# Mantis vs VAPoly16

The clearest difference is update cadence: VAPoly16 at every 2 months against Mantis's every 9 months. Mantis's advantage is iOS requirement (14.0 vs 16.4). On price, rating, ratings volume and ads there is nothing between them.

Mantis costs $14.99 and VAPoly16 $14.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for Mantis against 5.0 for VAPoly16. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 8 and 13 respectively.

Mantis ships an update every 9 months, VAPoly16 every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on September 10, 2026 and September 20, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Mantis | VAPoly16 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $14.99 | $14.99 |
| Rating | [5.0 (8 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mantis-bbd-echo/id1673531514/reviews) | [5.0 (13 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vapoly16/id6450654065/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 8 | **13** |
| Positive reviews | — | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 9 months | **Every 2 months** |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Size | 10 MB | 20 MB |
| Requires iOS | **14.0** | 16.4 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, Mac |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [AudioThing Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1659941236) | [Ryo Togawa](https://appshunter.io/developer/1474193056) |

## What reviewers say

### Mantis

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mantis-bbd-echo/id1673531514)

This audio plugin emulates a vintage 70s analog delay/echo unit, offering a warm, authentic sound. It features four echo taps, swell selectors, and a unique modulation section for chorus-like effects.

**Highlights:** Emulates rare 70s BBD delay/echo, Warm analog sound, Four echo taps, Four swell selectors, Rotafaze modulation section, Mimics tape echo wow/flutter, Chorus-delay effect

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


### VAPoly16

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vapoly16/id6450654065)

This app is a virtual analog polyphonic synthesizer for iOS and Mac. It offers 16 voices, a sequencer, and various audio effects. It can be used as a standalone application or as an AudioUnit Extension.

**Highlights:** 16 voice virtual analog synthesizer, Bitimbral sound design, Sequencer with piano roll and automation, Multiple audio effects (delay, reverb, chorus, etc.), Standalone and AUv3 extension support, Ableton Link and MIDI connectivity, Audio file export

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Mantis free?

Mantis costs $14.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is VAPoly16 free?

VAPoly16 costs $14.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Mantis or VAPoly16?

Mantis and VAPoly16 are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 8 and 13 ratings respectively.

### Do Mantis or VAPoly16 have ads?

Neither Mantis nor VAPoly16 shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Mantis or VAPoly16?

Mantis ships an update every 9 months, and VAPoly16 every 2 months. Most recently, Mantis was updated on September 10, 2026 and VAPoly16 on September 20, 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.*