# Core Synth HD vs XPad

The clearest difference is rating: XPad at 3.8 against Core Synth HD's 3.4. XPad also leads on monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases) and update cadence (every 4 weeks vs every 4 months). Core Synth HD's advantage is iOS requirement (8.0 vs 12.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Core Synth HD sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and XPad sells 14 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

XPad holds the better App Store score, 3.8 against 3.4. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 5 and 24 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 31% of Core Synth HD's written reviews are positive against 50% of XPad's.

Core Synth HD ships an update every 4 months, XPad every 4 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 7, 2026 and September 29, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Core Synth HD | XPad |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.4 (5 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/core-synth-hd/id446631941/reviews) | **[3.8 (24 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/xpad/id1338505908/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 5 | **24** |
| Positive reviews | 30.6% of reviews | **50.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Every 4 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 10 MB | 1.2 GB |
| Requires iOS | **8.0** | 12.0 |
| Devices | iPad | iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Core Engine Apps](https://appshunter.io/developer/382236096) | [Christian Schoenebeck d/b/a Crudebyte](https://appshunter.io/developer/428367741) |

## What reviewers say

### Core Synth HD

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/core-synth-hd/id446631941)

Create music with a powerful monophonic synthesizer for iPad. Explore dual oscillators, customizable filters, and an arpeggiator. Save your custom sounds and enhance your live performances with intuitive controls.

**Highlights:** Dual overlapping oscillators, Four wave patterns, Low Pass Filter with ADSR, Volume Envelope Shaper (ADSR), Arpeggiator with multiple modes, Save unlimited patches

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Full Version Upgrade | $1.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Good for learning basics
- 🎶 Nice retro sound emulation
- 💰 Great value for free/low cost
- 🎹 All controls visible
- 💡 Simple and clear interface

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔇 No sound issues
- 🔇 Sound stopped working
- 🔇 No sound after purchase
- 🔇 No sound on specific iOS versions
- 🐛 Glitching/microclicks

**Reported bugs**

- No sound on iPad Pro
- No sound on iOS 12
- No sound since last update
- Program doesn't start after update
- Ad blocks view

**Requested features**

- Add MIDI support
- Add Audiobus support
- Add recording with copy/paste
- Add sine wave for sub basses
- Add polyphony option


### XPad

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/xpad/id1338505908)

This app provides professional pad sounds for keyboardists, aiming to replicate warm analog synth tones with advanced digital features. It offers intuitive glissando control, real-time sound morphing, and extensive MIDI compatibility for a dynamic playing experience.

**Highlights:** Modern pad sounds, Realistic glissando control, Tone Width morphing, Sensible sound controls, MIDI remote control, Extensive sound library search

**Features:** Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (14)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weirdo Sound Set | $2.99 | one-time |
| Pluck Sound Set | $2.99 | one-time |
| Metal Sound Set | $3.99 | one-time |
| Bass Sound Set | $3.99 | one-time |
| Choir Sound Set | $3.99 | one-time |
| Altro Sound Set | $3.99 | one-time |
| Organ Sound Set | $3.99 | one-time |
| Percussive Sound Set | $3.99 | one-time |
| Silicon Sound Set | $4.99 | one-time |
| Vintage Sound Set | $4.99 | one-time |
| Atmo Sound Set | $5.99 | one-time |
| Space Sound Set | $5.99 | one-time |
| Nature Sound Set | $5.99 | one-time |
| Sequence Sound Set | $5.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Core Synth HD free?

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

### Is XPad free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Core Synth HD or XPad?

XPad is rated higher. Core Synth HD averages 3.4 out of 5 from 5 ratings, while XPad averages 3.8 from 24 ratings.

### Do Core Synth HD or XPad have ads?

Neither Core Synth HD nor XPad shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Core Synth HD or XPad?

Core Synth HD ships an update every 4 months, and XPad every 4 weeks. Most recently, Core Synth HD was updated on October 7, 2026 and XPad on September 29, 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.*