# VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave vs Pluck

The clearest difference is price: VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave at Free against Pluck's $3.99. VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave also leads on review sentiment (51% vs 33%) and ratings volume (135 vs 8). Pluck's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 4) and ads (none vs shown). On device support there is nothing between them.

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

Pluck holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 4.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave has 135 ratings behind it against 8, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 51% of VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave's written reviews are positive against 33% of Pluck's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave ships an update every 2 weeks, Pluck daily. The most recent releases landed on October 23, 2026 and October 16, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave | Pluck |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **Free** | $3.99 |
| Rating | [4.0 (135 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vhs-synth-80s-synthwave/id1615208667/reviews) | **[4.5 (8 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pluck/id6502628890/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **135** | 8 |
| Positive reviews | **51.1% of reviews** | 33.3% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks | **Daily** |
| Monetization | Subscription | **Paid** |
| Size | 167 MB | 5 MB |
| Requires iOS | **14.5** | 16.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Audiobus Pty Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/672585101) | [Murat Ayfer](https://appshunter.io/developer/1529563893) |

## 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


### Pluck

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pluck/id6502628890)

Experience a realistic string plucking simulator. Draw your own strings to create unique songs or listen to classical pieces played automatically. Discover the natural feel for yourself.

**Highlights:** String plucking simulation, Draw custom strings, Compose original songs, Listen to classical music, Self-playing strings, Natural feel

**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 Pluck free?

Pluck costs $3.99, with no in-app purchases.

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

Pluck is rated higher. VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave averages 4.0 out of 5 from 135 ratings, while Pluck averages 4.5 from 8 ratings.

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

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

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

VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave ships an update every 2 weeks, and Pluck daily. Most recently, VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave was updated on October 23, 2026 and Pluck on October 16, 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.*