# SynthStation vs LiveSpec

The clearest difference is price: LiveSpec at Free against SynthStation's $1.99. LiveSpec also leads on rating (5.0 vs 2.3) and update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 3 months). SynthStation's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 6) and ratings volume (178 vs 1). On ads and device support there is nothing between them.

LiveSpec is free to download; SynthStation costs $1.99 up front. LiveSpec sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $17.99 per month. SynthStation asks for nothing beyond the download.

LiveSpec 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 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

SynthStation ships an update every 3 months, LiveSpec every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 21, 2026 and October 14, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | SynthStation | LiveSpec |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $1.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | [2.3 (178 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/synthstation/id373969724/reviews) | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/livespec/id6762317495/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **178** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 30.8% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 91 MB | 19 MB |
| Requires iOS | **4.3** | 17.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, Mac |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Akai Professional](https://appshunter.io/developer/373969727) | [Linear Phase LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1893799202) |

## 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


### LiveSpec

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/livespec/id6762317495)

This audio analysis tool allows users to measure and optimize sound in any environment. It provides real-time spectrum analysis, sound level monitoring, and tools for system tuning and live mixing. The app supports various audio interfaces and offers iCloud syncing for configurations.

**Highlights:** Real-time spectrum analyzer, Spectrograph for sound over time, SPL monitor with A/C weighting, Dose meter for safe listening time, Live Mix plugin host, Transfer function with phase, Impulse response and delay finding, Parametric and Graphic EQ

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| All Access Monthly | $17.99 | per month |
| Live Mix Monthly | $19.99 | per month |
| System Tune Monthly | $19.99 | per month |
| All Access Annual | $149.99 | per year |
| Live Mix Annual | $149.99 | per year |
| System Tune Annual | $149.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is SynthStation free?

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

### Is LiveSpec free?

LiveSpec is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

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

LiveSpec is rated higher. SynthStation averages 2.3 out of 5 from 178 ratings, while LiveSpec averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do SynthStation or LiveSpec have ads?

Neither SynthStation nor LiveSpec shows ads.

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

SynthStation ships an update every 3 months, and LiveSpec every 2 weeks. Most recently, SynthStation was updated on October 21, 2026 and LiveSpec on October 14, 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.*