LA Comp vs variStretch
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
LA Comp
This audio effect plugin offers a vintage-inspired optical compressor with modern flexibility. It provides in-depth control over dynamics, tube flavors, and stereo width, allowing for precise sound shaping on vocals and mixes. Compatible across multiple platforms for on-the-go creativity.
- Vintage and modern optical compression
- Multiple tube flavor options
- Auto-Gain functionality
- Emphasis frequency control
- Stereo spread for width
- Side-chain input
- Cross-platform presets
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Legendary sound with a modern twist. LA Comp reimagines a studio classic with unmistakable vintage tone bringing in-depth control. Whether you're crafting silky vocal lines or adding punch to your mix, it's got the soul of a legend with a twist of modern-day flexibility. Optical dynamics with ease. With side-chain, auto-gain, and in-depth control over tube and optical elements, you’ll have everything you need to shape your sound in ways you never imagined. Mix anywhere. Anytime. From the studio to your mobile rig, LA Comp is ready. With VST3, AAX, AU, and AUv3 compatibility across macOS, Windows, iPhone, and iPad, your sound goes wherever inspiration strikes—without compromising quality or control. Features -10 included cross-platform presets for instant inspiration -Auto-Gain to keep the focus on your dynamics -Analog warmth and drive with three tube flavors: Vintage, Modern, and Stock -Gain reduction (Mono or Stereo) and calculation options (RMS or Peak) -Emphasis frequency control for tailored compression -Stereo spread for enhanced width and space -Side-chain input for creative mixing and shaping -Allows external audio device use Fully compatible with VST3, AAX, AU, and AUv3.* *AUv3 and standalone only on iOS. Mac/PC (Sold separately) required for VST3 and AAX.
variStretch
This app allows real-time audio speed manipulation without altering pitch. It offers three distinct playback modes and adjustable buffer settings for precise control over sound processing.
- Real-time speed adjustment (0.5-2.0x)
- Tape mode (speed & pitch change)
- Phase Vocoder mode (speed only)
- Adjustable buffer size
- Buffer clear function
- AUv3 host compatibility
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Concept: The app is a so-called time-stretch machine. The user can change the speed (0.5-2.0) of audio source in real-time using keyboard or slider at will. Usage: There are three play modes: 1) Tape (to change the both speed & pitch) 2) Phase Vocoder (to change the speed alone) 3) Thru (no processing) "Buffer Size" slider determines how long the data will be stored. "Buffer Clear" button will reset the buffer to be zero. System Requirements: AUv3 host
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is update cadence: LA Comp at every 3 weeks against variStretch's every 7 months. LA Comp also leads on ratings volume (4 vs 1). variStretch's advantage is price ($5.99 vs $9.99). On rating, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
LA Comp costs $9.99 and variStretch $5.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for LA Comp against 5.0 for variStretch. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 4 and 1 respectively.
LA Comp ships an update every 3 weeks, variStretch every 7 months. The most recent releases landed on September 7, 2026 and September 6, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | LA Comp | variStretch |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $9.99 | $5.99 — better |
| Rating | 5.0 (4 ratings) | 5.0 (1 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 4 — better | 1 |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks — better | Every 7 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 12.0 | 12.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 51 MB | 15 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | OSC Audio | Satoshi Kajii |
Customer experience
LA Comp
variStretch
In-app purchases
LA Comp
No in-app purchases
variStretch
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is LA Comp free?
Is variStretch free?
Which has better reviews, LA Comp or variStretch?
Do LA Comp or variStretch have ads?
Which is updated more often, LA Comp or variStretch?
Other comparisons
