Comparison

GyroSynth vs Etherpad

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

GyroSynth

This app transforms your device into a gesture-controlled musical instrument. Use your device's gyroscope to manipulate sound parameters like pitch and volume, creating melodies and effects by moving your hand through the air. Explore various synthesizer types and built-in effects for a unique music creation experience.

Highlights
  • Gesture-driven sound manipulation
  • Multiple synthesizer types
  • Built-in effects (delay, boost)
  • Musical scales for easy playing
  • Recorder with overdub function
  • Experimental FM modulation
Read full description

GyroSynth is a gesture driven music synthesizer, which takes full adventage of the gyroscope. You can play and modulate the sound by moving your hand through the air - just like the legendary Theremin instrument. GyroSynth makes use of the gyroscope to measure true roll, pitch, and yaw and translates them to sound parameters like pitch, volume, modulation or filter cutoff. Thanks to phenomenal accuracy (2000 degrees), you can play melodies perfectly in tune. A finalist in 'Most Innovative App' category at the 2010 Best App Ever Awards (148apps). GyroSynth has been used in numerous live jams and performances (e.g., Mindex) FEATURES - Synthesizers: vocal (formant synthesizer), sine wave , square (PWM modulation), saw, granular sample player with recording function and R2D2 - experimental FM modulation - Effects: delay and boost - Several control modes - Included musical scales allow you to effortlessly play in several styles - Built-in recorder and player with overdub function "There isn’t too much more to say about GyroSynth other than wow!" AppSafari Enjoy the new experience!

About

Etherpad

Create evolving soundscapes and ambient textures with an intuitive touch-based music synthesizer. Explore generative music without needing music theory, perfect for relaxation or creative expression.

Highlights
  • Multi-touch synthesis
  • Multiple sound presets
  • Visual particle effects
  • Effect overlays
  • Scale selection
  • Landscape & portrait modes
  • Low-latency audio
Features
Read full description

Etherpad is an expressive touch-based music synthesis instrument for iPhone, iPad and your Mac. Sweep your fingers across the screen to create evolving soundscapes, ambient drones, and generative textures. (AUv3 support in Beta) Powered by the legendary Csound audio engine, Etherpad turns your device into a portable synthesizer that responds to every touch with rich, organic sound. No music theory required — just touch, listen, and explore. KEY FEATURES • Multi-touch synthesis — Each finger controls pitch and timbre independently • Distinct Soundscapes — Switch between evolving pad sounds and textures • Reactive Visuals — ripples, trails, rings, and column glow respond to every touch • 14 evolving sounds — from lush pads to Glass Choir, PWM Pad, and Morphwave • Advanced Scales & Tuning — Break out of standard keys and explore the Bohlen-Pierce scale, overtone series, pentatonics, and more • Jam Sessions — Load your own audio tracks directly into the app and play along with your creative flow • MIDI 2.0 — per-note expression and full MIDI support for connected controllers (Beta) • AUv3 plug-in — play Etherpad inside Logic Pro, GarageBand, AUM, and other hosts (Beta) • Ultra Low-latency audio — Built on Csound, the industry-standard audio engine PERFECT FOR • Ambient and drone musicians • Meditation and relaxation • Beginners exploring sound synthesis • Live performers and improvisers • Sound designers and experimental composers • Anyone curious about generative music Website: https://etherpad.app Touch the surface. Hear the universe.

Screenshots

GyroSynth3 screens
Etherpad4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Etherpad at Free against GyroSynth's $4.99. Etherpad also leads on rating (4.9 vs 4.4) and update cadence (every 2 days vs every 12 months). GyroSynth's advantage is iOS requirement (15.6 vs 17.0). On ratings volume, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Etherpad is free to download; GyroSynth costs $4.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Etherpad holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.4. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 37 and 20 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 73% of GyroSynth's written reviews are positive against 100% of Etherpad's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

GyroSynth ships an update every 12 months, Etherpad every 2 days. The most recent releases landed on September 27, 2026 and September 22, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 4 level
GyroSynth versus Etherpad: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterGyroSynthEtherpad
Price$4.99Free — better
Rating4.4 (37 ratings)4.9 (20 ratings) — better
Positive reviews73.0% of reviews100.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings37 — better20
Update frequencyEvery 12 monthsEvery 2 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaidFree — better
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPad, Mac — better
Requires iOS15.6 — better17.0
Further details — not scored
Size8 MB9 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperBeepStreetDinesh Yadav

Customer experience

GyroSynth

All ratings37 ratings
Positive86.5%
Neutral2.7%
Negative10.8%
Written reviews352 reviews
Positive73.0%
Neutral8.8%
Negative18.2%

Etherpad

All ratings20 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews5 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

Bugs and requests

GyroSynth

Reported bugs

7 issues
  • No sound no matter what I do
  • Crashed on startup on iOS 8
  • Crashes on launch since the iOS 8 update
  • Stopped working with iOS 8
  • Sampler doesn't work
Show 2 more
  • Doesn't work on iOS 8.1
  • Crashes as soon as I open it on iOS 8

Requested features

7 requests
  • Custom scales that can be saved
  • Wireless midi out
  • Ability to play iPod tracks in background
  • More synth modules, more/selectable FX, sample import, the ability to assign parameters beyond waveform modification to the gyroscopic planes
  • Recording and export feature
Show 2 more
  • Labels for the notes
  • More voices

Etherpad

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

None

GyroSynth

No in-app purchases

None

Etherpad

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is GyroSynth free?
GyroSynth costs $4.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is Etherpad free?
Etherpad is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, GyroSynth or Etherpad?
Etherpad is rated higher. GyroSynth averages 4.4 out of 5 from 37 ratings, while Etherpad averages 4.9 from 20 ratings.
Do GyroSynth or Etherpad have ads?
Neither GyroSynth nor Etherpad shows ads.
Which is updated more often, GyroSynth or Etherpad?
GyroSynth ships an update every 12 months, and Etherpad every 2 days. Most recently, GyroSynth was updated on September 27, 2026 and Etherpad on September 22, 2026.

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