# Core Synth Free vs Viking Synth

The clearest difference is price: Core Synth Free at Free against Viking Synth's $3.99. Core Synth Free also leads on iOS requirement (8.0 vs 12.0). Viking Synth's advantage is rating (4.7 vs 2.9) and in-app purchases (none vs 1). On review sentiment, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Core Synth Free is free to download; Viking Synth costs $3.99 up front. Core Synth Free sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Viking Synth asks for nothing beyond the download.

Viking Synth holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 2.9. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Viking Synth has 42 ratings behind it against 8, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 64% of Core Synth Free's written reviews are positive against 69% of Viking Synth's.

Core Synth Free ships an update every 13 months, Viking Synth every 4 months. The most recent releases landed on June 8, 2026 and September 23, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Core Synth Free | Viking Synth |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **Free** | $3.99 |
| Rating | [2.9 (8 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/core-synth-free/id449078353/reviews) | **[4.7 (42 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/viking-synth/id1085274012/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 8 | **42** |
| Positive reviews | 63.6% of reviews | **69.4% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 13 months | **Every 4 months** |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Paid |
| Size | 7 MB | 11 MB |
| Requires iOS | **8.0** | 12.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Core Engine Apps](https://appshunter.io/developer/382236096) | [Blamsoft, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1051938244) |

## What reviewers say

### Core Synth Free

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/core-synth-free/id449078353)

Create music with a monophonic synthesizer featuring dual oscillators, adjustable filters, and envelope shaping. Explore various wave patterns and octaves to craft unique sounds for live performance or composition.

**Highlights:** Dual overlapping oscillators, Four wave patterns, Adjustable low pass filter, ADSR envelope shaping, 1 octave keyboard, Save and load patches

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Full Version Upgrade | $0.99 | one-time |


### Viking Synth

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/viking-synth/id1085274012)

This app emulates a classic monophonic analog synthesizer with advanced DSP technology. It features three variable wave oscillators, dual ladder filters, an LFO, and two modulation busses for versatile sound design.  An intuitive interface and extensive preset library make it ideal for creating thick bass and rich lead sounds.

**Highlights:** Three continuously variable wave oscillators, Dual ladder filters (Lowpass/Highpass), Multi-wave LFO, Two modulation busses, Intuitive user interface with expandable controls, 228 presets including Bass, Lead, and Synthwave, State-of-the-art DSP for authentic sound

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🎶 Great sound quality
- 💡 Versatile sound options
- 💰 Excellent value (free)
- 💻 Lightweight and efficient
- 🎹 Good for learning synthesis

**What reviewers complain about**

- ❓ Preset issues
- 🔌 Not a standalone app
- 🐛 Occasional crashes
- 💾 Settings not saving
- 🤷‍♂️ Difficult to find/use

**Reported bugs**

- Presets not showing up
- Presets disappear
- App not showing in AUv3 menu
- Settings not saving after iOS 14 update
- Crashes when opening presets browser

**Requested features**

- More subtle drive mode
- Categorized preset browser
- Polyphony option
- Dark mode
- More apps from developer


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Core Synth Free free?

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

### Is Viking Synth free?

Viking Synth costs $3.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Core Synth Free or Viking Synth?

Viking Synth is rated higher. Core Synth Free averages 2.9 out of 5 from 8 ratings, while Viking Synth averages 4.7 from 42 ratings.

### Do Core Synth Free or Viking Synth have ads?

Neither Core Synth Free nor Viking Synth shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Core Synth Free or Viking Synth?

Core Synth Free ships an update every 13 months, and Viking Synth every 4 months. Most recently, Core Synth Free was updated on June 8, 2026 and Viking Synth on September 23, 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.*