# VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave vs Granula

The clearest difference is ads: Granula at none against VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave's shown. VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave's advantage is device support (3 vs 1) and iOS requirement (14.5 vs 17.0). On price, update cadence 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 Granula sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $2.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave ships an update every 2 weeks, Granula fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 27, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave | Granula |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 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 | 51.1% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | Subscription | — |
| Size | 167 MB | 10 MB |
| Requires iOS | **14.5** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Audiobus Pty Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/672585101) | [Sergey Duzhev](https://appshunter.io/developer/1475892533) |

## 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


### Granula

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/granula-ambient-playground/id6802344113)

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Granula Pro | $2.99 | per month |


## Frequently asked questions

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

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

### Is Granula free?

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

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

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

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

VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave ships an update every 2 weeks, and Granula fortnightly. Most recently, VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave was updated on October 27, 2026 and Granula on October 24, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*