Comparison

Pulsar vs RetroSFX

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Pulsar

This music app provides a virtual drum machine with 8 pads for improvising and playing along to built-in rhythm presets. It features real-time rhythm switching, tempo control, and various effects. It also supports Ableton Link and MIDI for seamless integration with other music software and hardware.

Highlights
  • 8-pad drum machine
  • Built-in rhythm presets
  • Real-time rhythm switching
  • Tempo and accent control
  • Drive, reverb, and filter effects
  • Ableton Link synchronization
  • MIDI In/Out support
  • AUv3 compatibility
Features
Read full description

Make beats anywhere with Pulsar-ES, an authentic preset drum machine expanded into a mobile groovebox for iPhone and iPad. Inspired by the rare Soviet/Ukrainian PULSAR hardware, Pulsar-ES keeps the original industrial rhythm-box character while adding the missing modern features producers expect: MIDI editing, deeper FX, Ableton Link sync, AUv3 workflow, and mobile project control. Play ideas fast on the 4x2 drum pad grid, then turn them into full patterns with the MIDI Clip Editor. Draw, move, and resize notes directly on the grid so your rhythm stays editable after the first take. Shape your sound with a hands-on FX rack built for quick decisions: - Filter with low-pass, band-pass, high-pass, and notch modes - Reverb with room, hall, and plate spaces - Overdrive with overdrive, distortion, fuzz, and tube modes - Delay with digital, tape, and ping-pong modes - Chorus and compressor for extra movement and control Pulsar-ES also supports Ableton Link sync, project save/load, rhythm presets, and a portrait layout designed for making music on the go. Start a beat, edit every note, shape it with FX, and keep your ideas moving.

About

RetroSFX

Read full description

RetroSFX is a powerful and easy‑to‑use tool for creating retro‑style sound effects. Whether you’re a game developer, content creator, or simply a fan of classic audio, this app gives you everything you need to generate unique SFX with a single tap.

Screenshots

Pulsar4 screens
RetroSFX3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: RetroSFX at $0.99 against Pulsar's $4.99. Pulsar's advantage is device support and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.0). On update cadence and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Pulsar costs $4.99 and RetroSFX $0.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Pulsar ships an update every 3 weeks, RetroSFX every 5 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 17, 2026 and September 25, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
Pulsar versus RetroSFX: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterPulsarRetroSFX
Price$4.99$0.99 — better
Rating4.3 (7 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews66.7% of reviews—
Number of ratings7 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeks — betterEvery 5 weeks
AdsNo—
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaid—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — better—
Requires iOS13.0 — better15.0
Further details — not scored
Size61 MB133 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperDmytro KiroAli Taleb

In-app purchases

None

Pulsar

No in-app purchases

None

RetroSFX

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Pulsar free?
Pulsar costs $4.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is RetroSFX free?
RetroSFX costs $0.99, with no in-app purchases.
Which is updated more often, Pulsar or RetroSFX?
Pulsar ships an update every 3 weeks, and RetroSFX every 5 weeks. Most recently, Pulsar was updated on October 17, 2026 and RetroSFX on September 25, 2026.

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