# SynthStation vs KQ Tixie

The clearest difference is rating: KQ Tixie at 5.0 against SynthStation's 2.3. KQ Tixie also leads on review sentiment (71% vs 31%) and update cadence (every 3 days vs every 3 months). SynthStation's advantage is price ($1.99 vs $8.99) and ratings volume (178 vs 6). On ads, in-app purchases, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.

SynthStation costs $1.99 and KQ Tixie $8.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

KQ Tixie holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 2.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: SynthStation has 178 ratings behind it against 6, 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 71% of KQ Tixie's.

SynthStation ships an update every 3 months, KQ Tixie every 3 days. The most recent releases landed on October 21, 2026 and October 6, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | SynthStation | KQ Tixie |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **$1.99** | $8.99 |
| Rating | [2.3 (178 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/synthstation/id373969724/reviews) | **[5.0 (6 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/kq-tixie/id6754209839/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **178** | 6 |
| Positive reviews | 30.8% of reviews | **71.4% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Every 3 days** |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Size | 91 MB | 6 MB |
| Requires iOS | **4.3** | 13.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Akai Professional](https://appshunter.io/developer/373969727) | [Ryouta Kira](https://appshunter.io/developer/862984358) |

## 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


### KQ Tixie

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/kq-tixie/id6754209839)

This app is a 4-operator FM synthesizer for iOS devices, recreating the iconic sounds of 1980s hardware. It offers a modern interface with MPE support and AUv3 compatibility, allowing for deep sound editing and layering up to eight sounds.

**Highlights:** 4-operator FM synthesis recreation, MPE and AUv3 support, Import SysEx data, Thousands of patches included, Layer up to 8 sounds, Real-time performance controls, Built-in effects

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is SynthStation free?

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

### Is KQ Tixie free?

KQ Tixie costs $8.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, SynthStation or KQ Tixie?

KQ Tixie is rated higher. SynthStation averages 2.3 out of 5 from 178 ratings, while KQ Tixie averages 5.0 from 6 ratings.

### Do SynthStation or KQ Tixie have ads?

Neither SynthStation nor KQ Tixie shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, SynthStation or KQ Tixie?

SynthStation ships an update every 3 months, and KQ Tixie every 3 days. Most recently, SynthStation was updated on October 21, 2026 and KQ Tixie on October 6, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*