# VariSpeed vs 501 Chorus Echo

The clearest difference is review sentiment: VariSpeed at 100% against 501 Chorus Echo's 0%. VariSpeed also leads on rating (4.9 vs 4.5) and price ($11.99 vs $14.99). 501 Chorus Echo's advantage is update cadence (every 17 months vs every 41 months) and device support (3 vs 1). On ratings volume, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

VariSpeed costs $11.99 and 501 Chorus Echo $14.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

VariSpeed holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.5. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 8 and 8 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 100% of VariSpeed's written reviews are positive against 0% of 501 Chorus Echo's.

VariSpeed ships an update every 41 months, 501 Chorus Echo every 17 months. The most recent releases landed on October 10, 2026 and October 13, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | VariSpeed | 501 Chorus Echo |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **$11.99** | $14.99 |
| Rating | **[4.9 (8 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/varispeed/id1642813420/reviews)** | [4.5 (8 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/501-chorus-echo/id6473418769/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 8 | 8 |
| Positive reviews | **100.0% of reviews** | 0.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 41 months | **Every 17 months** |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Size | 11 MB | 23 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 15 |
| Devices | iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Genuine Soundware](https://appshunter.io/developer/1560880481) | [Nembrini Audio](https://appshunter.io/developer/1493296895) |

## What reviewers say

### VariSpeed

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/varispeed/id1642813420)

This app simulates a classic tape echo machine, replicating the functionality of a specific vintage hardware unit. It allows for variable delay times by altering the speed of the tape mechanism.

**Highlights:** Classic tape echo simulation, Variable delay time, AUv3 plugin compatibility, Replicates vintage hardware

**In-app purchases:** none


### 501 Chorus Echo

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/501-chorus-echo/id6473418769)

This audio plugin meticulously models the iconic Roland RE-501 Chorus Echo, offering authentic analog warmth with modern digital flexibility. It provides producers with classic tape delay, BBD chorus, and spring reverb sounds, enhanced by DAW tempo sync and expanded controls for any music genre.

**Highlights:** Authentic analog sound reproduction, Extended creative control with DAW sync, Intuitive user interface, Versatile for any music genre, Independent SOS timings, Linear preamp option

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is VariSpeed free?

VariSpeed costs $11.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is 501 Chorus Echo free?

501 Chorus Echo costs $14.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, VariSpeed or 501 Chorus Echo?

VariSpeed is rated higher. VariSpeed averages 4.9 out of 5 from 8 ratings, while 501 Chorus Echo averages 4.5 from 8 ratings.

### Do VariSpeed or 501 Chorus Echo have ads?

Neither VariSpeed nor 501 Chorus Echo shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, VariSpeed or 501 Chorus Echo?

VariSpeed ships an update every 41 months, and 501 Chorus Echo every 17 months. Most recently, VariSpeed was updated on October 10, 2026 and 501 Chorus Echo on October 13, 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.*