# SynthStation vs Jack Machine Pro

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Jack Machine Pro at 100% against SynthStation's 31%. Jack Machine Pro also leads on rating (5.0 vs 2.3) and update cadence (every 3 days vs every 3 months). SynthStation's advantage is price ($1.99 vs $9.99) and ratings volume (178 vs 4). On ads, in-app purchases, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.

SynthStation costs $1.99 and Jack Machine Pro $9.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Jack Machine Pro 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 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 100% of Jack Machine Pro's.

SynthStation ships an update every 3 months, Jack Machine Pro every 3 days. The most recent releases landed on November 6, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | SynthStation | Jack Machine Pro |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **$1.99** | $9.99 |
| Rating | [2.3 (178 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/synthstation/id373969724/reviews) | **[5.0 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/jack-machine-pro/id6819136872/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **178** | 4 |
| Positive reviews | 30.8% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Every 3 days** |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Size | 91 MB | 9 MB |
| Requires iOS | **4.3** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Akai Professional](https://appshunter.io/developer/373969727) | [Irwin Eberhart](https://appshunter.io/developer/1888230063) |

## 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


### Jack Machine Pro

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/jack-machine-pro/id6819136872)

Create and perform electronic music with a Chicago house-inspired drum machine. Build beats, shape sounds, and control performances live. Export your creations for further production.

**Highlights:** Synthesized drum voices, Pattern programming with accents and swing, Live performance surface, Real-time performance controls (Fill, Build, Jack), XY pad for effects control, Ableton Link and MIDI sync, Audio, stem, and MIDI export

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is SynthStation free?

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

### Is Jack Machine Pro free?

Jack Machine Pro costs $9.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, SynthStation or Jack Machine Pro?

Jack Machine Pro is rated higher. SynthStation averages 2.3 out of 5 from 178 ratings, while Jack Machine Pro averages 5.0 from 4 ratings.

### Do SynthStation or Jack Machine Pro have ads?

Neither SynthStation nor Jack Machine Pro shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, SynthStation or Jack Machine Pro?

SynthStation ships an update every 3 months, and Jack Machine Pro every 3 days. Most recently, SynthStation was updated on November 6, 2026 and Jack Machine Pro on October 31, 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.*