Comparison

Sunrizer synth vs SAGA Synth | 16

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

Head to head
About

Sunrizer synth

This virtual analog synthesizer offers a rich, warm sound with advanced features like SuperSaw emulation and morphing parameter control. It integrates seamlessly with MIDI hardware and sequencers, providing a professional-grade sound design experience on iOS.

Highlights
  • SuperSaw sound emulation
  • Dual filters with configurable routing
  • Morph Group for parameter control
  • CoreMidi and background audio support
  • Multi-mode oscillator multiplication
  • Microtuning support
Features
Currently charting
Read full description

"This really is the synth that keeps on giving! Inspiration and intuition truly blend together in this musical instrument." Alan Parsons Sunrizer Synth is a virtual analog synthesizer that takes the definition of iOS synthesizer to the next level. Thanks to carefully designed architecture and heavy usage of coprocessor it blurs the boundaries between iOS and hardware synthesizers. Sunrizer was built to perform and works perfectly with any MIDI keyboard or sequencer. A lot of research has been done in order to achieve unique character, warmth and clarity. HIGHLIGHTS · True SuperSaw sound emulation, first found in the legendary Roland JP-8000 synthesizer. SuperSaw is a layered waveform consisting of multiple saw waves which are detuned to create an extremely full and epic sound. · Two filters per voice with configurable routing. 16 filter types available, including less common like Comb, Formant or Frequency shifter. · The Morph Group function lets you continuously morph of up to 30 parameters in a sound (including effects), using only the modulation wheel. · Full support for CoreMidi, MIDI mapping, Virtual Midi Ports and background audio. · Multi mode lets you multiply oscillators to get unbelievably fat and full sound. · Support for microtuning - load scl and tun files. Create fascinating microtonal music which uses intervals not found in the Western system of 12 equal intervals to the octave. OSCILLATORS · 2 warm-sounding analog modelled oscillators, 2 sub-oscillators (except SuperSaw). Available waveforms: Saw, PWM pulse,Triangle, SuperSaw, FM (frequency of phase modulation). 6 oscillators per voice in multi-sono mode. · Oscillator 2 hard-sync and configurable routing · FM (true frequency modulation) and PM mode · Osc-mix, ring modulator · White noise oscillator FLEXIBLE MULTI FILTERS · Two independent filters per voice with configurable routing. Filter types: LPF, HPF, BPF, Analog LPF, Notch, Comb, All pass, Power LPF, Power BPF, Wave shaper, Resonator, Resampler, LPF+Resampler, Frequency shifter. · Configurable routing: serial or parallel with bypass option. · ADSR envelope, keyboard tracking and full LFO control. MODULATION · Two LFOs per voice. It's possible to assign each LFO to almost any parameter. 3 LFO running modes: trigger, 1 shot, global. 6 waveforms, phase and fade-in knobs. · The Morph Group function lets you continuously morph of up to 30 parameters in a sound (including effects), using only the modulation wheel. · Two Modulation ADSR Envelopes for amplitude and filters cutoff. · Pitch and modulation wheels. EFFECTS · A number of effects are built in: distortion, hi-q reverb, chorus, rotary speaker simulation, equalizer, phaser and stereo delay. Dual-band FX processing. ARPEGGIATOR · Sunrizer incorporates very powerful programmable arpeggiator. You should think of it more like a small step sequencer. OTHER FEATURES · Over 380 presets, 7 additional banks available for FREE in web library (more coming soon) · Hold button allows you to to keep notes sustaining until you play new notes · With Chord Memory function you can play the chord by only pressing single keys · Phrase sequencer · Compatible with AudioBus · Adjustable polyphony: 6-20 voices · Playback modes: poly, solo, arp · Built-in recorder supporting AudioCopy, DropBox and iTunes file sharing. · Supports AUv3, MIDI, IAA, AudioBus 2.0 Visit www.beepstreet.com for user manual and audio demos. * Sunrizer is now available on Mac and PC, check our website for more info "Specs aside, the most important thing is the sound… and it’s great." musicradar.com "Sunrizer is the first truly mature polyphonic synth for the iPad, a real, smooth and powerful sounding option for all sorts of stage and studio performances." Mark Jenkins, author "Analog Synthesizers"

About

SAGA Synth | 16

This app provides a 16-bit retro video game synthesizer with over 350 presets. It allows for the creation of expressive pads, sound effects, drums, and leads, and can be used as a standalone app or an AUv3 plugin. Record and export your creations as WAV files.

Highlights
  • 16-bit retro video game synth
  • Over 350+ presets
  • Standalone app & AUv3 plugin
  • Step sequencer
  • Audio recording and export
  • MIDI keyboard support
  • Ableton Link
Features
Read full description

"SAGA SYNTH IS THE MOST FUN MUSIC APP ON THE PLANET!" – The GarageBand Guide SAGA Synth is a super-fun retro 16-bit video game synth More than chiptunes, you can use this synth for amazing and expressive pads, sound fx, drums, leads, and more! Make your music stand out with real 16-bit retro video game power. Created from 5 different vintage hardware YM2616 sound chips for the greatest collection of 16-bit sounds ever produced. We put lots of love into making this app. Ready Player One? Press a Key to take your music to the next level! REQUIRES iOS 14 and ABOVE! Thank you. :) Includes over 350+ Presets by MobyPixel, Electronisounds, Red Sky Lullaby, Gavinski, The GarageBand Guide, DJ Puzzle, The Audio Dabbler, Sound of Izrael, Marc Hupkens, AnalogMatthew, Brian Funk, Shazaam the Producer and more. Features custom-created sounds for this app, made from vintage retro gaming hardware. Learn More & Watch Videos: audiokitpro.com/sagasynth SAGA SYNTH is available only on iOS and iPadOS. FEATURES: • Standalone app & iOS AUv3 Plugin • Over 350+ presets to inspire you • Fun free-running step sequencer • Exclusive sound sources made for this app • New, more stable AudioKit code • 16-bit Synth, Drum, and Sound FX sounds included • Over 600+ Mb of sounds compressed to under 150 Mb • Audio recording, record your sounds then export wav files! No other apps needed • Use as an iOS Plug-in in hosts like GarageBand, AUM, Cubasis, Beatmaker 3, and more • Use with MIDI keyboard or iOS MIDI host • Ableton Link SAGA Synth is the first of the next generation of AudioKit Pro apps, written from the ground up with a focus on playability and amazing sound. We've added rock-solid sequencer timing, improved AUv3 support, easy standalone recording, and much more. It's created with lots of love. + iPhone & iPad versions included for one low price ++ BONUS: Includes sounds from the best-selling Ableton 16-Bit Video Game sound packs by Brian Funk. For the first time on iOS! More Info: www.audiokitpro.com/sagasynth ### AudioKit is an open-source project intended to bring joy and music to people, and enlighten people on how to build custom instruments and iOS apps. All product names, images, and trademarks are the property of their respective owners, including SEGA Corporation, Yamaha Corporation, Twisted Electrons, MEGAfm, Genesis, MegaDrive, and others, which are in no way associated or affiliated with the creators of this app, including AudioKit, Brian Funk, AudioKit Pro, LLC, and the other contributors. Product names are used solely for the purpose of identifying specific products related to hardware, synthesizers, sampling, sound design, and music-making. Use of these names and images does not imply any cooperation or endorsement, including SEGA Corporation, Yamaha Corporation, Twisted Electrons, MEGAfm, Genesis, MegaDrive, and others. We thank them for their incredible hardware and instruments.

Screenshots

Sunrizer synth3 screens
SAGA Synth | 164 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: SAGA Synth | 16 at $3.99 against Sunrizer synth's $12.99. SAGA Synth | 16 also leads on update cadence (monthly vs every 6 months) and rating (4.9 vs 4.7). Sunrizer synth's advantage is chart position (#178 vs unranked) and iOS requirement (10.3 vs 14.4). On review sentiment, ratings volume, ads and in-app purchases 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

Sunrizer synth costs $12.99 and SAGA Synth | 16 $3.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

SAGA Synth | 16 holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.7. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 183 and 442 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 88% of Sunrizer synth's written reviews are positive against 89% of SAGA Synth | 16's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Sunrizer synth ships an update every 6 months, SAGA Synth | 16 monthly. Both last shipped on October 20, 2026.

Scorecard5 real differences · 6 level
Sunrizer synth versus SAGA Synth | 16: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSunrizer synthSAGA Synth | 16
Price$12.99$3.99 — better
Rating4.7 (183 ratings)4.9 (442 ratings) — better
Positive reviews87.8% of reviews89.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings183442 — better
Update frequencyEvery 6 monthsMonthly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaidPaid
Best chart rank#178 — better—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS10.3 — better14.4
Further details — not scored
Size28 MB121 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperBeepStreetAudioKit Pro

Customer experience

Sunrizer synth

All ratings183 ratings
Positive90.2%
Neutral5.5%
Negative4.4%
Written reviews303 reviews
Positive87.8%
Neutral5.3%
Negative6.9%

SAGA Synth | 16

All ratings435 ratings
Positive98.9%
Neutral0.9%
Negative0.2%
Written reviews73 reviews
Positive89.0%
Neutral1.4%
Negative9.6%

User reviews

Sunrizer synth

From 183 App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🎨 Exceptional sound quality
  • 👍 Intuitive and easy-to-use interface
  • 🎹 Powerful and flexible synth engine
  • 💡 Excellent preset library
  • 🎚️ Comprehensive modulation and effects

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Occasional crashes and glitches
  • 🔌 Compatibility issues with certain DAWs
  • 🔇 Limited audio export options
  • 🧭 Confusing preset management

SAGA Synth | 16

From 442 App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🎶 Awesome retro sounds
  • 👍 Great creation methods
  • 🎨 Versatile and fun
  • 🎨 More than just game sounds
  • 👍 Tons of presets

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Midi not working properly
  • 🐛 Sequencer issues with recording
  • 🐛 Keyboard issues and bugs
  • 🐛 Crashes and stability problems
  • 🤔 Not true 16-bit emulation

Bugs and requests

Sunrizer synth

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • Synth freezes when loading certain presets
  • Inconsistent behavior when using multiple instances
  • Graphical issues on newer iPad models

Requested features

4 requests
  • Improved MIDI integration and control
  • Expanded arpeggiator and sequencing capabilities
  • More advanced sound design tools
  • Ability to save custom tunings

SAGA Synth | 16

Reported bugs

2 issues
  • Crashes when too many favorites
  • Overlapping UI elements on phones

Requested features

3 requests
  • Export to Famitone music file
  • macOS version
  • Improved quantization

In-app purchases

None

Sunrizer synth

No in-app purchases

None

SAGA Synth | 16

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Sunrizer synth free?
Sunrizer synth costs $12.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is SAGA Synth | 16 free?
SAGA Synth | 16 costs $3.99, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Sunrizer synth or SAGA Synth | 16?
SAGA Synth | 16 is rated higher. Sunrizer synth averages 4.7 out of 5 from 183 ratings, while SAGA Synth | 16 averages 4.9 from 442 ratings.
Do Sunrizer synth or SAGA Synth | 16 have ads?
Neither Sunrizer synth nor SAGA Synth | 16 shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Sunrizer synth or SAGA Synth | 16?
Sunrizer synth ships an update every 6 months, and SAGA Synth | 16 monthly. Most recently, Sunrizer synth was updated on October 20, 2026 and SAGA Synth | 16 on October 20, 2026.

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