# PhaseRings vs VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: PhaseRings at none against VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave's 4. PhaseRings also leads on ads (none vs shown) and rating (4.4 vs 4.0). VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave's advantage is update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 5 months) and ratings volume (132 vs 16). On price and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per 7 days. PhaseRings asks for nothing beyond the download.

PhaseRings holds the better App Store score, 4.4 against 4.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave has 132 ratings behind it against 16, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 80% of PhaseRings's written reviews are positive against 51% of VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave's.

PhaseRings ships an update every 5 months, VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on July 7, 2026 and September 26, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | PhaseRings | VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.4 (16 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/phaserings/id924795988/reviews)** | [4.0 (132 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vhs-synth-80s-synthwave/id1615208667/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 16 | **132** |
| Positive reviews | **80.0% of reviews** | 51.1% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 5 months | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Subscription |
| Size | 6 MB | 167 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | **14.5** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Charles Martin](https://appshunter.io/developer/560849533) | [Audiobus Pty Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/672585101) |

## What reviewers say

### PhaseRings

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/phaserings/id924795988)

Create expressive music with intuitive touch gestures. Explore various sound schemes and generative composition tools to craft unique musical pieces. Supports MIDI and Audiobus for advanced integration.

**Highlights:** Expressive touch gesture music creation, Seven unique sound schemes, Generative composition engine, Customizable pitch compositions, Core MIDI support, AudioBus and Inter-App Audio support

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vhs-synth-80s-synthwave/id1615208667)

This app creates unique synth sounds by recording classic synths to VHS tape and then resampling them. It offers a vast library of presets and effects to achieve lo-fi, retro vibes for various music genres. An AUv3 plugin and standalone app are included.

**Highlights:** VHS-recorded and resampled synths, Over 280+ presets, Standalone app and AUv3 plugin, VCR sound effects, VCR FX section for customization, Free expansion pack included

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly premium | $2.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly premium | $2.99 | per 7 days |
| Yearly premium | $9.99 | per year |
| Yearly premium | $9.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 🎵 Excellent lo-fi and retro 80s sound quality
- 🎹 Extensive library of high-quality presets
- 💰 Affordable pricing (at original purchase)
- 🎨 Intuitive and clean interface design
- 🔊 Versatile sounds for multiple genres

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💸 Aggressive subscription model for previously purchased app
- 🔄 Conversion from AudioKit broke existing projects
- 📊 User data tracking added without clear benefit
- 🚫 Removed access to previously purchased presets/banks
- 😠 Lack of developer communication about changes

**Reported bugs**

- GarageBand compatibility broken after updates
- App not recognized in Logic Pro after updates
- Inconsistent sound quality across different registers
- Patch/preset settings not retained after closing DAW
- Audio Unit Extension crashes in GarageBand

**Requested features**

- Mac OS version for DAW compatibility
- Velocity sensitivity settings for keyboard
- Pitch bend and modulation wheels with actual functionality
- Better keyboard design with proper key sizing
- Improved UI layout to reduce wasted space in AUv3 mode


## Frequently asked questions

### Is PhaseRings free?

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

### Is VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave free?

VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, PhaseRings or VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave?

PhaseRings is rated higher. PhaseRings averages 4.4 out of 5 from 16 ratings, while VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave averages 4.0 from 132 ratings.

### Do PhaseRings or VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave have ads?

VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave shows ads; PhaseRings does not.

### Which is updated more often, PhaseRings or VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave?

PhaseRings ships an update every 5 months, and VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave every 2 weeks. Most recently, PhaseRings was updated on July 7, 2026 and VHS Synth | 80s Synthwave on September 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.*