Comparison

Flare Scratch vs ScratchBud Vinyl Scratching FX

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

Head to head
About

Flare Scratch

This app simulates a high-torque DJ turntable, allowing users to scratch music from their iPod library or pre-loaded beat loops. It offers various classic scratching techniques and features like zoom mode for precision and mirror mode for left-handed users.

Highlights
  • Scratch iPod Library tunes
  • High torque turntable simulation
  • Loop player
  • Zoom mode for precision
  • Classic scratch techniques
  • Mirror mode for left-handers
  • Preloaded beat loops
Features
Read full description

Scratch like a pro with Flare, the high torque DJ turntable. Either cut up the built-in records over a beatloop, or your own iPod Library tunes. Get this party started right with Flare, the undisputed Vinyl champion of the AppStore. "Pure Turntablism" --Vdrumpro999 Flare is a high torque turntable that fits in the palm of your hand, and features: • scratch your iPod Library tunes (!!!) • 1 high torque deck • 1 loop player • incredible vinyl sound • the ability to cut it up anywhere • zoom mode for precision scratching • transformer button capable of 11ms clicks • mirror mode for left handers • classic scratches: transformer, baby, tear, 1-click orbit • hamster switch • 5 preloaded beat loops produced by luke dubs, ready to cut over • 3 bundled battle records to get you started Coming soon: pitch control.

About

ScratchBud Vinyl Scratching FX

This app brings the tactile experience of vinyl scratching to your device. It offers a realistic UI, the ability to scratch live audio or samples, and advanced features like LFO automation and AUv3 integration for professional sound design.

Highlights
  • Vinyl-like UI with speed fader
  • Scratch live audio or loaded samples
  • Customizable crossfader with MIDI control
  • Automated scratches with LFO
  • 3-second audio recording and looping
  • AUv3 plugin support
  • Low-pass filter for sound design
Features
Read full description

ScratchBud makes it easy to bring the feel of vinyl scratching to your iOS or Apple Silicon device. Whether you’re a DJ, producer, or just love experimenting with sound, ScratchBud has everything you need to start scratching. Key Features: Vinyl-Like UI: Intuitive interface mimics a real DJ turntable, complete with adjustable speed fader and motor controls. Scratch Anything: Use live audio input, a loaded sample file, or the included classic “aaah” and “fresh” samples. Customizable Crossfader: Seamlessly blend between the audio input source and FX output, with MIDI note control options. Auto Scratch with LFO: Automate scratches with adjustable LFO parameters, including rate, amount, waveform, and DAW tempo sync. Advanced Recording Options: Capture, loop, and scratch up to 3 seconds of audio, with configurable recording behaviors. AUv3 Integration: Full support for AUv3 hosts, exposing all parameters for MIDI CC control and automation. Professional Sound Design: Refine your scratch sound with built-in low-pass filter controls for cutoff and resonance. Start scratching immediately with included classic samples or load your own. ScratchBud works as a standalone app or an AUv3 plugin, making it a versatile tool for your studio or live performances.

Screenshots

Flare Scratch3 screens
ScratchBud Vinyl Scratching FX4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: ScratchBud Vinyl Scratching FX at 4.6 against Flare Scratch's 3.5. ScratchBud Vinyl Scratching FX also leads on update cadence (every 4 days vs every 3 weeks) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 15.0). Flare Scratch's advantage is ratings volume (71 vs 16) and price ($4.99 vs $5.99). On review sentiment, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model 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

Flare Scratch costs $4.99 and ScratchBud Vinyl Scratching FX $5.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

ScratchBud Vinyl Scratching FX holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 3.5. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 71 and 16 respectively. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 66% and 67% positive.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Flare Scratch ships an update every 3 weeks, ScratchBud Vinyl Scratching FX every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on September 25, 2026 and September 21, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
Flare Scratch versus ScratchBud Vinyl Scratching FX: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterFlare ScratchScratchBud Vinyl Scratching FX
Price$4.99 — better$5.99
Rating3.5 (71 ratings)4.6 (16 ratings) — better
Positive reviews65.9% of reviews66.7% of reviews — better
Number of ratings71 — better16
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeksEvery 4 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaidPaid
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS15.012.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size9 MB15 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperAsyncCem Olcay

Customer experience

Flare Scratch

All ratings71 ratings
Positive60.6%
Neutral11.3%
Negative28.2%
Written reviews223 reviews
Positive65.9%
Neutral12.6%
Negative21.5%

ScratchBud Vinyl Scratching FX

All ratings16 ratings
Positive93.8%
Neutral0.0%
Negative6.3%
Written reviews12 reviews
Positive66.7%
Neutral25.0%
Negative8.3%

Bugs and requests

Flare Scratch

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • Crashing when adding music
  • Inability to change loop or turntable tracks
  • Compatibility issues with newer iOS versions

Requested features

5 requests
  • Pitch control
  • Crab scratch button
  • More skins/customization options
  • Recording functionality
  • Ability to load own beats/loops

ScratchBud Vinyl Scratching FX

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

None

Flare Scratch

No in-app purchases

None

ScratchBud Vinyl Scratching FX

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Flare Scratch free?
Flare Scratch costs $4.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is ScratchBud Vinyl Scratching FX free?
ScratchBud Vinyl Scratching FX costs $5.99, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Flare Scratch or ScratchBud Vinyl Scratching FX?
ScratchBud Vinyl Scratching FX is rated higher. Flare Scratch averages 3.5 out of 5 from 71 ratings, while ScratchBud Vinyl Scratching FX averages 4.6 from 16 ratings.
Do Flare Scratch or ScratchBud Vinyl Scratching FX have ads?
Neither Flare Scratch nor ScratchBud Vinyl Scratching FX shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Flare Scratch or ScratchBud Vinyl Scratching FX?
Flare Scratch ships an update every 3 weeks, and ScratchBud Vinyl Scratching FX every 4 days. Most recently, Flare Scratch was updated on September 25, 2026 and ScratchBud Vinyl Scratching FX on September 21, 2026.

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