# SynthStation vs shapesynth

The clearest difference is rating: shapesynth at 4.9 against SynthStation's 2.3. shapesynth also leads on review sentiment (65% vs 31%). SynthStation's advantage is price ($1.99 vs $4.99) and ratings volume (178 vs 24). On update cadence, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

SynthStation costs $1.99 and shapesynth $4.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

shapesynth holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 2.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: SynthStation has 178 ratings behind it against 24, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 31% of SynthStation's written reviews are positive against 65% of shapesynth's.

SynthStation ships an update every 3 months, shapesynth every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 1, 2026 and September 25, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | SynthStation | shapesynth |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **$1.99** | $4.99 |
| Rating | [2.3 (178 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/synthstation/id373969724/reviews) | **[4.9 (24 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shapesynth/id431097161/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **178** | 24 |
| Positive reviews | 30.8% of reviews | **65.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Every 2 months** |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Size | 91 MB | 8 MB |
| Requires iOS | **4.3** | 9.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Akai Professional](https://appshunter.io/developer/373969727) | [Erik Sigth](https://appshunter.io/developer/385275335) |

## What reviewers say

### SynthStation

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/synthstation/id373969724)

Transform your mobile device into a portable music studio. Create melodies, bass lines, and drum beats with virtual synthesizers, drum kits, and a built-in sequencer. Offers real-time recording and extensive effects for unlimited sonic creativity.

**Highlights:** Three virtual-analog synthesizers, Over 50 drum kits, Built-in sequencer, Arpeggiator with preset patterns, Core MIDI-compatible, Real-time recording, Effects and filters

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

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Powerful synth engine
- 👍 Authentic Akai sound
- 💡 Versatile drum kits
- 👍 Intuitive interface
- 👍 Great value for money

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent crashes
- 🐛 Compatibility issues with newer iOS versions
- 🔧 Outdated and neglected by developer
- 🔧 Lacks essential features like audio export
- 🔧 Complicated workflow

**Reported bugs**

- Crashes on startup
- No sound output
- Midi connectivity problems
- Incompatible with latest iOS versions
- Saved projects not loading properly

**Requested features**

- Audiobus/Inter-App Audio support
- More synth/drum samples
- Ability to save custom sounds
- Improved sequencing capabilities
- Easier audio export options


### shapesynth

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shapesynth/id431097161)

Create unique retro-inspired sounds by drawing oscillator waveforms. This polyphonic synthesizer offers extensive modulation options, built-in effects, and recording capabilities. Seamlessly integrate with other music apps and hardware for a versatile creative experience.

**Highlights:** Draw custom oscillator waveforms, 16-voice polyphony, Arpeggiator and stereo delay, Resonant filter, Parameter modulation via keyboard, MPE, accelerometer, Tape recorder with infinite overdubs, Inter-app audio and AUv3 support

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is SynthStation free?

SynthStation costs $1.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is shapesynth free?

shapesynth costs $4.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, SynthStation or shapesynth?

shapesynth is rated higher. SynthStation averages 2.3 out of 5 from 178 ratings, while shapesynth averages 4.9 from 24 ratings.

### Do SynthStation or shapesynth have ads?

Neither SynthStation nor shapesynth shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, SynthStation or shapesynth?

SynthStation ships an update every 3 months, and shapesynth every 2 months. Most recently, SynthStation was updated on October 1, 2026 and shapesynth on September 25, 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.*