# VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave vs Arc & Decay

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Arc & Decay at none against VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave's 4. Arc & Decay also leads on ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (daily vs every 2 weeks). VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave's advantage is iOS requirement (14.5 vs 17.6). On price and device support 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. Arc & Decay asks for nothing beyond the download.

VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave ships an update every 2 weeks, Arc & Decay daily. The most recent releases landed on October 7, 2026 and October 1, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave | Arc & Decay |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.0 (132 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vhs-synth-80s-synthwave/id1615208667/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **132** | — |
| Positive reviews | 51.1% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks | **Daily** |
| Monetization | Subscription | — |
| Size | 167 MB | 11 MB |
| Requires iOS | **14.5** | 17.6 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Audiobus Pty Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/672585101) | [Tash Baycroft](https://appshunter.io/developer/6779379023) |

## 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


### Arc & Decay

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/arc-and-decay/id6779379021)

**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 Arc & Decay free?

Arc & Decay is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Do VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave or Arc & Decay have ads?

VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave shows ads; Arc & Decay does not.

### Which is updated more often, VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave or Arc & Decay?

VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave ships an update every 2 weeks, and Arc & Decay daily. Most recently, VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave was updated on October 7, 2026 and Arc & Decay on October 1, 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.*