# iSEM Synthesizer vs Zeeon synth

The clearest difference is rating: Zeeon synth at 4.8 against iSEM Synthesizer's 4.1. Zeeon synth also leads on update cadence (every 2 months vs every 5 months) and device support (3 vs 1). iSEM Synthesizer's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 3) and price ($9.99 vs $14.99). On review sentiment and ads there is nothing between them.

iSEM Synthesizer costs $9.99 and Zeeon synth $14.99 up front. Zeeon synth sells 3 one-off in-app purchases. iSEM Synthesizer asks for nothing beyond the download.

Zeeon synth holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.1. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 60 and 209 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 74% of iSEM Synthesizer's written reviews are positive against 76% of Zeeon synth's.

iSEM Synthesizer ships an update every 5 months, Zeeon synth every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 23, 2026 and October 29, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | iSEM Synthesizer | Zeeon synth |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **$9.99** | $14.99 |
| Rating | [4.1 (60 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/isem-synthesizer/id673921187/reviews) | **[4.8 (209 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/zeeon-synth/id1230960440/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 60 | **209** |
| Positive reviews | 73.7% of reviews | **76.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 5 months | **Every 2 months** |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 80 MB | 27 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.1** | 15.6 |
| Devices | iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Arturia](https://appshunter.io/developer/549089551) | [BeepStreet](https://appshunter.io/developer/321412321) |

## What reviewers say

### iSEM Synthesizer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/isem-synthesizer/id673921187)

This app is a touch-based emulation of the classic 1974 Oberheim SEM synthesizer, known for its warm analog sounds. It offers a wide range of sonic possibilities, from fat basses to lively leads, and includes over 500 preset sounds.

**Highlights:** Classic Oberheim SEM emulation, Two oscillators with PWM, 12dB/oct multi-mode filter, Added LFO, Noise, Sub oscillator, Arpeggiator, Portamento, Polyphonic playability, 500+ preset sounds, MIDI and AudioUnit v3 support

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🎹 Fantastic sound quality
- 💯 Faithful to the original Oberheim SEM
- 🎨 Versatile sound design capabilities
- 🎚️ Intuitive and responsive interface
- 🔊 Rich, warm, and analog-like tones

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent crashes and stability issues
- 🔌 Poor integration with DAWs and MIDI controllers
- 🕰️ Slow preset loading times
- 🔇 Limited modulation options compared to hardware
- 🤔 Uninspiring factory presets

**Reported bugs**

- Preset loading issues
- MIDI connectivity problems
- Unexpected crashes when switching between presets
- Envelopes causing clicks and pops in some patches
- Unresponsive controls when used as an AUv3

**Requested features**

- Add MIDI program change support
- Improve preset management and organization
- Implement a global tuning option
- Enhance MIDI mapping and automation capabilities
- Provide more comprehensive AUv3 support


### Zeeon synth

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/zeeon-synth/id1230960440)

This app is a virtual analog synthesizer that recreates the sound and feel of classic hardware. It features a detailed circuit-modeling engine, powerful modulation, and multiple filter models for rich, organic soundscapes. Explore a vast array of presets and expand your sonic palette with additional sound banks.

**Highlights:** Circuit-modeling engine, Powerful modulation matrix, Dual oscillators with variable waveforms, Multiple filter models, Built-in effects unit, Audio Unit v3 support, Polyphonic step sequencer

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| OI - Exploration Vol. 1 | $3.99 | one-time |
| BB Z-Space | $4.99 | one-time |
| BB Synthwave | $4.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🎨 Excellent sound quality
- 🎹 Intuitive and well-designed interface
- 🔧 Flexible and deep sound design capabilities
- 💻 Seamless integration as an AUv3 plugin
- 🎚️ Smooth and responsive controls

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Stability issues, crashes on some devices
- 🔌 Compatibility problems with newer iOS versions
- 📂 Preset management could be improved
- 🔀 Lack of MIDI learn and sequencer features
- 🖥️ UI scaling issues on larger iPad displays

**Reported bugs**

- Preset settings not retained after app restart
- Synth reverts to default settings when reopening Logic Pro project
- Crashes and freezes on certain iOS 14+ devices
- Inability to access in-app purchases from within the app

**Requested features**

- Add MIDI learn functionality
- Implement a more robust preset management system
- Include a built-in sequencer with save/load capabilities
- Improve UI scaling and layout for larger iPad screens
- Provide better integration with inter-app audio and Audiobus


## Frequently asked questions

### Is iSEM Synthesizer free?

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

### Is Zeeon synth free?

Zeeon synth costs $14.99, and also offers in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, iSEM Synthesizer or Zeeon synth?

Zeeon synth is rated higher. iSEM Synthesizer averages 4.1 out of 5 from 60 ratings, while Zeeon synth averages 4.8 from 209 ratings.

### Do iSEM Synthesizer or Zeeon synth have ads?

Neither iSEM Synthesizer nor Zeeon synth shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, iSEM Synthesizer or Zeeon synth?

iSEM Synthesizer ships an update every 5 months, and Zeeon synth every 2 months. Most recently, iSEM Synthesizer was updated on October 23, 2026 and Zeeon synth on October 29, 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.*