# VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave vs SongBase

The clearest difference is review sentiment: SongBase at 100% against VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave's 52%. SongBase also leads on monetization model (free with in-app purchases vs subscription). VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave's advantage is update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 2 months) and iOS requirement (14.5 vs 17.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases 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 and SongBase sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave ships an update every 2 weeks, SongBase every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on November 3, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave | SongBase |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.0 (135 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vhs-synth-80s-synthwave/id1615208667/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **135** | — |
| Positive reviews | 51.5% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 weeks** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Subscription | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 167 MB | 9 MB |
| Requires iOS | **14.5** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Audiobus Pty Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/672585101) | [Arthur Hardy Kotsch](https://appshunter.io/developer/1883672516) |

## 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


### SongBase

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/songbase/id6787941771)

This app helps musicians practice their repertoire efficiently using spaced repetition. It allows you to import sheet music, link tutorials, and track progress for each song. Organize songs for performances and utilize built-in practice tools like a tuner and metronome.

**Highlights:** Spaced repetition learning, Import tabs, sheet music, and videos, Organize songs by event, Built-in tuner and metronome, Progress tracking and statistics, Local data storage

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Songbase Premium Monthly | $0.99 | per month |
| Premium Jahresabo | $12.99 | per year |
| Premium Lifetime | $17.99 | 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 SongBase free?

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

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

Both VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave and SongBase show ads.

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

VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave ships an update every 2 weeks, and SongBase every 2 months. Most recently, VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave was updated on November 3, 2026 and SongBase on October 31, 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.*