# Epicycle vs 88 Synthwave

The clearest difference is update cadence: Epicycle at every 2 days against 88 Synthwave's every 3 weeks. 88 Synthwave's advantage is monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases) and iOS requirement (15.0 vs 18.0). On price, rating, ratings volume and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Epicycle sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and 88 Synthwave sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for Epicycle against 5.0 for 88 Synthwave. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 6 and 4 respectively.

Epicycle ships an update every 2 days, 88 Synthwave every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 29, 2026 and October 26, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Epicycle | 88 Synthwave |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [5.0 (6 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/epicycle-midi-sequencer/id6807449164/reviews) | [5.0 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/88-synthwave-retro-synth/id6815333959/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **6** | 4 |
| Positive reviews | — | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 days** | Every 3 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 5 MB | 17 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Outhaul](https://appshunter.io/developer/6807448240) | [Soft Brew Mobile](https://appshunter.io/developer/561703410) |

## What reviewers say

### Epicycle

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/epicycle-midi-sequencer/id6807449164)

Create complex rhythms and polymeters using Euclidean rings on your iPhone or iPad. Explore generative patterns with a built-in sound engine. Unlock advanced features like MIDI output and export for external hardware synchronization.

**Highlights:** Euclidean ring rhythms, Up to eight simultaneous tracks, Polymeter generation, Built-in sound engine, Scene saving and launching, MIDI out and clock sync, .mid file export

**Features:** Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Lifetime Unlock | $24.99 | one-time |


### 88 Synthwave

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/88-synthwave-retro-synth/id6815333959)

This application automatically generates complete synthwave tracks with intros, verses, choruses, and outros. It utilizes chaotic mathematical models for melody and rhythm generation, offering a variety of styles and customizable soundscapes. Users can also play along with the generated music.

**Highlights:** Automatic track generation, Chaos-driven melody and rhythm, 11 distinct synthwave styles, Customizable sound design, Playable interface, MIDI export, Radio mode for continuous playback

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| AUv3 Unlock | $2.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Epicycle free?

Epicycle is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is 88 Synthwave free?

88 Synthwave is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Epicycle or 88 Synthwave?

Epicycle and 88 Synthwave are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 6 and 4 ratings respectively.

### Do Epicycle or 88 Synthwave have ads?

Neither Epicycle nor 88 Synthwave shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Epicycle or 88 Synthwave?

Epicycle ships an update every 2 days, and 88 Synthwave every 3 weeks. Most recently, Epicycle was updated on October 29, 2026 and 88 Synthwave on October 26, 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.*