# SynthStation vs Rithmatic

The clearest difference is price: Rithmatic at Free against SynthStation's $1.99. Rithmatic also leads on rating (4.0 vs 2.3) and update cadence (every 2 days vs every 3 months). SynthStation's advantage is ratings volume (178 vs 4) and iOS requirement (4.3 vs 15.0). On ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Rithmatic is free to download; SynthStation costs $1.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Rithmatic holds the better App Store score, 4.0 against 2.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: SynthStation has 178 ratings behind it against 4, 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 50% of Rithmatic's.

SynthStation ships an update every 3 months, Rithmatic every 2 days. The most recent releases landed on October 21, 2026 and October 13, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | SynthStation | Rithmatic |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $1.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | [2.3 (178 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/synthstation/id373969724/reviews) | **[4.0 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rithmatic-fm-synth/id6794107110/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **178** | 4 |
| Positive reviews | 30.8% of reviews | **50.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Every 2 days** |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free** |
| Size | 91 MB | 64 MB |
| Requires iOS | **4.3** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Akai Professional](https://appshunter.io/developer/373969727) | [MADE WITH BEST PRACTICE LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/6779338119) |

## 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


### Rithmatic

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rithmatic-fm-synth/id6794107110)

This app is an FM synthesizer featuring a vast library of classic voices. It allows users to explore, learn, build, and blend sounds using an intuitive interface and an AUv3 plugin for DAWs. It offers a comprehensive synthesis engine and various playback options.

**Highlights:** 36,118 classic DX7 voices included, AUv3 plugin for DAWs, Patch Builder to learn FM synthesis, Sound blending feature, On-screen and MIDI keyboard support, Arpeggiator and latch function, WAV export

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is SynthStation free?

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

### Is Rithmatic free?

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

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

Rithmatic is rated higher. SynthStation averages 2.3 out of 5 from 178 ratings, while Rithmatic averages 4.0 from 4 ratings.

### Do SynthStation or Rithmatic have ads?

Neither SynthStation nor Rithmatic shows ads.

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

SynthStation ships an update every 3 months, and Rithmatic every 2 days. Most recently, SynthStation was updated on October 21, 2026 and Rithmatic on October 13, 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.*