# Sampletoy vs VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Sampletoy at 90% against VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave's 51%. Sampletoy also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 4) and ads (none vs shown). VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave's advantage is update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 7 months). On price, ratings volume and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. Sampletoy asks for nothing beyond the download.

Sampletoy holds the better App Store score, 4.2 against 4.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 104 and 132 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 90% of Sampletoy's written reviews are positive against 51% of VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave's.

Sampletoy ships an update every 7 months, VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave every 2 weeks. Both last shipped on October 7, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Sampletoy | VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.2 (104 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sampletoy/id355918828/reviews)** | [4.0 (132 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vhs-synth-80s-synthwave/id1615208667/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 104 | **132** |
| Positive reviews | **89.8% of reviews** | 51.1% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 7 months | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Paid** | Subscription |
| Size | 24 MB | 167 MB |
| Requires iOS | **8.0** | 14.5 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Mazbox Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/329604853) | [Audiobus Pty Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/672585101) |

## What reviewers say

### Sampletoy

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sampletoy/id355918828)

Capture and manipulate sounds using a unique musical instrument and plaything. This app allows you to record audio, then loop, pitch, and distort it live with multitouch controls. Explore creative sound design with filters, delays, and envelopes, and export your performances as high-quality audio files.

**Highlights:** Capture sounds via microphone, Live playback, looping, pitching, and distortion, Multitouch control for up to 5 notes, Resonant filters, delays, and envelopes, Stepped and free playback modes, Record and email performances as WAV files, Import audio from various sources

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vhs-synth-80s-synthwave/id1615208667)

This app creates unique synth sounds by recording classic synths to VHS tape and then resampling them. It offers a vast library of presets and effects to achieve lo-fi, retro vibes for various music genres. An AUv3 plugin and standalone app are included.

**Highlights:** VHS-recorded and resampled synths, Over 280+ presets, Standalone app and AUv3 plugin, VCR sound effects, VCR FX section for customization, Free expansion pack included

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly premium | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly premium | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Yearly premium | $9.99 | per year |
| Yearly premium | $9.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 🎵 Excellent lo-fi and retro 80s sound quality
- 🎹 Extensive library of high-quality presets
- 💰 Affordable pricing (at original purchase)
- 🎨 Intuitive and clean interface design
- 🔊 Versatile sounds for multiple genres

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💸 Aggressive subscription model for previously purchased app
- 🔄 Conversion from AudioKit broke existing projects
- 📊 User data tracking added without clear benefit
- 🚫 Removed access to previously purchased presets/banks
- 😠 Lack of developer communication about changes

**Reported bugs**

- GarageBand compatibility broken after updates
- App not recognized in Logic Pro after updates
- Inconsistent sound quality across different registers
- Patch/preset settings not retained after closing DAW
- Audio Unit Extension crashes in GarageBand

**Requested features**

- Mac OS version for DAW compatibility
- Velocity sensitivity settings for keyboard
- Pitch bend and modulation wheels with actual functionality
- Better keyboard design with proper key sizing
- Improved UI layout to reduce wasted space in AUv3 mode


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Sampletoy free?

Sampletoy is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave free?

VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Sampletoy or VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave?

Sampletoy is rated higher. Sampletoy averages 4.2 out of 5 from 104 ratings, while VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave averages 4.0 from 132 ratings.

### Do Sampletoy or VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave have ads?

VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave shows ads; Sampletoy does not.

### Which is updated more often, Sampletoy or VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave?

Sampletoy ships an update every 7 months, and VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave every 2 weeks. Most recently, Sampletoy was updated on October 7, 2026 and VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave on October 7, 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.*