# SynthStation vs 88 Synthwave

The clearest difference is review sentiment: 88 Synthwave at 100% against SynthStation's 31%. 88 Synthwave also leads on price (Free vs $1.99) and rating (5.0 vs 2.3). SynthStation's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and ratings volume (178 vs 5). On ads and device support there is nothing between them.

88 Synthwave is free to download; SynthStation costs $1.99 up front. 88 Synthwave sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. SynthStation asks for nothing beyond the download.

88 Synthwave 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 5, 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 100% of 88 Synthwave's.

SynthStation ships an update every 3 months, 88 Synthwave every 2 weeks. Both last shipped on November 10, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | SynthStation | 88 Synthwave |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $1.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | [2.3 (178 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/synthstation/id373969724/reviews) | **[5.0 (5 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/88-synthwave-retro-synth/id6815333959/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **178** | 5 |
| Positive reviews | 30.8% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free** |
| Size | 91 MB | 17 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) | [Soft Brew Mobile](https://appshunter.io/developer/561703410) |

## 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


### 88 Synthwave

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/88-synthwave-retro-synth/id6815333959)

This application automatically generates complete synthwave tracks with intros, verses, choruses, and outros. It utilizes chaotic mathematical models for melody and rhythm generation, offering a variety of styles and customizable soundscapes. Users can also play along with the generated music.

**Highlights:** Automatic track generation, Chaos-driven melody and rhythm, 11 distinct synthwave styles, Customizable sound design, Playable interface, MIDI export, Radio mode for continuous playback

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| AUv3 Unlock | $2.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is SynthStation free?

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

### Is 88 Synthwave free?

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

### Which has better reviews, SynthStation or 88 Synthwave?

88 Synthwave is rated higher. SynthStation averages 2.3 out of 5 from 178 ratings, while 88 Synthwave averages 5.0 from 5 ratings.

### Do SynthStation or 88 Synthwave have ads?

Neither SynthStation nor 88 Synthwave shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, SynthStation or 88 Synthwave?

SynthStation ships an update every 3 months, and 88 Synthwave every 2 weeks. Most recently, SynthStation was updated on November 10, 2026 and 88 Synthwave on November 10, 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.*