# VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave vs NERD Synth A2x + AUv3

The clearest difference is price: VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave at Free against NERD Synth A2x + AUv3's $5.99. NERD Synth A2x + AUv3's advantage is rating (4.9 vs 4.0) and review sentiment (89% vs 51%). On update cadence, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave is free to download; NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 costs $5.99 up front. VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 asks for nothing beyond the download.

NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 has 1.4K ratings behind it against 132, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 51% of VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave's written reviews are positive against 89% of NERD Synth A2x + AUv3's.

VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave ships an update every 2 weeks, NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 18, 2026 and October 20, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave | NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **Free** | $5.99 |
| Rating | [4.0 (132 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vhs-synth-80s-synthwave/id1615208667/reviews) | **[4.9 (1.4K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nerd-synth-a2x-plus-auv3/id6478898564/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 132 | **1.4K** |
| Positive reviews | 51.1% of reviews | **89.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | Subscription | **Paid** |
| Size | 167 MB | 242 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


### NERD Synth A2x + AUv3

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nerd-synth-a2x-plus-auv3/id6478898564)

This virtual analog synthesizer offers a powerful and intuitive sound design experience, inspired by classic hardware. Explore over 40 classic waveforms, a versatile arpeggiator, step sequencer, and lush effects to craft unique electronic music.

**Highlights:** Virtual Analog Synthesizer, 40+ Classic Waveforms, Arpeggiator, Step Sequencer, Lush Effects Suite, Four-voice Unison, AUv3 Plugin Support

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- ⭐ Outstanding synth
- 👍 Very nice and rich sounding
- 🎨 Great presets and sound design
- 🔧 Easy to use and intuitive
- 💻 Works well in AUv3 environments

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Doesn't show up in Logic
- 🔧 Needs to be more Mac-compatible
- 🔧 Changing presets can be sluggish
- 🔧 Missing aftertouch/expression support

**Reported bugs**

- Doesn't fit properly in Logic Pro for iPad
- Keyboard keys get stuck when using a controller

**Requested features**

- Dark mode option
- Undo/redo functionality
- Improved Logic Pro integration
- Ability to change color scheme


## Frequently asked questions

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

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

### Is NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 free?

NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 costs $5.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave or NERD Synth A2x + AUv3?

NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 is rated higher. VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave averages 4.0 out of 5 from 132 ratings, while NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 averages 4.9 from 1.4K ratings.

### Do VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave or NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 have ads?

VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave shows ads; NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 does not.

### Which is updated more often, VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave or NERD Synth A2x + AUv3?

VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave ships an update every 2 weeks, and NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 fortnightly. Most recently, VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave was updated on October 18, 2026 and NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 on October 20, 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.*