# Pixelsynth vs SWAY

The clearest difference is price: Pixelsynth at Free against SWAY's $3.99. Pixelsynth also leads on rating (5.0 vs 4.2). On ratings volume, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Pixelsynth is free to download; SWAY costs $3.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Pixelsynth holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.2. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 4 and 5 respectively.

Pixelsynth ships an update every 9 days, SWAY weekly. Both last shipped on October 24, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Pixelsynth | SWAY |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **Free** | $3.99 |
| Rating | **[5.0 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pixelsynth-auv3-visual-synth/id6804130647/reviews)** | [4.2 (5 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sway-rhythm-instrument/id6811997833/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 4 | **5** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 9 days | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Paid |
| Size | 8 MB | 6 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.0** | 16.4 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [de Bastion, Inc](https://appshunter.io/developer/1871510214) | [弢 张](https://appshunter.io/developer/6773991027) |

## What reviewers say

### Pixelsynth

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pixelsynth-auv3-visual-synth/id6804130647)

This app transforms musical input into a vibrant visual experience, allowing users to see and shape their sound in real-time. It offers a playful and immediate way to create music, with all controls and feedback displayed on a single screen. Designed by a Deaf musician, it prioritizes visual feedback as an integral part of the instrument.

**Highlights:** Real-time visual sound shaping, Interactive 16-pad grid, Adjustable waveforms, filters, and envelopes, LFO, delay, and reverb effects, AUv3 instrument compatibility, Offline functionality

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### SWAY

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sway-rhythm-instrument/id6811997833)

Create synthesized rhythms using touch and motion. Build complex patterns with independent track lengths, parameter locks, and live recording. Shape your sound with LFOs, effects, and vinyl textures. Export your creations as WAV or MP3.

**Highlights:** 16 synthesized tracks, Independent track lengths, Parameter locks and live recording, Swipe-to-paint sequencing, Independent track effects, Device motion control, Export WAV/MP3

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Pixelsynth free?

Pixelsynth is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is SWAY free?

SWAY costs $3.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Pixelsynth or SWAY?

Pixelsynth is rated higher. Pixelsynth averages 5.0 out of 5 from 4 ratings, while SWAY averages 4.2 from 5 ratings.

### Do Pixelsynth or SWAY have ads?

Neither Pixelsynth nor SWAY shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Pixelsynth or SWAY?

Pixelsynth ships an update every 9 days, and SWAY weekly. Most recently, Pixelsynth was updated on October 24, 2026 and SWAY 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.*