# iVCS3 vs iProphet Synthesizer

The clearest difference is review sentiment: iVCS3 at 91% against iProphet Synthesizer's 34%. iVCS3 also leads on rating (4.9 vs 3.5) and ratings volume (205 vs 31). iProphet Synthesizer's advantage is price ($9.99 vs $19.99) and in-app purchases (none vs 10). On update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

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

iVCS3 holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 3.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: iVCS3 has 205 ratings behind it against 31, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 91% of iVCS3's written reviews are positive against 34% of iProphet Synthesizer's.

iVCS3 ships an update every 2 months, iProphet Synthesizer every 5 months. The most recent releases landed on October 25, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | iVCS3 | iProphet Synthesizer |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $19.99 | **$9.99** |
| Rating | **[4.9 (205 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ivcs3/id665703927/reviews)** | [3.5 (31 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/iprophet-synthesizer/id898449685/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **205** | 31 |
| Positive reviews | **90.7% of reviews** | 34.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 months** | Every 5 months |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Paid |
| Size | 107 MB | 85 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **8.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad** | iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [apeSoft](https://appshunter.io/developer/464660782) | [Arturia](https://appshunter.io/developer/549089551) |

## What reviewers say

### 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


### iProphet Synthesizer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/iprophet-synthesizer/id898449685)

This app emulates the classic Sequential Circuits Prophet VS synthesizer, offering its unique digital sound. Sculpt sounds with four digital oscillators, a multimode filter, and extensive modulation options. It includes over 500 presets and integrates with other music production tools.

**Highlights:** Vector screen with joysticks, Modulation Matrix, 3 DSP effects, 96 waveforms, 4 filter types, Vector envelope, Unison/detune

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🎵 Authentic Prophet VS sound quality and character
- 🎹 Deep modulation matrix with vector synthesis capabilities
- 🎚️ Extensive preset library with diverse sounds
- 🎨 Intuitive visual interface and design
- 💰 Affordable price point for feature set

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Persistent audio distortion and crackling issues
- 🐛 Frequent crashes and app freezes
- 🔌 Poor inter-app audio (IAA) and Audiobus integration
- 🔋 Excessive battery drain in background
- ⚠️ Abandoned by developer with no updates

**Reported bugs**

- Audio distortion and crackling in all presets
- App crashes on iOS 14+ versions
- Inter-app audio (IAA) connection requires multiple restarts
- Preset changes cause app freezes and audio cutouts
- Stuck and hanging notes when sliding on keyboard

**Requested features**

- AUv3 plugin support for Logic Pro and other DAWs
- Ability to save custom patches and presets
- Velocity and aftertouch MIDI support
- MIDI control for joystick parameter
- User-defined waveform creation


## Frequently asked questions

### Is iVCS3 free?

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

### Is iProphet Synthesizer free?

iProphet Synthesizer costs $9.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, iVCS3 or iProphet Synthesizer?

iVCS3 is rated higher. iVCS3 averages 4.9 out of 5 from 205 ratings, while iProphet Synthesizer averages 3.5 from 31 ratings.

### Do iVCS3 or iProphet Synthesizer have ads?

Neither iVCS3 nor iProphet Synthesizer shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, iVCS3 or iProphet Synthesizer?

iVCS3 ships an update every 2 months, and iProphet Synthesizer every 5 months. Most recently, iVCS3 was updated on October 25, 2026 and iProphet Synthesizer on October 24, 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.*