# 88 Synthwave vs Octal

The clearest difference is update cadence: Octal at daily against 88 Synthwave's every 3 weeks. 88 Synthwave's advantage is monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases) and device support (3 vs 1). On price, rating, review sentiment and ratings volume there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. 88 Synthwave sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Octal 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 88 Synthwave against 5.0 for Octal. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 4 and 2 respectively. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 100% and 100% positive.

88 Synthwave ships an update every 3 weeks, Octal daily. Both last shipped on October 26, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | 88 Synthwave | Octal |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [5.0 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/88-synthwave-retro-synth/id6815333959/reviews) | [5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/octal-pocket-synth/id6822089963/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **4** | 2 |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Daily** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 17 MB | 36 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 26.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Soft Brew Mobile](https://appshunter.io/developer/561703410) | [RYAN JAMES,GALANG ELLIS](https://appshunter.io/developer/6818578656) |

## What reviewers say

### 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 |


### Octal

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/octal-pocket-synth/id6822089963)

This app transforms your phone into a musical instrument with eight intuitive buttons that always create harmonious chords or notes. Easily record loops, layer beats, and arrange them into full songs. Explore a variety of sounds and share your creations.

**Highlights:** Eight-button chord/note interface, Loop recording and editing, Song arrangement, Diverse sound library, Undo/history functionality, Audio file sharing

**Features:** Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Octal, the full version | $9.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is 88 Synthwave free?

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

### Is Octal free?

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

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

88 Synthwave and Octal are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 4 and 2 ratings respectively.

### Do 88 Synthwave or Octal have ads?

Neither 88 Synthwave nor Octal shows ads.

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

88 Synthwave ships an update every 3 weeks, and Octal daily. Most recently, 88 Synthwave was updated on October 26, 2026 and Octal 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.*