# AutoArp vs Retro Synth

The clearest difference is ratings volume: AutoArp at 26 against Retro Synth's 5. AutoArp also leads on iOS requirement (10.0 vs 17.0). On price, rating, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. AutoArp sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Retro Synth sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.3 for AutoArp against 4.2 for Retro Synth. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: AutoArp has 26 ratings behind it against 5, so its average is the more settled of the two.

AutoArp ships an update every 4 months, Retro Synth every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 15, 2026 and October 17, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | AutoArp | Retro Synth |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.3 (26 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/autoarp/id413244255/reviews)** | [4.2 (5 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/retro-synth-syntophone/id6754520378/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **26** | 5 |
| Positive reviews | 82.1% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Every 2 months** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 5 MB | 14 MB |
| Requires iOS | **10.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Drew Milloy](https://appshunter.io/developer/328220392) | [Kerem ERSU](https://appshunter.io/developer/1759709233) |

## 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 |


### Retro Synth

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/retro-synth-syntophone/id6754520378)

Create authentic retro music with this vintage-inspired synthesizer app. Explore sound design with tone controls and vibrato, or upgrade for premium waveforms and studio effects. Designed for instant musical creativity, it offers a portable music-making experience.

**Highlights:** Authentic vintage sound recreation, Tone control for sound shaping, Vibrato effect for musical expression, Zero latency real-time response, Premium waveforms (Sine, Sawtooth, Triangle), Studio effects (Reverb, Delay), MIDI export

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly Subscription | $3.99 | per month |
| Annual Subscription | $24.99 | per year |
| Remove ads | $2.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is AutoArp free?

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

### Is Retro Synth free?

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

### Which has better reviews, AutoArp or Retro Synth?

AutoArp is rated higher. AutoArp averages 4.3 out of 5 from 26 ratings, while Retro Synth averages 4.2 from 5 ratings.

### Do AutoArp or Retro Synth have ads?

Neither AutoArp nor Retro Synth shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, AutoArp or Retro Synth?

AutoArp ships an update every 4 months, and Retro Synth every 2 months. Most recently, AutoArp was updated on October 15, 2026 and Retro Synth on October 17, 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.*