# Synthecaster vs Pianola

The clearest difference is rating: Synthecaster at 4.9 against Pianola's 4.0. Synthecaster also leads on ratings volume (14 vs 1) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 18.0). Pianola's advantage is update cadence (weekly vs every 2 months) and chart position (#195 vs unranked). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Synthecaster costs $0.99 and Pianola $0.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Synthecaster holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Synthecaster has 14 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 90% of Synthecaster's written reviews are positive against 100% of Pianola's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Synthecaster ships an update every 2 months, Pianola weekly. The most recent releases landed on October 21, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Synthecaster | Pianola |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $0.99 | $0.99 |
| Rating | **[4.9 (14 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/synthecaster/id705067086/reviews)** | [4.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pianola/id6758682682/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **14** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 90.0% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Best chart rank | — | **#195** |
| Size | 4 MB | 110 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 18.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Daniel Resnick](https://appshunter.io/developer/705067089) | [Darrel Farris](https://appshunter.io/developer/956914208) |

## What reviewers say

### Synthecaster

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/synthecaster/id705067086)

This app offers a unique polyphonic instrument that blends guitar and keyboard elements, allowing for diverse playing styles and sound generation. It features intuitive controls, motion modulation for expressive performance, and a powerful synth engine with extensive customization options.

**Highlights:** Polyphonic synth engine, String-like key rows, Motion Modulation for expressiveness, MIDI controller functionality, Built-in effects (flanger, chorus, delay), Customizable synth presets, Inter-App Audio and Audiobus support

**In-app purchases:** none


### Pianola

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pianola/id6758682682)

**Currently charting:** #195 Top Paid · Music (US App Store)

This app turns your MIDI-capable piano into an interactive music player. Connect wirelessly or via USB to play your MIDI files, control tempo and pitch, and organize your music library. It's designed for an intuitive and effortless musical experience.

**Highlights:** Wireless Bluetooth MIDI connection, USB MIDI support, Library and playlist management, Adjustable tempo and pitch, Background playback, Includes a starter MIDI library

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Synthecaster free?

Synthecaster costs $0.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Pianola free?

Pianola costs $0.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Synthecaster or Pianola?

Synthecaster is rated higher. Synthecaster averages 4.9 out of 5 from 14 ratings, while Pianola averages 4.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do Synthecaster or Pianola have ads?

Neither Synthecaster nor Pianola shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Synthecaster or Pianola?

Synthecaster ships an update every 2 months, and Pianola weekly. Most recently, Synthecaster was updated on October 21, 2026 and Pianola on October 25, 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.*