# VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave vs Somnideck

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Somnideck at 100% against VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave's 52%. Somnideck also leads on rating (5.0 vs 4.0) and monetization model (freemium vs subscription). VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave's advantage is ratings volume (135 vs 11) and device support (3 vs 1). On price and in-app purchases 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 and Somnideck sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Somnideck 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 11, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 52% of VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave's written reviews are positive against 100% of Somnideck's.

VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave ships an update every 2 weeks, Somnideck every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on November 12, 2026 and November 5, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave | Somnideck |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.0 (135 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vhs-synth-80s-synthwave/id1615208667/reviews) | **[5.0 (11 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/somnideck/id6774791722/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **135** | 11 |
| Positive reviews | 51.5% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks | **Every 4 days** |
| Monetization | Subscription | **Freemium** |
| Size | 167 MB | 110 MB |
| Requires iOS | **14.5** | 18.6 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Audiobus Pty Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/672585101) | [Oscar Dog, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/6774791724) |

## 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


### Somnideck

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/somnideck/id6774791722)

Record, loop, and shape sounds for sleep, creativity, or professional audio. Features include waveform trimming, pitch shifting, EQ, reverb, and a library of original synthetic and field recordings.

**Highlights:** Record and loop audio, Trim loops with waveform editing, Adjust pitch, speed, and playback direction, Apply EQ, reverb, and saturation effects, On-device noise reduction, Library of synthetic and field recordings, Create custom ringtones

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Studio – Monthly | $3.99 | per month |
| Studio – Annual | $29.99 | per year |
| Studio – Lifetime | $69.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

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

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

### Is Somnideck free?

Somnideck is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

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

Somnideck is rated higher. VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave averages 4.0 out of 5 from 135 ratings, while Somnideck averages 5.0 from 11 ratings.

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

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

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

VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave ships an update every 2 weeks, and Somnideck every 4 days. Most recently, VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave was updated on November 12, 2026 and Somnideck on November 5, 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.*