# Trope vs Relic Waves

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Relic Waves at 100% against Trope's 64%. Relic Waves also leads on update cadence (every 11 months vs every 34 months) and rating (5.0 vs 4.8). On ratings volume, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Trope costs $3.99 and Relic Waves $1.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Relic Waves holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.8. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 38 and 42 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 64% of Trope's written reviews are positive against 100% of Relic Waves's.

Trope ships an update every 34 months, Relic Waves every 11 months. Both last shipped on September 27, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Trope | Relic Waves |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $3.99 | **$1.99** |
| Rating | [4.8 (38 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/trope/id312164495/reviews) | **[5.0 (42 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/relic-waves/id6472637691/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 38 | **42** |
| Positive reviews | 63.7% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 34 months | **Every 11 months** |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Size | 39 MB | 6 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 | **12.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Opal Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/292792589) | [Alexander Zolotov](https://appshunter.io/developer/324462547) |

## What reviewers say

### Trope

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/trope/id312164495)

Create evolving soundscapes by tracing abstract shapes on your screen. This app offers a darker, more introspective and atmospheric musical experience, ideal for generative music exploration. Recommended for use with headphones or external speakers.

**Highlights:** Generative soundscape creation, Interactive touch interface, Evolving musical textures, Introspective and atmospheric tone, Abstract shape tracing

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

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- ✨ Generative music creation
- 🧘 Calming and meditative atmosphere
- 🎨 Visually beautiful and mesmerizing
- 🎧 Great for relaxation and sleep
- 💡 Pioneering and innovative concept

**What reviewers complain about**

- 📉 Limited user control
- 🤔 Simplistic and unimaginative (for some)
- 🔊 Random background noises intrusive
- 🎛️ Lack of sound modification options
- 💰 Perceived as expensive for simplicity

**Reported bugs**

- Does not run in background/sleep mode
- App speeds up sleep timer
- Errors about iOS 11 incompatibility
- Cannot listen and create after update
- Screen looks awful (outdated UI)

**Requested features**

- Ability to save compositions
- Option to turn off random background noises
- More control over sound parameters (attack, duration)
- User sound input option
- Recording function


### Relic Waves

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/relic-waves/id6472637691)

Generate unique Lo-Fi sounds, pads, and effects using advanced synthesis algorithms. Explore billions of sonic possibilities with intuitive controls and real-time recording. Perfect for musicians and sound designers seeking experimental audio.

**Highlights:** Billions of unique Lo-Fi sounds, Random sound generation with search, Multiple keyboard input options, Real-time audio recording to WAV, Export to WAV, SunVox, and clipboard, MIDI control and processing, iOS Audio Unit Extension (AUv3)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Trope free?

Trope costs $3.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Relic Waves free?

Relic Waves costs $1.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Trope or Relic Waves?

Relic Waves is rated higher. Trope averages 4.8 out of 5 from 38 ratings, while Relic Waves averages 5.0 from 42 ratings.

### Do Trope or Relic Waves have ads?

Neither Trope nor Relic Waves shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Trope or Relic Waves?

Trope ships an update every 34 months, and Relic Waves every 11 months. Most recently, Trope was updated on September 27, 2026 and Relic Waves on September 27, 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.*