Comparison

shapesynth vs VA

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

Head to head
About

shapesynth

Create unique retro-inspired sounds by drawing oscillator waveforms. This polyphonic synthesizer offers extensive modulation options, built-in effects, and recording capabilities. Seamlessly integrate with other music apps and hardware for a versatile creative experience.

Highlights
  • Draw custom oscillator waveforms
  • 16-voice polyphony
  • Arpeggiator and stereo delay
  • Resonant filter
  • Parameter modulation via keyboard, MPE, accelerometer
  • Tape recorder with infinite overdubs
  • Inter-app audio and AUv3 support
Features
Read full description

Shape is a polyphonic synthesiser allowing the user to draw the shape of the oscillator waveform. The first half of the oscillator is represented by 32 blocks and the second half is its mirror, generating all sorts of possible raw retroish sounds. 16 pages per oscillator allows to interpolate between different shapes. Add effects like arpeggio, stereo delay and a resonant filter and record your sounds on a classic tape. Modulate any parameter with keyboard, MIDI MPE or the device accelerometer. Connect to other apps with AudioBus, IAA, AUv3 and midi. +++ 16 voice polyphony +++ 2 oscillators, draw your own shape +++ 3 oscillator mixing functions (add, subtract or multiply) +++ Lfo modulation with ADSR: envelope, pitch, duty cycle, square, page or filter +++ Record on tape with infinite overdubs (save, load, import, export) +++ Arpeggiator +++ Stereo delay +++ Resonant filter (low, band and high pass) +++ Modulate any parameter using keyboard, MIDI MPE or accelerometer (Built in or Sphero) +++ Mini linear sequencer with euclidean rhythm +++ On screen 25 key stylophone style keyboard +++ AudioBus, Inter App Audio and AUv3 +++ Ableton link or AUv3 host sync +++ CoreMIDI, IAA MIDI, Bluetooth MIDI, limited MPE and MIDI out +++ Audio Paste, files app drag’n drop or open with

About

VA

Features
Currently charting
Read full description

VA-1 is a focused virtual-analog synthesizer for musicians, producers, and sound designers who want a fast, hands-on way to create their own sounds. Play, sequence, record, and shape sounds from one direct interface inspired by classic hardware synths. No subscription. No in-app purchases. No ads. No account required. — SYNTHESIZER — • Up to 16-voice polyphony • Two oscillators plus a sub oscillator • Independent oscillator noise controls • Multi-mode filter with resonance • Amp and filter ADSR envelopes • One LFO per voice • Chorus, phaser, delay, and reverb effects Explore the included factory sounds, customize any preset, mark favorites, and save your own creations. — SEQUENCER & WAV EXPORT — Record and loop sequences while shaping the sound, change the pattern length, or use KEY mode to transpose a sequence from the keyboard. Capture VA-1’s stereo output while you play, then preview, save, or share the recording as a WAV file. Sequencer loops can also be exported directly to WAV using the current sound, tempo, and effects. Recording captures only VA-1’s internally generated output. It does not use the microphone or record audio-interface inputs. — MIDI & AUv3 — • External MIDI input and output • Send MIDI from the keyboard or sequencer to external instruments • MIDI Learn for mapping hardware controls • Standard MIDI CC support • AUv3 instrument support in compatible hosts • Background audio • Support for class-compliant USB audio interfaces — ONE PURCHASE, ALL YOUR DEVICES — VA-1 is a universal purchase. Buy it once and install it on iPhone, iPad, and Mac at no additional cost.

Screenshots

shapesynth4 screens
VA3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: shapesynth at $4.99 against VA's $9.99. shapesynth also leads on iOS requirement (9.0 vs 18.0). VA's advantage is chart position (#198 vs unranked). On update cadence, 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

shapesynth costs $4.99 and VA $9.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on November 1, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 8 level
shapesynth versus VA: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParametershapesynthVA
Price$4.99 — better$9.99
Rating4.9 (24 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews65.1% of reviews—
Number of ratings24 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsEvery 2 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaid—
Best chart rank—#198 — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, Mac
Requires iOS9.0 — better18.0
Further details — not scored
Size8 MB12 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperErik SigthRichard Gillespie

In-app purchases

None

shapesynth

No in-app purchases

None

VA

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is shapesynth free?
shapesynth costs $4.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is VA free?
VA costs $9.99, with no in-app purchases.
Do shapesynth or VA have ads?
Neither shapesynth nor VA shows ads.
Which is updated more often, shapesynth or VA?
shapesynth ships an update every 2 months, and VA every 2 months. Most recently, shapesynth was updated on November 1, 2026 and VA on October 31, 2026.

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