Comparison

PhonoPaper vs Polywave

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

Head to head
About

PhonoPaper

This app decodes images containing encoded sound, allowing you to play back audio embedded within visual patterns. You can also record your own sounds and convert them into these unique visual codes. It's designed for creative audio messaging and artistic expression.

Highlights
  • Decode images with encoded sound
  • Create sound codes from recordings
  • Offline decoding capability
  • Analogue code for distortion resilience
  • Real-time, hand-controlled playback
  • Draw codes for unique sounds
Features
Read full description

PhonoPaper is a camera app for playing pictures with encoded sound (PhonoPaper-codes). With this app, you can also create your own codes: 10 seconds of sound can be recorded from a microphone and converted into an image. [ Key features ] * PhonoPaper does not require access to the network for decoding; * PhonoPaper code is analogue, so it is not so sensitive to different types of the image distortion (bad camera, dark picture, wrinkled paper, etc.); at least you will hear the "silhouette" of the original sound; * code can be played in real-time with hand-controlled speed and direction; * code can be drawn by hand to get some unusual sounds. [ Examples of usage ] * voice messages (or pieces of music) on t-shirts, billboards, posters, postcards, goods; * audio labels for phonorecords; * audio examples in books; * secret messages; * art-experiments. [ How to use ] Launch the app, point the camera at the code (tap on the screen to focus if necessary) and smoothly scan the picture from left to right. The code should be parallel to the frame - try to keep the camera level. The black code markers (top and bottom) should fall entirely into the frame. If the application recognizes code markers, you will hear a sound. If you are unable to play the code smoothly, press the record button on the right side of the screen, this will enable automatic scanning.

About

Polywave

Create unique, evolving sonic experiences with a novel wavetable sequencer inspired by vintage synths. Draw your own waveforms, explore a vast library, and connect to external keyboards or DAWs. Record your creations directly within the app.

Highlights
  • Wavetable sequencer
  • Custom waveform drawing
  • Expansive waveform library
  • 100+ factory presets
  • MIDI and Audio Unit support
  • Live recording module
  • 8-voice polyphony
Features
Read full description

From Fingerlab (multiple-time winner of Music App of the Week, 2012 Apple Design Award) and Jordan Rudess (keyboardist of Dream Theater), comes Polywave — a revolutionary wavetable sequencer synthesizer for iPhone, iPad & Mac. Inspired by the legendary Korg Wavestation, Polywave lets you draw your own waveforms with your finger and create unique, ever-evolving sounds that are truly yours. Draw your own waveforms directly on screen 100+ factory presets: leads, pads, loops & FX Connect any MIDI keyboard or load as AUv3 in your DAW Live recording built-in Free version includes 12 factory presets and a selection of core features. Get the Full Version IAP to unlock everything. Features: • 8-voice polyphony & 6 octaves • Wavetable & waveform sequencer • VCO & FM Oscillators • FM Modulation & Detune • ADSR Envelope editor • Moog Ladder filter with ADSR • 2 LFOs with custom modulation waveform • LFO Sync & Loop mode • Waveform drawing editor & library (100 waveforms) • Preset Randomizer & export/import • 5 FX: Tube Amp, Vibrato, Chorus, Delay & Reverb • Live recording & export • Full MIDI & MIDI Mapping support • AudioBus & Inter-App Audio (iOS) • Full AudioUnit AUv3 support • iCloud Family Sharing Questions or feedback? We'd love to hear from you: contact@fingerlab.net Stay tuned! The Fingerlab Team

Screenshots

PhonoPaper1 screens
Polywave4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: PhonoPaper at none against Polywave's 1. PhonoPaper also leads on iOS requirement (12.0 vs 15.0). On price, rating, review sentiment and ratings volume 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

Both are free to download. Polywave sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. PhonoPaper asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.6 for PhonoPaper against 4.7 for Polywave. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 45 and 34 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 83% of PhonoPaper's written reviews are positive against 80% of Polywave's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

PhonoPaper ships an update every 4 months, Polywave every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on September 27, 2026 and October 2, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
PhonoPaper versus Polywave: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterPhonoPaperPolywave
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.6 (45 ratings)4.7 (34 ratings) — better
Positive reviews82.7% of reviews — better80.0% of reviews
Number of ratings45 — better34
Update frequencyEvery 4 monthsEvery 3 months — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree — betterFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — better
Requires iOS12.0 — better15.0
Further details — not scored
Size4 MB44 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperAlexander ZolotovFingerlab

Customer experience

PhonoPaper

All ratings45 ratings
Positive88.9%
Neutral4.4%
Negative6.7%
Written reviews75 reviews
Positive82.7%
Neutral2.7%
Negative14.7%

Polywave

All ratings34 ratings
Positive91.2%
Neutral2.9%
Negative5.9%
Written reviews25 reviews
Positive80.0%
Neutral8.0%
Negative12.0%

In-app purchases

None

PhonoPaper

No in-app purchases

1 purchases

Polywave

One-time1
  • Full Version$7.99

Questions

Is PhonoPaper free?
PhonoPaper is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Polywave free?
Polywave is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, PhonoPaper or Polywave?
Polywave is rated higher. PhonoPaper averages 4.6 out of 5 from 45 ratings, while Polywave averages 4.7 from 34 ratings.
Do PhonoPaper or Polywave have ads?
Neither PhonoPaper nor Polywave shows ads.
Which is updated more often, PhonoPaper or Polywave?
PhonoPaper ships an update every 4 months, and Polywave every 3 months. Most recently, PhonoPaper was updated on September 27, 2026 and Polywave on October 2, 2026.

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