# Core Synth Free vs SynthMaster One for iPhone

The clearest difference is rating: SynthMaster One for iPhone at 4.8 against Core Synth Free's 2.9. SynthMaster One for iPhone also leads on update cadence (every 2 months vs every 13 months) and ratings volume (331 vs 8). Core Synth Free's advantage is iOS requirement (8.0 vs 10.0). On price, review sentiment, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Core Synth Free sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and SynthMaster One for iPhone sells 10 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

SynthMaster One for iPhone holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 2.9. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: SynthMaster One for iPhone has 331 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 66% of SynthMaster One for iPhone's.

Core Synth Free ships an update every 13 months, SynthMaster One for iPhone every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on June 8, 2026 and September 19, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Core Synth Free | SynthMaster One for iPhone |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [2.9 (8 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/core-synth-free/id449078353/reviews) | **[4.8 (331 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/synthmaster-one-for-iphone/id1490902617/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 8 | **331** |
| Positive reviews | 63.6% of reviews | **66.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 13 months | **Every 2 months** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 7 MB | 297 MB |
| Requires iOS | **8.0** | 10.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Core Engine Apps](https://appshunter.io/developer/382236096) | [KV331 Audio](https://appshunter.io/developer/944155925) |

## 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 |


### SynthMaster One for iPhone

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/synthmaster-one-for-iphone/id1490902617)

This powerful wavetable synthesizer app offers an intuitive workflow for creating new sounds. It features a rich library of wavetables, inspiring factory presets, and real-time modulation feedback for sound design.

**Highlights:** Wavetable synthesis, 300 factory presets, AUv3 support, Files App integration, Real-time modulation feedback, Semi-modular architecture, 32-step arpeggiator/sequencer

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| BigTone Club Construction Set | $4.99 | one-time |
| True Trance Sounds Volume 1 | $4.99 | one-time |
| Vandalism Future House | $4.99 | one-time |
| NatLife Retrowave Sounds Vol.1 | $4.99 | one-time |
| Demis Hellen Euphoric Trance | $4.99 | one-time |
| NatLife Progressive&Deep Vol.1 | $4.99 | one-time |
| Vandalism Shocking Future Bass | $4.99 | one-time |
| Venus Theory Trap Sounds | $4.99 | one-time |
| Desktop Presets Upgrade | $9.99 | one-time |
| SM One Expansions Bundle | $24.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- ✨ Excellent sound quality
- 🤩 Incredible features for free
- 👍 Easy to use interface
- 🎛️ Versatile sound design capabilities
- 🎵 Great for GarageBand integration

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent crashes
- 🔌 Issues with GarageBand integration
- 💸 In-app purchase problems
- 🔄 Presets not saving
- 📉 App appears abandoned

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes when loading saved presets
- App crashes when setting default sound
- AUv3 option disappears in GarageBand
- Inability to reload user patches without crashing
- Inability to purchase certain IAP packs

**Requested features**

- Fix in-app purchase issues
- Improve GarageBand AUv3 stability
- Enable saving of custom presets
- Address crashing when loading presets
- Fix note pitch issues


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Core Synth Free free?

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

### Is SynthMaster One for iPhone free?

SynthMaster One for iPhone is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Core Synth Free or SynthMaster One for iPhone?

SynthMaster One for iPhone is rated higher. Core Synth Free averages 2.9 out of 5 from 8 ratings, while SynthMaster One for iPhone averages 4.8 from 331 ratings.

### Do Core Synth Free or SynthMaster One for iPhone have ads?

Neither Core Synth Free nor SynthMaster One for iPhone shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Core Synth Free or SynthMaster One for iPhone?

Core Synth Free ships an update every 13 months, and SynthMaster One for iPhone every 2 months. Most recently, Core Synth Free was updated on June 8, 2026 and SynthMaster One for iPhone on September 19, 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.*