# synthQ vs Cyclop for iPad

The clearest difference is price: Cyclop for iPad at Free against synthQ's $5.99. Cyclop for iPad also leads on rating (4.7 vs 4.2) and ratings volume (84 vs 13). synthQ's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 17.6). On review sentiment, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Cyclop for iPad is free to download; synthQ costs $5.99 up front. Cyclop for iPad sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. synthQ asks for nothing beyond the download.

Cyclop for iPad holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.2. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Cyclop for iPad has 84 ratings behind it against 13, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 80% of synthQ's written reviews are positive against 74% of Cyclop for iPad's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

synthQ ships an update every 3 months, Cyclop for iPad every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 1, 2026 and October 12, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | synthQ | Cyclop for iPad |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $5.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | [4.2 (13 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/synthq/id950094378/reviews) | **[4.7 (84 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cyclop-for-ipad/id976074849/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 13 | **84** |
| Positive reviews | **80.0% of reviews** | 74.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Every 2 months** |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 78 MB | 299 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 17.6 |
| Devices | iPad | iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Chris Niven](https://appshunter.io/developer/471645351) | [Sugar Bytes GmbH](https://appshunter.io/developer/614418826) |

## What reviewers say

### synthQ

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/synthq/id950094378)

This music creation tool for iPad offers a unique module queuing system and a customizable interface for dynamic sound design. Create complex sounds with virtual cables, a resizable keyboard, and a wide array of modules for production, performance, and education.

**Highlights:** Customizable module queuing system, Virtual cable-based modulation, Resizable multi-octave keyboard, Extensive module library (oscillators, envelopes, filters, FX), Ableton Link support, MIDI input/output, Preset sharing and import

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Cyclop for iPad

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cyclop-for-ipad/id976074849)

This app is a monophonic synthesizer designed to create powerful, deep bass sounds. It offers extensive sound design possibilities with a versatile modulation system, integrated effects, and real-time control. Ideal for electronic music production, it delivers unique and thick low-end frequencies.

**Highlights:** Monophonic bass synthesizer, Advanced sound design capabilities, Integrated effects sequencer, Versatile modulation system, Real-time control knobs, Preset browser with iCloud sync, Full MIDI support

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Cyclop Full Version | $24.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- ✨ Beautiful and futuristic UI
- 🎵 Amazing and unique sound possibilities
- 💡 Powerful modulation options
- 🎛️ Versatile and complex synth
- 🎹 Great for electronic music producers

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🤔 Difficult to learn/use
- 💸 Expensive for some users
- 💻 High CPU usage
- 🐢 Slow patch switching
- 📱 UI elements too small on iPad Air

**Reported bugs**

- Sticky keys
- App crashes
- Unstable with Audiobus and Ableton Link
- Patches don't change when selected
- Notes get stuck

**Requested features**

- Tutorials for recording own sounds
- More downloadable presets for simple users
- Bigger search window for iPad Pro
- Hotkeys
- Sequencer


## Frequently asked questions

### Is synthQ free?

synthQ costs $5.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Cyclop for iPad free?

Cyclop for iPad is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, synthQ or Cyclop for iPad?

Cyclop for iPad is rated higher. synthQ averages 4.2 out of 5 from 13 ratings, while Cyclop for iPad averages 4.7 from 84 ratings.

### Do synthQ or Cyclop for iPad have ads?

Neither synthQ nor Cyclop for iPad shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, synthQ or Cyclop for iPad?

synthQ ships an update every 3 months, and Cyclop for iPad every 2 months. Most recently, synthQ was updated on October 1, 2026 and Cyclop for iPad on October 12, 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.*