# iMPC vs iVCS3

The clearest difference is review sentiment: iVCS3 at 91% against iMPC's 44%. iVCS3 also leads on rating (4.9 vs 2.3) and update cadence (every 2 months vs every 10 months). iMPC's advantage is price ($9.99 vs $19.99) and in-app purchases (none vs 10). On ads and device support there is nothing between them.

iMPC costs $9.99 and iVCS3 $19.99 up front. iVCS3 sells 10 one-off in-app purchases. iMPC asks for nothing beyond the download.

iVCS3 holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 2.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: iVCS3 has 206 ratings behind it against 32, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 44% of iMPC's written reviews are positive against 91% of iVCS3's.

iMPC ships an update every 10 months, iVCS3 every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 6, 2026 and October 14, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | iMPC | iVCS3 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **$9.99** | $19.99 |
| Rating | [2.3 (32 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/impc/id584548447/reviews) | **[4.9 (206 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ivcs3/id665703927/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 32 | **206** |
| Positive reviews | 44.5% of reviews | **90.7% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 10 months | **Every 2 months** |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 440 MB | 107 MB |
| Requires iOS | **8.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | iPad | **iPhone, iPad** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Akai Professional](https://appshunter.io/developer/373969727) | [apeSoft](https://appshunter.io/developer/464660782) |

## What reviewers say

### iMPC

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/impc/id584548447)

Transform your iPad into a powerful music production tool with this app. It offers a classic MPC workflow, extensive sample libraries, and advanced editing features to create beats and sequences. Easily record, overdub, and share your musical creations.

**Highlights:** Classic MPC workflow, Over 1,200 samples, Record and overdub beats, Built-in effects, Sampler with multiple input options, Export tracks to MPC Software, 16 Levels mode

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Intuitive workflow
- 💯 Great sample library
- 🎨 Classic MPC look and feel
- 💰 Good value for money

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔇 Weak metronome
- 🔢 Limited to 4 tracks
- 🔁 No sample editing after assignment
- 🔌 Lack of Audiobus/MIDI support

**Reported bugs**

- Crashes and freezes
- Exported audio quality issues
- Inconsistent MIDI implementation

**Requested features**

- Ability to chop samples
- More effects and sound processing options
- Increased track count
- Audiobus and MIDI integration
- Improved sample management and organization


### 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 iMPC free?

iMPC costs $9.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is iVCS3 free?

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

### Which has better reviews, iMPC or iVCS3?

iVCS3 is rated higher. iMPC averages 2.3 out of 5 from 32 ratings, while iVCS3 averages 4.9 from 206 ratings.

### Do iMPC or iVCS3 have ads?

Neither iMPC nor iVCS3 shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, iMPC or iVCS3?

iMPC ships an update every 10 months, and iVCS3 every 2 months. Most recently, iMPC was updated on October 6, 2026 and iVCS3 on October 14, 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.*