# VocaLive CS vs Style Studio by Smule

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Style Studio by Smule at none against VocaLive CS's 10. Style Studio by Smule also leads on update cadence (every 2 months vs every 8 months). VocaLive CS's advantage is review sentiment (39% vs 22%) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.0). On price, ads, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. VocaLive CS sells 10 one-off in-app purchases. Style Studio by Smule asks for nothing beyond the download.

VocaLive CS ships an update every 8 months, Style Studio by Smule every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on November 1, 2026 and November 3, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | VocaLive CS | Style Studio by Smule |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[2.6 (195 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/style-studio-by-smule/id1530175408/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **195** |
| Positive reviews | **39.5% of reviews** | 22.3% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 8 months | **Every 2 months** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 107 MB | 136 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 9+ |
| Developer | [IK Multimedia US, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/323694278) | [Smule](https://appshunter.io/developer/290596339) |

## What reviewers say

### VocaLive CS

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vocalive-cs/id419846636)

This app provides singers with 12 professional real-time vocal effects, including pitch correction and reverb. It offers practice tools, a 2-track recorder, and the ability to sing along to music with vocal removal. Additional features like microphone emulations and a looper are available through in-app purchases.

**Highlights:** 12 real-time professional vocal effects, 4-processor effects chain with presets, Voice Cancel for sing-along tracks, 2-track recorder (expandable), Mic Room microphone emulations, 4-track looper

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Delay | $4.99 | one-time |
| Parametric Equalizer | $4.99 | one-time |
| Compressor | $4.99 | one-time |
| Pitch Fix | $5.99 | one-time |
| Choir | $5.99 | one-time |
| Morph | $5.99 | one-time |
| Mic Pack | $14.99 | one-time |
| Recorder | $19.99 | one-time |
| Recorder + Studio | $24.99 | one-time |
| All FX Pack | $24.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🎤 Powerful vocal effects
- 💾 Ability to record and save songs
- 📤 Option to email recorded tracks
- 🎶 Works well with external mics like iRig

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent crashes and bugs
- 🔍 Confusing user interface
- 💰 Expensive in-app purchases
- 🚫 Compatibility issues with newer iOS versions

**Reported bugs**

- Recording quality issues with certain devices
- Effects not working as expected after updates
- Inability to delete recorded tracks
- Login/registration problems

**Requested features**

- Add wireless support for headphones/mics
- Improve song export and sharing options
- Provide better documentation and tutorials
- Implement regular app updates and bug fixes


### Style Studio by Smule

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/style-studio-by-smule/id1530175408)

Enhance your singing performances with custom audio and video effects. Create unique templates with various effects for different song segments to personalize your recordings. Share your creations with a global community and inspire others.

**Highlights:** Add unique effects to song segments, Change song tone with audio options, Use layouts and transitions, Apply lens choices for visual effects, Create visual energy with animations, Transform recording look and sound

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Cool new features
- 🎨 Creative video editing
- 🎶 Enhances singing experience
- 👍 Lots of customization options

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent crashes
- 🤯 Confusing and complicated to use
- 🔒 Privacy concerns with shared recordings
- 🙄 Unnecessary separate app
- 🤔 Disrupts original Smule functionality

**Reported bugs**

- Styles not saving properly
- Inability to find and access created styles
- Inconsistent behavior across song sections
- Compatibility issues with older devices

**Requested features**

- Add tutorial or in-app instructions
- Allow editing and deleting of created styles
- Option to use original Smule effects
- Integrate style creation within main Smule app


## Frequently asked questions

### Is VocaLive CS free?

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

### Is Style Studio by Smule free?

Style Studio by Smule is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Do VocaLive CS or Style Studio by Smule have ads?

Neither VocaLive CS nor Style Studio by Smule shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, VocaLive CS or Style Studio by Smule?

VocaLive CS ships an update every 8 months, and Style Studio by Smule every 2 months. Most recently, VocaLive CS was updated on November 1, 2026 and Style Studio by Smule on November 3, 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.*