tracks with a dark, detuned character. A mix slider allows for blending the effect to your preference.

**Highlights:** One-button lush chorus effect, Juno-60 analog chorus inspiration, Dark and detuned character, Adds dimension and depth, Mix slider for blending, Based on Super VHS plugin's 'Magic' button

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**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 Magic Switch free?

Magic Switch 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, Magic Switch or VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave?

Magic Switch is rated higher. Magic Switch averages 4.8 out of 5 from 33 ratings, while VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave averages 4.0 from 135 ratings.

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

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

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

Magic Switch ships an update every 10 months, and VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave every 2 weeks. Most recently, Magic Switch was updated on October 24, 2026 and VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave on October 23, 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.*