# BOSS Effect Loader vs SynthMaster 3 Player

The clearest difference is review sentiment: SynthMaster 3 Player at 87% against BOSS Effect Loader's 42%. SynthMaster 3 Player also leads on rating (4.7 vs 3.5) and update cadence (weekly vs every 5 months). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. BOSS Effect Loader sells 8 one-off in-app purchases and SynthMaster 3 Player sells 14 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

SynthMaster 3 Player holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 3.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: SynthMaster 3 Player has 55 ratings behind it against 8, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 42% of BOSS Effect Loader's written reviews are positive against 87% of SynthMaster 3 Player's.

BOSS Effect Loader ships an update every 5 months, SynthMaster 3 Player weekly. Both last shipped on September 28, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | BOSS Effect Loader | SynthMaster 3 Player |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.5 (8 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/boss-effect-loader/id6736950276/reviews) | **[4.7 (55 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/synthmaster-3-player/id6757864669/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 8 | **55** |
| Positive reviews | 41.7% of reviews | **86.7% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 5 months | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 3 MB | 2.2 GB |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 | **15** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Roland Corporation](https://appshunter.io/developer/387333694) | [KV331 Audio](https://appshunter.io/developer/944155925) |

## What reviewers say

### BOSS Effect Loader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/boss-effect-loader/id6736950276)

This application allows users to load effects into the PX-1 Plugout FX device. It offers a selection of free effects and the option to purchase additional model passes within the app. An internet connection and Roland Account are required for full functionality.

**Highlights:** Load effects into PX-1 Plugout FX, 16 free effect models included, Purchase additional model passes, Bluetooth or USB connection, Requires Roland Account

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (8)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| PW-2 Power Driver | $9.99 | one-time |
| XT-2 Xtortion | $9.99 | one-time |
| CS-2 Compression Sustainer | $9.99 | one-time |
| DM-2 Delay | $9.99 | one-time |
| DC-2 Dimension C | $9.99 | one-time |
| OD-2 TURBO OverDrive | $9.99 | one-time |
| Bundle for PW-2/XT-2/CS-2 | $19.99 | one-time |
| Bundle for OD-2/DC-2/DM-2 | $19.99 | one-time |


### SynthMaster 3 Player

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/synthmaster-3-player/id6757864669)

This music app allows users to play and tweak a vast library of synthesizer presets. It offers a multi-layer architecture and extensive expansion content for diverse sound design possibilities. Users can easily browse and preview sounds before loading them.

**Highlights:** Tweak existing synthesizer presets, Multi-layer architecture (up to 16 layers), Edit keyboard zones, velocity, voicing, unison, arpeggiator, FX, Compatible with SynthMaster expansion banks, In-app shop for purchasing expansions, Preset previews with audio playback

**In-app purchases (14)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| New Loops Psytrance Sounds Volume 1 | $2.99 | one-time |
| NatLife Melodic Techno Sounds Vol 1 | $2.99 | one-time |
| New Loops Cinematic Sounds Volume 1 | $2.99 | one-time |
| New Loops Synthwave Sounds Volume 1 | $2.99 | one-time |
| Loopsy Rave Sounds Volume 1 | $2.99 | one-time |
| Luftrum 33 | $2.99 | one-time |
| SynthMaster 2 Factory Presets | $4.99 | one-time |
| SynthMaster 3 Factory Presets | $4.99 | one-time |
| Loopsy Tech House Sounds Volume 1 | $4.99 | one-time |
| Loopsy House Sounds Volume 1 | $4.99 | one-time |
| SynthMaster 3 Expansions Bundle | $12.99 | one-time |
| SynthMaster One Expansions Bundle | $14.99 | one-time |
| SynthMaster Factory Presets Bundle | $14.99 | one-time |
| SynthMaster Everything Bundle | $69.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is BOSS Effect Loader free?

BOSS Effect Loader is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is SynthMaster 3 Player free?

SynthMaster 3 Player is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, BOSS Effect Loader or SynthMaster 3 Player?

SynthMaster 3 Player is rated higher. BOSS Effect Loader averages 3.5 out of 5 from 8 ratings, while SynthMaster 3 Player averages 4.7 from 55 ratings.

### Do BOSS Effect Loader or SynthMaster 3 Player have ads?

Neither BOSS Effect Loader nor SynthMaster 3 Player shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, BOSS Effect Loader or SynthMaster 3 Player?

BOSS Effect Loader ships an update every 5 months, and SynthMaster 3 Player weekly. Most recently, BOSS Effect Loader was updated on September 28, 2026 and SynthMaster 3 Player on September 28, 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.*