# VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave vs SAGA Synth | 16

The clearest difference is price: VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave at Free against SAGA Synth | 16's $3.99. SAGA Synth | 16's advantage is rating (4.9 vs 4.0) and review sentiment (89% vs 52%). On update cadence, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave is free to download; SAGA Synth | 16 costs $3.99 up front. VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. SAGA Synth | 16 asks for nothing beyond the download.

SAGA Synth | 16 holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 135 and 446 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 52% of VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave's written reviews are positive against 89% of SAGA Synth | 16's.

VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave ships an update every 2 weeks, SAGA Synth | 16 monthly. Both last shipped on November 3, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave | SAGA Synth | 16 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **Free** | $3.99 |
| Rating | [4.0 (135 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vhs-synth-80s-synthwave/id1615208667/reviews) | **[4.9 (446 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/saga-synth-16-bit-sonic-fun/id1658167569/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 135 | **446** |
| Positive reviews | 51.5% of reviews | **89.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 weeks** | Monthly |
| Monetization | Subscription | **Paid** |
| Size | 167 MB | 121 MB |
| Requires iOS | 14.5 | **14.4** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Audiobus Pty Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/672585101) | [AudioKit Pro](https://appshunter.io/developer/1307785645) |

## 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


### SAGA Synth | 16

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/saga-synth-16-bit-sonic-fun/id1658167569)

This app provides a 16-bit retro video game synthesizer with over 350 presets. It allows for the creation of expressive pads, sound effects, drums, and leads, and can be used as a standalone app or an AUv3 plugin. Record and export your creations as WAV files.

**Highlights:** 16-bit retro video game synth, Over 350+ presets, Standalone app & AUv3 plugin, Step sequencer, Audio recording and export, MIDI keyboard support, Ableton Link

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🎶 Awesome retro sounds
- 👍 Great creation methods
- 🎨 Versatile and fun
- 🎨 More than just game sounds
- 👍 Tons of presets

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Midi not working properly
- 🐛 Sequencer issues with recording
- 🐛 Keyboard issues and bugs
- 🐛 Crashes and stability problems
- 🤔 Not true 16-bit emulation

**Reported bugs**

- Crashes when too many favorites
- Overlapping UI elements on phones

**Requested features**

- Export to Famitone music file
- macOS version
- Improved quantization


## Frequently asked questions

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

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

### Is SAGA Synth | 16 free?

SAGA Synth | 16 costs $3.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave or SAGA Synth | 16?

SAGA Synth | 16 is rated higher. VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave averages 4.0 out of 5 from 135 ratings, while SAGA Synth | 16 averages 4.9 from 446 ratings.

### Do VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave or SAGA Synth | 16 have ads?

VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave shows ads; SAGA Synth | 16 does not.

### Which is updated more often, VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave or SAGA Synth | 16?

VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave ships an update every 2 weeks, and SAGA Synth | 16 monthly. Most recently, VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave was updated on November 3, 2026 and SAGA Synth | 16 on November 3, 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.*