# VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave vs Exploring the Space

The clearest difference is rating: Exploring the Space at 5.0 against VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave's 4.0. Exploring the Space also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 4) and ads (none vs shown). VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave's advantage is ratings volume (135 vs 1). On price, update cadence, 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. Exploring the Space asks for nothing beyond the download.

Exploring the Space holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.0. 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.

VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave ships an update every 2 weeks, Exploring the Space fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 23, 2026 and October 18, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave | Exploring the Space |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.0 (135 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vhs-synth-80s-synthwave/id1615208667/reviews) | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/exploring-the-space/id1642123102/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **135** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 51.1% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | Subscription | **Free** |
| Size | 167 MB | 16 MB |
| Requires iOS | **14.5** | 15.1 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Audiobus Pty Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/672585101) | [Andrew Tisdall](https://appshunter.io/developer/1642123104) |

## What reviewers say

### 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


### Exploring the Space

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/exploring-the-space/id1642123102)

Organize and listen to musical recordings like rehearsals, demos, and rough mixes. This app serves as a central hub for artists to manage their compositional process.

**Highlights:** Organize musical recordings, Catalog rehearsals, Manage demos, Listen to rough mixes, Central hub for artists

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

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

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

### Is Exploring the Space free?

Exploring the Space is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave or Exploring the Space?

Exploring the Space is rated higher. VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave averages 4.0 out of 5 from 135 ratings, while Exploring the Space averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave or Exploring the Space have ads?

VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave shows ads; Exploring the Space does not.

### Which is updated more often, VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave or Exploring the Space?

VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave ships an update every 2 weeks, and Exploring the Space fortnightly. Most recently, VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave was updated on October 23, 2026 and Exploring the Space on October 18, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*