# Sunrizer synth vs iVCS3

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Sunrizer synth at none against iVCS3's 10. Sunrizer synth also leads on price ($12.99 vs $19.99) and iOS requirement (10.3 vs 17.0). iVCS3's advantage is rating (4.9 vs 4.7) and update cadence (every 2 months vs every 6 months). On review sentiment, ratings volume, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Sunrizer synth costs $12.99 and iVCS3 $19.99 up front. iVCS3 sells 10 one-off in-app purchases. Sunrizer synth asks for nothing beyond the download.

iVCS3 holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.7. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 183 and 206 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 88% of Sunrizer synth's written reviews are positive against 91% of iVCS3's.

Sunrizer synth ships an update every 6 months, iVCS3 every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on September 23, 2026 and September 21, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Sunrizer synth | iVCS3 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **$12.99** | $19.99 |
| Rating | [4.7 (183 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sunrizer-synth/id443663267/reviews) | **[4.9 (206 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ivcs3/id665703927/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 183 | **206** |
| Positive reviews | 87.8% of reviews | **90.6% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 6 months | **Every 2 months** |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 28 MB | 107 MB |
| Requires iOS | **10.3** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [BeepStreet](https://appshunter.io/developer/321412321) | [apeSoft](https://appshunter.io/developer/464660782) |

## What reviewers say

### Sunrizer synth

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sunrizer-synth/id443663267)

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:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

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

**What reviewers complain about**

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

**Reported bugs**

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

**Requested features**

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


### iVCS3

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ivcs3/id665703927)

This application emulates the iconic EMS VCS3 synthesizer, a pioneering portable synthesizer from 1969. It recreates the original's unique sound generation capabilities, including its oscillators, filters, and patch matrix, allowing users to explore its distinctive sonic palette.

**Highlights:** Official EMS VCS3 emulation, Three oscillators (2 VCOs, 1 LFO), Noise generator, Voltage controlled low pass filter (VCF), Patch board matrix, Joy-stick controller, Voltage controlled spring reverb

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

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Red Sky Lullaby - 180 Presets | Free | one-time |
| Singe Difficile by RUST(i)K | Free | one-time |
| RUMBLE | Free | one-time |
| OLD GRIT - COLLECTION | Free | one-time |
| JEC 2018 Iconic PinkFloyd | Free | one-time |
| JEC EMS-50 | Free | one-time |
| SINAPSYA - Under The Dust | $2.99 | one-time |
| LALA - Sonic Pleasures | $3.99 | one-time |
| JEC Mega Bank | $4.99 | one-time |
| Essential EMS Modifications | $6.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Faithful recreation of the original
- 👍 Powerful and versatile sound
- 🎨 Gorgeous vintage interface
- 💡 Additional features beyond the original
- 🎛️ Excellent integration with MIDI and other apps

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional crashes and bugs
- 🤔 Steep learning curve
- 🔍 Difficult to navigate the matrix

**Reported bugs**

- Presets not loading
- Crashes on iOS 15.04
- Sampler not functioning properly

**Requested features**

- Mac compatibility
- Improved preset management
- Expanded sampling capabilities


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Sunrizer synth free?

Sunrizer synth costs $12.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is iVCS3 free?

iVCS3 costs $19.99, and also offers in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Sunrizer synth or iVCS3?

iVCS3 is rated higher. Sunrizer synth averages 4.7 out of 5 from 183 ratings, while iVCS3 averages 4.9 from 206 ratings.

### Do Sunrizer synth or iVCS3 have ads?

Neither Sunrizer synth nor iVCS3 shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Sunrizer synth or iVCS3?

Sunrizer synth ships an update every 6 months, and iVCS3 every 2 months. Most recently, Sunrizer synth was updated on September 23, 2026 and iVCS3 on September 21, 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.*