# AutoArp vs VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave

The clearest difference is monetization model: AutoArp at free with in-app purchases against VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave's subscription. AutoArp also leads on ads (none vs shown) and review sentiment (82% vs 51%). VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave's advantage is update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 4 months) and ratings volume (132 vs 26). On price, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. AutoArp sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

AutoArp holds the better App Store score, 4.3 against 4.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave has 132 ratings behind it against 26, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 82% of AutoArp's written reviews are positive against 51% of VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave's.

AutoArp ships an update every 4 months, VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave every 2 weeks. Both last shipped on October 7, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | AutoArp | VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.3 (26 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/autoarp/id413244255/reviews)** | [4.0 (132 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vhs-synth-80s-synthwave/id1615208667/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 26 | **132** |
| Positive reviews | **82.1% of reviews** | 51.1% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Subscription |
| Size | 5 MB | 167 MB |
| Requires iOS | **10.0** | 14.5 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Drew Milloy](https://appshunter.io/developer/328220392) | [Audiobus Pty Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/672585101) |

## What reviewers say

### AutoArp

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/autoarp/id413244255)

This app transforms your device into a unique musical instrument, blending auto-harp and analog synth sounds. Select chords and strum to create retro-futuristic music. A free version offers basic functionality, with advanced features available via in-app purchase.

**Highlights:** Strummable synth interface, Chord selection and configuration, Square, pulse, and sawtooth waveforms, Resonant low-pass filter, Tremolo and echo effects, Audiobus and inter-app audio support, MIDI support (paid)

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Full functionality | $0.99 | one-time |


### VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vhs-synth-80s-synthwave/id1615208667)

This app creates unique synth sounds by recording classic synths to VHS tape and then resampling them. It offers a vast library of presets and effects to achieve lo-fi, retro vibes for various music genres. An AUv3 plugin and standalone app are included.

**Highlights:** VHS-recorded and resampled synths, Over 280+ presets, Standalone app and AUv3 plugin, VCR sound effects, VCR FX section for customization, Free expansion pack included

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly premium | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly premium | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Yearly premium | $9.99 | per year |
| Yearly premium | $9.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 🎵 Excellent lo-fi and retro 80s sound quality
- 🎹 Extensive library of high-quality presets
- 💰 Affordable pricing (at original purchase)
- 🎨 Intuitive and clean interface design
- 🔊 Versatile sounds for multiple genres

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💸 Aggressive subscription model for previously purchased app
- 🔄 Conversion from AudioKit broke existing projects
- 📊 User data tracking added without clear benefit
- 🚫 Removed access to previously purchased presets/banks
- 😠 Lack of developer communication about changes

**Reported bugs**

- GarageBand compatibility broken after updates
- App not recognized in Logic Pro after updates
- Inconsistent sound quality across different registers
- Patch/preset settings not retained after closing DAW
- Audio Unit Extension crashes in GarageBand

**Requested features**

- Mac OS version for DAW compatibility
- Velocity sensitivity settings for keyboard
- Pitch bend and modulation wheels with actual functionality
- Better keyboard design with proper key sizing
- Improved UI layout to reduce wasted space in AUv3 mode


## Frequently asked questions

### Is AutoArp free?

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

### Is VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave free?

VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, AutoArp or VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave?

AutoArp is rated higher. AutoArp averages 4.3 out of 5 from 26 ratings, while VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave averages 4.0 from 132 ratings.

### Do AutoArp or VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave have ads?

VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave shows ads; AutoArp does not.

### Which is updated more often, AutoArp or VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave?

AutoArp ships an update every 4 months, and VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave every 2 weeks. Most recently, AutoArp was updated on October 7, 2026 and VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave on October 7, 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.*