# miniSynth 2 vs iVCS3

The clearest difference is price: miniSynth 2 at $0.99 against iVCS3's $19.99. miniSynth 2 also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 10) and iOS requirement (7.1 vs 17.0). iVCS3's advantage is update cadence (every 2 months vs every 12 months) and rating (4.9 vs 4.6). On ads and device support there is nothing between them.

miniSynth 2 costs $0.99 and iVCS3 $19.99 up front. iVCS3 sells 10 one-off in-app purchases. miniSynth 2 asks for nothing beyond the download.

iVCS3 holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: iVCS3 has 206 ratings behind it against 22, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 82% of miniSynth 2's written reviews are positive against 91% of iVCS3's.

miniSynth 2 ships an update every 12 months, iVCS3 every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 16, 2026 and October 18, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | miniSynth 2 | iVCS3 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **$0.99** | $19.99 |
| Rating | [4.6 (22 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/minisynth-2/id616496999/reviews) | **[4.9 (206 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ivcs3/id665703927/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 22 | **206** |
| Positive reviews | 81.9% of reviews | **90.7% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 12 months | **Every 2 months** |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 12 MB | 107 MB |
| Requires iOS | **7.1** | 17.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Yonac Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/288670023) | [apeSoft](https://appshunter.io/developer/464660782) |

## What reviewers say

### miniSynth 2

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/minisynth-2/id616496999)

This app offers a powerful yet simple virtual analog synthesizer experience, building on the legacy of the first iOS synthesizer. It provides real-time synthesis with professional DSP and production-friendly features for both beginners and experienced musicians.

**Highlights:** Virtual analog synthesis, Dual analog-modelling oscillators, Low-Pass Filter with ADSR, Delay and Reverb effects, Audiobus Output, MIDI In support, 30 Factory Presets

**In-app purchases:** none


### 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 miniSynth 2 free?

miniSynth 2 costs $0.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is iVCS3 free?

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

### Which has better reviews, miniSynth 2 or iVCS3?

iVCS3 is rated higher. miniSynth 2 averages 4.6 out of 5 from 22 ratings, while iVCS3 averages 4.9 from 206 ratings.

### Do miniSynth 2 or iVCS3 have ads?

Neither miniSynth 2 nor iVCS3 shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, miniSynth 2 or iVCS3?

miniSynth 2 ships an update every 12 months, and iVCS3 every 2 months. Most recently, miniSynth 2 was updated on October 16, 2026 and iVCS3 on October 18, 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.*