# Cyclop for iPad vs NERD Synth A2x + AUv3

The clearest difference is price: Cyclop for iPad at Free against NERD Synth A2x + AUv3's $5.99. NERD Synth A2x + AUv3's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and update cadence (fortnightly vs every 2 months). On ads there is nothing between them.

Cyclop for iPad is free to download; NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 costs $5.99 up front. Cyclop for iPad sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 asks for nothing beyond the download.

NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 has 1.4K ratings behind it against 85, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 74% of Cyclop for iPad's written reviews are positive against 89% of NERD Synth A2x + AUv3's.

Cyclop for iPad ships an update every 2 months, NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 fortnightly. Both last shipped on October 21, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Cyclop for iPad | NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **Free** | $5.99 |
| Rating | [4.7 (85 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cyclop-for-ipad/id976074849/reviews) | **[4.9 (1.4K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nerd-synth-a2x-plus-auv3/id6478898564/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 85 | **1.4K** |
| Positive reviews | 74.0% of reviews | **89.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Paid |
| Size | 303 MB | 242 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.6 | **14.4** |
| Devices | iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Sugar Bytes GmbH](https://appshunter.io/developer/614418826) | [AudioKit Pro](https://appshunter.io/developer/1307785645) |

## What reviewers say

### 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


### NERD Synth A2x + AUv3

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nerd-synth-a2x-plus-auv3/id6478898564)

This virtual analog synthesizer offers a powerful and intuitive sound design experience, inspired by classic hardware. Explore over 40 classic waveforms, a versatile arpeggiator, step sequencer, and lush effects to craft unique electronic music.

**Highlights:** Virtual Analog Synthesizer, 40+ Classic Waveforms, Arpeggiator, Step Sequencer, Lush Effects Suite, Four-voice Unison, AUv3 Plugin Support

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- ⭐ Outstanding synth
- 👍 Very nice and rich sounding
- 🎨 Great presets and sound design
- 🔧 Easy to use and intuitive
- 💻 Works well in AUv3 environments

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Doesn't show up in Logic
- 🔧 Needs to be more Mac-compatible
- 🔧 Changing presets can be sluggish
- 🔧 Missing aftertouch/expression support

**Reported bugs**

- Doesn't fit properly in Logic Pro for iPad
- Keyboard keys get stuck when using a controller

**Requested features**

- Dark mode option
- Undo/redo functionality
- Improved Logic Pro integration
- Ability to change color scheme


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Cyclop for iPad free?

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

### Is NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 free?

NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 costs $5.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Cyclop for iPad or NERD Synth A2x + AUv3?

NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 is rated higher. Cyclop for iPad averages 4.7 out of 5 from 85 ratings, while NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 averages 4.9 from 1.4K ratings.

### Do Cyclop for iPad or NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 have ads?

Neither Cyclop for iPad nor NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Cyclop for iPad or NERD Synth A2x + AUv3?

Cyclop for iPad ships an update every 2 months, and NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 fortnightly. Most recently, Cyclop for iPad was updated on October 21, 2026 and NERD Synth A2x + AUv3 on October 21, 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.*