Comparison

VAPolyLoop vs VA

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

VAPolyLoop

Create complex music with a polyphonic synthesizer and analog-style step sequencer. Features multiple oscillators, a resonant low-pass filter, distortion, and various built-in effects. Export audio in multiple formats and sync with other devices via Ableton Link.

Highlights
  • Polyphonic synthesizer with 3 oscillators
  • Analog-style step sequencer
  • Resonant low-pass filter
  • Distortion and other built-in effects (delay, reverb, EQ)
  • Audio Unit Extension (AUv3) support
  • Ableton Link and MIDI 2.0 support
  • Audio export in AIFF, WAV, CAF, and AAC
Features
Read full description

VAPolyLoop features lowpass filter and amplifier which are optimized for playing by step sequencer. VAPolyLoop contains polyphonic synthesizer and analog style step sequencer. The synthesizer consists of three oscillators, resonant low pass filter, amplifier, distortion effect and five LFO. VAPolyLoop operates as a stand alone or as an AudioUnit Extension (AUv3) for iPhone, iPad and Mac. Stand Alone supports Ableton Link, MIDI and audio file export. Built-in Effects include delay, chorus, flanger, reverb, eq and compressor. Project files can be saved in iCloud Drive, so that the project can be accessed from iPhone, iPad or Mac. Main Features Polyphonic Synthesizer. Lowpass filter modeled on diode ladder filter. Distortion Effects Analog style step sequencer. Maximum 8 voice polyphony. it depends on performance of the device it is running. Built-in effects and piano roll sequencer. Audio Export. Linear PCM format (AIFF, WAV and CAF) and compressed format (AAC) Support Audio Unit Extension (AUv3). Support MIDI 2.0. Support Foot Pedal and Per Note Control. Support Ableton Link, Bluetooth MIDI, MIDI In / Out. Works on iPhone, iPad and Mac. Support iCloud Drive to share project files between the platforms. Full Factory Preset: 96, Effect: 40 Improvements Support MIDI Foot Pedal (CC#11, CC#64) MIDI CC Settings are saved. It will be recovered when the app launched in the next time. UI Color can be selected from black, navy or gray. System Requirements iOS 17.0 or later Devices with Apple Silicon are recommended. A13 Fusion or above is highly recommended. if sound is distorted when using a device with less CPU power, reduce number of voices. AudioUnit Extension (AUv3) requires host application which support AudioUnit Extension. AudioUnit Extension is supported by Apple Logic and Apple Garage Band on iOS and macOS. For any other DAW, it depends on the application and some of them don’t support AudioUnit Extension.

About

VA

Features
Read full description

VA-1 is a focused virtual-analog synthesizer for musicians, producers, and sound designers who want a fast, hands-on way to create their own sounds. Play, sequence, record, and shape sounds from one direct interface inspired by classic hardware synths. No subscription. No in-app purchases. No ads. No account required. — SYNTHESIZER — • Up to 16-voice polyphony • Two oscillators plus a sub oscillator • Independent oscillator noise controls • Multi-mode filter with resonance • Amp and filter ADSR envelopes • One LFO per voice • Chorus, phaser, delay, and reverb effects Explore the included factory sounds, customize any preset, mark favorites, and save your own creations. — SEQUENCER & WAV EXPORT — Record and loop sequences while shaping the sound, change the pattern length, or use KEY mode to transpose a sequence from the keyboard. Capture VA-1’s stereo output while you play, then preview, save, or share the recording as a WAV file. Sequencer loops can also be exported directly to WAV using the current sound, tempo, and effects. Recording captures only VA-1’s internally generated output. It does not use the microphone or record audio-interface inputs. — MIDI & AUv3 — • External MIDI input and output • Send MIDI from the keyboard or sequencer to external instruments • MIDI Learn for mapping hardware controls • Standard MIDI CC support • AUv3 instrument support in compatible hosts • Background audio • Support for class-compliant USB audio interfaces — ONE PURCHASE, ALL YOUR DEVICES — VA-1 is a universal purchase. Buy it once and install it on iPhone, iPad, and Mac at no additional cost.

Screenshots

VAPolyLoop4 screens
VA3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: VAPolyLoop at $14.99 against VA's $24.99. VAPolyLoop also leads on iOS requirement (16.6 vs 26.0). On update cadence, ads, in-app purchases and device support 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

VAPolyLoop costs $14.99 and VA $24.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

VAPolyLoop ships an update monthly, VA every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 27, 2026 and October 8, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 7 level
VAPolyLoop versus VA: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterVAPolyLoopVA
Price$14.99 — better$24.99
Rating5.0 (3 ratings) — better—
Number of ratings3 — better—
Update frequencyMonthly — betterEvery 6 weeks
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaid—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, MaciPhone, iPad, Mac
Requires iOS16.6 — better26.0
Further details — not scored
Size16 MB10 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperRyo TogawaRichard Gillespie

In-app purchases

None

VAPolyLoop

No in-app purchases

None

VA

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is VAPolyLoop free?
VAPolyLoop costs $14.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is VA free?
VA costs $24.99, with no in-app purchases.
Do VAPolyLoop or VA have ads?
Neither VAPolyLoop nor VA shows ads.
Which is updated more often, VAPolyLoop or VA?
VAPolyLoop ships an update monthly, and VA every 6 weeks. Most recently, VAPolyLoop was updated on September 27, 2026 and VA on October 8, 2026.

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